For those new to cold weather paddling... The water temp is going to be ~40 degrees F and the air temp somewhere between 35 & 45 F (high of 45F is forecasted). Don't fool yourselves this is COLD - the conditions are also well below the rule of 120. Here is what the ACA says about Cold Water paddling:
Cold water is extremely dangerous. It quickly robs the body of its strength, diminishes coordination and impairs judgment. Immersion in water as warm as 50-60 degrees can initiate what has been determined to be ‘Cold Water Shock.’ When a paddler capsizes and is suddenly immersed in cold water the body’s first reflexive action is to gasp for air, followed by increased heart rate, blood pressure and disorientation and can even lead to cardiac arrest.
Without proper equipment and apparel, the body can become incapacitated in just a few minutes and without a life jacket this can be a very dangerous and often fatal combination. When paddling in places where the water temperature is 60 degrees Fahrenheit or colder, a wetsuit is a must and a dry suit is highly recommended. This is also the case if the [sum of] air and water temperatures are below 120 degrees Fahrenheit.”
So, a drysuit is highly recommended @ 120 combined (water + air) and we are going to be somewhere in the 80 - 85 degree combined range.
If you are new to this - read up on cold water paddling (here's a good start) http://www.paddleboston.com/advice/dres ... dwater.php, assume the class of difficulty of the river is one higher than stated, and plan and dress as though you are going to have trouble on the water.
OK - back to work...
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Water, taken in moderation, cannot hurt anybody.
Mark Twain
Generally, I think that if I have the opportunity to paddle, and I've got something else to do or I feel like I shouldn't go for some reason, then I force myself to go and I always have a great time. So, I guess when in doubt -- Go, Paddle. -- Tommy Hilleke
I had to do a double take to make sure I wasn't looking at an old forecast. Now they are only forecasting high 6' for Saturday morning. I guess the rain didn't play out like they thought?
jdzielak wrote:I had to do a double take to make sure I wasn't looking at an old forecast. Now they are only forecasting high 6' for Saturday morning. I guess the rain didn't play out like they thought?
Now it's back to cresting around 7.5ft early Saturday morning. Figure somewhere between there and 7ft for Saturday's OCTs.
Generally, I think that if I have the opportunity to paddle, and I've got something else to do or I feel like I shouldn't go for some reason, then I force myself to go and I always have a great time. So, I guess when in doubt -- Go, Paddle. -- Tommy Hilleke
I'm also new to the forum. Moved down from DC for law school. I'm planning on doing the upper and maybe the lower depending on the level. Don't have dry pants so want to make sure I stay in my boat... Looking forward to it.
"There is nothing- absolutely nothing- half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats."
jdzielak wrote:I had to do a double take to make sure I wasn't looking at an old forecast. Now they are only forecasting high 6' for Saturday morning. I guess the rain didn't play out like they thought?
Now it's back to cresting around 7.5ft early Saturday morning. Figure somewhere between there and 7ft for Saturday's OCTs.
AAGH!! IT'S A GIANT FRICKIN YELLOW BIRD!
Paddle Daddy, aka The Glowworm
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"You can syndicate any boat you row." – Lennon, J.
jdzielak wrote:I had to do a double take to make sure I wasn't looking at an old forecast. Now they are only forecasting high 6' for Saturday morning. I guess the rain didn't play out like they thought?
Now it's back to cresting around 7.5ft early Saturday morning. Figure somewhere between there and 7ft for Saturday's OCTs.
AAGH!! IT'S A GIANT FRICKIN TALKING YELLOW BIRD!
There, FIXED
BTW, the river crested at 9.2ft mid-day Friday. So, figure around 8ft for Saturday. That is all... You may now return to your regularly scheduled viewing.
Generally, I think that if I have the opportunity to paddle, and I've got something else to do or I feel like I shouldn't go for some reason, then I force myself to go and I always have a great time. So, I guess when in doubt -- Go, Paddle. -- Tommy Hilleke
I'm in for the Upper. Water temp ~40, Air temp 37, level 7.7. Dry top, dry pants over 3mm Farmer John over base layer, neoprene head heater and socks, dishwashing gloves over poly glove liners.
John (Bwana73) - Good news - check your PM's! Sorry for the late reply.
Generally, I think that if I have the opportunity to paddle, and I've got something else to do or I feel like I shouldn't go for some reason, then I force myself to go and I always have a great time. So, I guess when in doubt -- Go, Paddle. -- Tommy Hilleke
i bet that was the only time on this forum someone smiled becuase the water level came down.
