I took a dump (my first ever unplanned) in Alpine a few weeks ago while agressively pushing off in my empty solo canoe, shaking one foot (to get some of that wetfoot water off). I just gathered the floating debris, emptied the canoe, got in and paddled away. The water was a bit cool, but I was in it only about a minute, and the air was warm. I wouldn't worry too much about the water temperature for a while...

I was dressed entirely in synthetics, mostly nylon and acrylic, and was mostly dry after about 15 minutes of paddling. I dress appropriately  .

I am usually okay in conditions that have other's teeth chattering - your mileage may vary...

-pat  

The whole summer has been cooler than normal. Just take normal precautions, wear your PFDs, etc.

Quote:


I was just wondering in regards to the water temps, is this year any different then an average year?

One thing to be aware of is differing individual responses to cold water.  As an anecdote, I was paddling a cold northern river and my two friends dumped in the middle of a relatively long rapids.  Although they weren't in the water too terribly long, one paddler was deeply chilled and took literally hours to warm up.  The other shook off the water like a labrador and showed no ill effects whatsoever.  However, I agree with other posters that water temps in September aren't much of a concern.

gfy_paddler wrote on Sep 2^nd, 2009 at 2:27pm:


 Wool is a classic, but for some people, me included, I can't wear it for comfort reasons. I itch like crazy wherever it hits my skin.
 For people like me, Fleece clothes are the way too go.
Light/warm, doesn't hold body odor, you can "spin dry", (like whirling a wet towel), lighter than wool and can't hold water.
Drawbacks? Unlike wool, fleece melts when near a fire, but unless your a moron, you shouldn't be setting yourself on fire
 Bottom line, EITHER are way better than cotton or WET Goose Down.

bojibob wrote on Sep 1^st, 2009 at 7:46pm:


As I've said before, when referring to the stability of a solo canoe, "you need to keep your mind the in the middle."  The video is a good demonstration of this.  I once found out (the hard way) that your center of gravity may take an unanticipated shift when you turn to look behind you.  And, yep, that mid-May water is pretty cool.

dd

I have one to add:  Bring wool.  If you've ever needed it and used it when it's wet and still kept warm you will appreciate the comment.  I pack 2 layers of wool whether i'm canoeing, hiking, hunting...it's an old bit of knowledge, but important.

That's a good video.  I need to get me one of those rocks that weighs as much as my head to test this out!

I have never been in a solo before but reading this thread I think this is what Mat was explaining to Ho Ho.



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Thanks for the tip, Mat.  I have no doubt that "paddler error" accounted for my spill.  I was playing around a lot over several days with leaning and was very comfortable with the boat.  Probably I was too stiff when that strong gust came, but it happened so fast there was no time to react before I knew I was going into the water.