4/10/2007
Cold-weather Paddling Can Be Fun, But Use Proper Skills and Gear
Iowa's bluff-country rivers and lakes, typically covered in thick cloaks
of vegetation, are laid bare for surprising vistas. Frozen ground is held in
place and algae cannot bloom, so even muddy rivers can run clear as mountain
streams. Bald eagles congregate at stretches of open water, offering
inspiration to canoeists and kayakers. When cabin fever sets in, the draw of
water can be tempting, even under frigid conditions.
Because of the allure, sometimes paddlers test the waters without proper
preparation, skills, clothing, and gear. Cold weather affects different
people differently, but a rule of thumb is that when the water temperature
plus air temperature do not total more than 120, that hypothermia is a
serious threat. Cold water (70 degrees or under) can also lead to
hypothermia no matter what the air temperature is, if someone is in the
water long enough.
Hypothermia is a condition that occurs when your core body temperature is
lowered. Early phases can be mild and include grouchiness or disorientation,
but those symptoms can quickly progress to life-threatening situations
requiring emergency warm-up measures.
Prepare For a Swim
During Iowa's cold season, the water is always cold, even on an unseasonably
warm day. The risk of capsizing is always present. Dress as if it will
happen. At minimum, cold-season paddlers should wear wetsuits, which allows
the body's warmth to insulate a thin layer of water next to the skin,
underneath a windbreak layer. An increasing number of serious paddlers use
newer and more expensive dry suits, which can keep you entirely dry inside
in case of a swim. Wearing a life jacket is even more critical at this time
of year as it can buy you time to get you rescued and add insulation. Make
sure to have dry clothes (warm-when-wet fabric like wool or wicking
synthetics are best) waiting for you either a dry bag or a sealed
compartment. Raingear during a storm is also needed to keep you warm, even
if you do not capsize.
Know When NOT To Go
It may sound obvious, but water turns to ice in the winter. If you want to
paddle in the winter, you need to learn to watch for this transition. Drive
over road bridges, and scan for ice or slush on the water. Ice or slush on
rivers can accumulate into "jams" on certain bends and sweep paddlers below
the ice. If the temperature drops throughout the day, the channel may even
freeze in around you. If you do not feel confident the water will not be
open for your whole trip, don't go. Also check for wind advisories - on
large bodies of water, such as reservoirs, the Mississippi River pools, or
northern Iowa's natural lakes, large waves can develop surprisingly quickly.
Develop Self-rescue Skills
During the warm season, learning how to re-enter a canoe or kayak is
important for anticipating cold-season fun. Be aware that if you venture too
far from shore in a canoe, that re-entering cannot be easily done without
the aid of a second canoe. Kayakers need to first learn how to get out of
the kayak, which involves popping off a spray skirt and successfully pushing
out while under water. Re-entering the kayak can involve an inexpensive
piece of gear called a paddle float, or learning the series of steps that
allow you to quickly roll the kayak upright. Skills can be learned
informally from local or regional clubs. Several paddle shops and some
county conservation boards offer classes.
The Buddy System
Finally, using the buddy system - always advisable - is especially critical
during the cold season. You may venture to areas where professional rescuers
may need more time to get to you than you have available to save your life.
Getting someone into dry clothes as quickly as possible can often avert a
dangerous situation. Bringing an emergency rescue blanket does not take much
space, but can help enclose warmth in an emergency. Simply huddling your
group together to share body warmth is also a life saving technique. Such
simple steps require little study or training, although having someone
trained in rescue skills can be a real asset.
Iowa's Cold-weather Hotspots
