sparks wrote:
: Greetings,
: Some friends and I are thinking about doing some winter time kayaking. This
: will be the first time we have paddled in the cold water (Indiana..pretty
: chilly right now). What can you recommend for clothing? I really cant afford
: to go out and buy an expensive dry suit (the ones I found on the internet
: were $400 and up ). We really want to go this winter but...if not being
: able to afford a drysuit is going to be a safety concern then I will wait
: until spring : ) Anyone have any cheaper alternatives?

I went swimming in March a few years back while wearing a wetsuit with a dry
top, and it's really not all that fun. Being in the state nextdoor, cold is
just one of the risks you might face.

Water quality is another. On our streams where recreational use is seasonal,
water may not always be treated before it's discharged.
(http://www.chicagopaddling.org/quality.html)

One thing you might want to try, fill a 5 gallon bucket with ice and water.
Put quarters on the bottom. Put your arm in there, and after 5 minutes try
to pick up a quarter.

Personally, I'd go to the boat show indoors instead of paddling this weekend.

--
John Nelson
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