Brian Nystrom wrote:
Michael Daly wrote:
On 11-Jan-2005, "sparks" wrote:

..

Sparks, if you can't afford proper immersion clothing for the
conditions, stay off the water. Cold water is not the place for
bravado
and bluster. It's a very unforgiving environment that must be treated

with respect. Sure, people get away with pushing their luck, just as
with many other activities. However, you could just as easily be the
one
that doesn't get away with it. IMO, it's not worth it. Save your
money
and buy a dry suit on sale in the spring. You'll still need it until
the
water warms up, anyway.

Sparks, I have been following this discussion, and reread the
responses. Basically I think what it comes down to is that each has
their own threshold tolerance for wet, windy, cold, latex, neoprene,
zippers, etc. What you might think about doing is this - Don your
prospective gear, and go run up and down the shore, and do some good
aerobic excercises, work up a sweat. Then get in the water and go out
about 10 ft. and get good and wet. Remember kayaking is a wet water
sport. Don't fuss with a boat, or any other gear at this time. You will
know in about 5 minutes whether the immersion gear you have is adequate
or not. Try swiming, and be sure and get your head under. Check your
sudden gasp response. Do this about 3 times, and then run back and set
in the car/PU, with heater running, and a nice warm cup of coffee. Like
Brian says, you may not take any more convincing to wait for a nice
spring day!

On the other hand, if you are having a good time, and remember your
doing this for the fun of it. And your wetsuit is comfortably cold, and
like MikeD and Wilko, you can't wait to get in your boat, then go the
next step. Take your boat down to the water this time and do a wet
entry after again getting all wet and standing in the water for 5
minutes. No seal launches, no buffs. Just a complete wet entry. If it
doesn't happen, get out of the water and back in the warm vehicle, more
warm coffee.

If it happens, go for a short paddle, and return to start, wet exit,
and start over. Remember you are probably doing this in a relatively
protected area when well rested. So many incidents occur after jumping
in a boat, paddling way out from shore, or down a river run, and all of
a sudden your tired and the waves and the wind get to kicking up, and
the warm car/PU is a long ways away. And all you can think of is the
warm Coffee.

Which reminds me, about all that coffee! That is why the relief zipper
is so important and that it work smoothly!! :=) TnT