The cold truth

Canoeing, kayaking and boating in general have always provided a leisurely pastime around the coastal waterways of the Assawoman Bay, local canal systems and even in the Atlantic. For many who brave the dropping temperatures, the arrival of the cooler months of the year is no deterrent from the water. After all, some of the most magnificent sights of nature are witnessed through the winter. But it is during this time when boaters and paddlers need to be most conscious of their choices and preparation.

Coastal Point • File photo
Properly protecting your body from the elements is vital when kayaking in cold weather.

Even the most experienced kayakers and boaters have lost their lives in the cold waters. So, it’s important that, prior to setting out, they understand the risks and precautions of which they need to be aware.

“As soon as the water temperature starts dipping below 70 [degrees Fahrenheit], you should be considering the risks,” advised active paddler Chris Beckman, a member of the Delmarva Kayaking and American Canoe associations.

This time of year, temperatures are typically below 50 degrees, a good indication that extra precaution needs to be taken.

“You especially have to be careful on the nice days that we get,” Beckman noted. “Air temperature can give you a false sense of security. Even in 70-degree water, if you are two miles off the coast, it can be fatal.”

Boaters and paddlers need to be aware of water temperatures as early as September in the Delmarva region.

Contrary to what many paddlers believe, hypothermia is not the foremost threat in cold-water paddling. Studies and scientific findings show that cold shock, swimming failure and post-rescue collapse factor in when a boater enters frigid water.

Cold shock occurs when the body is suddenly immersed in cold water. When a person enters cold water, the body experiences an involuntary gasping reflex, comparable to being in a hot shower that suddenly turns cold. If a person is submerged in cold water, the lungs can involuntarily take in a dangerous amount of water in seconds.

Hypothermia is still a threat, though. As the body temperature drops below 98.6 degrees, blood circulation slows down, and extremities can go cold or numb, even if properly covered. Shivering will occur as the body’s core temperature slips to 90 degrees. Uncontrollable rapid breathing will follow the involuntary gasping reflex, at which point a victim may lose consciousness.

Cold water removes heat from the body 25 times faster than cold air, and about 50 percent of that heat loss occurs through the head. If the head and chest are exposed to such cold temperatures, sudden increases in heart rate and blood pressure can result in cardiac arrest. This is why proper protection is vital in the off-season. If boaters find themselves in the water, they should try to get back in or on their boat immediately or at least get their head above the water.

A personal flotation device (PFD), such as a life jacket, is never a bad idea, but a spill into water below 55 degrees without other precautions can lead to almost certain death. Clothing worn by coastal kayakers includes neoprene boots, gloves and a hood with a chin strap. Most experienced paddlers will equip themselves with some combination of a 2.5 mm neoprene wetsuit or spring suit with a flexible drysuit or drytop pullover jacket. The proper clothing for cold-weather paddling is available at windsurfing and various kayak/canoe shops.

Diving suits with a quarter-inch of neoprene can be too constricting and stiff to provide sustained paddling and, if need be, a timely escape. And paddlers shouldn’t be fooled by seemingly protective clothing , such as wool, nylon or polypropylene. These fabrics may feel warm when damp in air, but they do not significantly slow heat loss. If worn, they should be under a drysuit or similar outfit. Cottons are also a poor choice, according to Beckman.

“They hold the water against you and can weigh you down,” he warned, noting that it is always good practice to test your suit and outfit in cold water before entering a boat. “If I have any doubt about what I’m wearing,” he added, “I’ll put it on and get in a pool. It’s a great way to understand how much you’ll be able to move around and exactly how cold you will get.”

Be aware of the weather, as well as the water temperature, he advised. Wind and waves can be crucial factors for paddlers. Boaters and paddlers should have an extra change of clothing in a waterproof bag. Inexperienced paddlers should educate themselves with a beginner’s course or enter the water under the supervision of a professional.

In 2008, the body of a Millsboro man was recovered when his canoe capsized in the 50-degree water of Ingram Pond, just west of Millsboro. In February of 2006, experienced kayaker Mitch Madruga, who had even placed well in numerous kayak races, died while paddling in the Potomac River. The former Navy medic and member of several boating associations understood the risk, which further proves that no one is immune to the danger.

For more information about kayak and canoeing safety in cold water, visit the Web sites at www.delmarvakayak.net or www.americancanoe.org.