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Heading out on a winter kayaking trip is an adventure that not only stirs the spirit but also challenges your survival skills. The most critical aspect of cold-weather kayaking is preparing for the possibility of an inadvertent swim in icy water.
If you’re decked out in suitable clothing, your chances of emerging unscathed from such an event skyrocket.
Synthetic Materials: The Kayaker’s Best Friend
In every season, kayaking enthusiasts turn to synthetic materials. In warmer weather, these fabrics excel at wicking sweat away from the body, providing a shield against sun damage.
But when temperatures drop, the same synthetic materials can increase your body temperature by moving moisture away from your skin. Brands like Under-Armour® have become the go-to choice for their quick-drying properties once you’ve emerged from the water.
The Battle of the Fabrics: Wool vs. Cotton
For any cold-weather activity, cotton should be avoided. Once soaked, cotton loses all insulating abilities, offering no thermal protection in water and remaining wet and cold long after you’ve exited the water. If you find yourself waterlogged in cotton clothing, your first course of action should be to shed it as quickly as possible to regain warmth.
Contrarily, wool proves itself a hero in cold-weather kayaking. Even when wet, wool efficiently traps body heat, buying you extra time for self-rescue. Additionally, once you’ve left the water, wool continues to keep you warm and can also absorb heat from external sources like a campfire or a car heater.
Waterproofing: Your Protective Shield
The key to staying warm during cold weather kayaking lies in mastering the art of layering, and this includes a waterproof over-layer. While it may not keep you completely dry during a quick dip, it can deter a considerable amount of water from reaching your body.
This layer can extend your warmth duration, buying valuable time for self-rescue.\
Advanced Protection: Wetsuits and Drysuits
Some kayakers opt to step up their defense against the cold with more specialized gear. Wetsuits, designed to trap a thin layer of water between your body and the suit and heat it, offer warmth over extended periods in cold water. But as the water temperature drops, wetsuits become less effective, emphasizing the importance of a swift self-rescue.
Dry suits, often the choice for dedicated winter kayakers, are a pricier alternative, costing upwards of $1,000. They are designed to prevent water from reaching your insulating layers entirely.
Despite their higher price tag, they are a worthwhile investment for those who plan on frequent cold-weather kayaking. However, it’s essential to know that maintaining a dry suit’s effectiveness requires regular upkeep, particularly for the protective rubber gaskets.
It’s important to remember, no single piece of clothing offers full, indefinite protection from the elements. Over time, even the best gear will lose some of its effectiveness. The key to cold-weather survival is to prepare for the worst-case scenario by stacking the odds in your favor with appropriate clothing.
So as you paddle into the icy unknown, bear in mind: your attire isn’t just about comfort—it can make the difference between a thrilling adventure and a dangerous situation. Dress smart, stay safe, and relish in the unique thrill of winter kayaking.
