The warm water and air temperatures of summer are quickly going; fall is
here and winter's not far behind. It's time to think about the gear that's
going to protect you in the cold water waiting for you just around the
corner.
If you're just beginning to extend your boating season out of the warm
months, please take the time to educate yourself on the hazards of cold
water boating and the methods of protecting yourself.
Hypothermia, the dangerous lowering of body-core temperature, is a
serious boating hazard. We've received permission from Charlie Walbridge,
co-author of
Whitewater Rescue Manual, to reproduce sections of his book that deal
with
Cold Water Protection and Hypothermia. Charlie offers an excellent
explanation of the causes and consequences of excessive body temperature
drop.
You protect the body's core temperature with the clothing you wear. A
good layering system tailored to your boating conditions is essential for
comfort and safety. Read
Layering for Cold Water Boating for suggestions on base, insulating
and outer layers.