If you’re anything like me then you love to kayak during the spring and summer, but it doesn’t have to be exclusively for the warmer months. Before kayaking in cold weather here a few things you need to know, consider, and prepare for.
You can certainly kayak in cold weather, but there are many things to consider before getting on the water. You must stay warm and prepare for the weather, potential illness, and the increased chance of health events such as stroke and heart attack due to increased strain on the heart.
Let’s look at everything you need to know and prepare for before kayaking in cold weather.
Staying warm
Staying warm and dry when kayaking in cold conditions is essential for having fun and staying healthy. The quickest way to ruin your day is to take a plunge into frigid waters unprepared. What might not come to mind is all the water that you can be splashed with while paddling or the water that finds its way into your kayak from waves, or flowing in through scupper holes.
The most essential part of staying warm while kayaking is much like any other situation, dress in layers. You can always remove clothing if you get too hot put you cannot put them on if you don’t have them. Here are a couple of examples of warm clothing that you can wear
A middle insulating layer that retains heat: You have a wide variety of options when it comes to a midweight layer. Fleece is a great option for this layer because it stays warm even when damp and dries fairly quickly, it is very breathable so it lessens your chances of becoming too hot. However, the downside to breathability is that wind blows straight through it, robbing you of your warmth. It would be wise to go with a windproof outer layer if you’re going to go with fleece. Natural alternatives such as wool or cotton are better when it comes to withstanding wind, but retain water or sweat much more easily. There is no single best option here as it depends on your personal preference.
An outer layer that protects you from the elements (wind, rain, and snow):This layer is very important because without it your under layers will get wet and the wind will blow right through them, rendering them almost useless. With the outer
Waterproof insulated boots and socks:These are musts in cold weather kayaking especially if you have to step into the water to load and unload your kayak if you do not have access to a boat dock and have to use a launch ramp.
Waterproof gloves:Your hands are particularly vulnerable to the wind and
Head and face protection:A thick toboggan/beanie is a must in cold weather, there are plenty of viable options to choose from. You may also want to consider wearing some type of wind protection on your face such as a balaclava (a tightly knitted garment covering the whole neck, head, and parts of the face usually made from wool or polyester).
Remember to dress for the activity level of which you are kayaking. You may be cold standing on the bank of the lake but that will not be the case once you start paddling and your body begins to generate more heat.
You also always want to carry an extra change of clothes, such as socks, extra layers, gloves, and balaclava. Just in case you do take a plunge into frigid waters, it’s better safe than sorry. Make sure to keep these in a dry bag so they do not become compromised if your kayak does flip.
Another essential piece of gear, especially when already cold, is a vacuumed thermos with a hot beverage to quickly raise body temperature and make your fishing trip in cold weather overall more enjoyable.
Protecting Your Gear
One thing to consider when kayaking in colder temperatures is protecting your gear. Moving parts are more easily broken in cold weather because they become more brittle. You always want to keep ice off of moving parts (such as reels and rod eyelets). Keep your extra gear dry and safe. Using a dry bag with a rubber seal or a dry box that needs to be tethered to your kayak so you do not lose your gear in the event you capsize. You work hard for your gear don’t let it become broken or rusted.
A very useful modification, if you have a sit-in style kayak, is a sprayskirt or spraydeck. The sprayskirt is a flexible piece of waterproof material that works by covering the cockpit of your kayak while providing a waist tight seal, which keeps excess water out of the kayak.
Exposure time
The most underrated strategy for staying comfortable and having a blast while kayaking in cold weather is to just simply limit your exposure time.
Wind chill is much harsher on large bodies of water, meaning it can be much colder on the water than on land. Strong, cold wins will cut through even the thickest clothing; even if layered properly.
Also, another thing to remember when planning trips during colder months is that the days become shorter and the nights become longer. Given that the days are shorter during winter months the temperature can drop drastically over a short period of time. Keep in mind if you live in a southern state or plan to kayak somewhere where there is a much arider climate, winter months are often the best months to get on the water.
In states like Texas, Florida, and New Mexico the temperature can often reach 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43 degrees Celsius) during the summer so many kayakers prefer the cooler winter months where the temperate tends to be 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 15 degrees Celsius).
How Cold Affects the Body
Hypothermia
Hypothermia is a huge concern in cold weather, especially if the body becomes wet or submerged. Hypothermia occurs when the body’s temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius). The first signs of hypothermia are hunger and nausea which turns to apathy (lack of concern, enthusiasm, and interest). As far as cold-related injuries go, this one is probably thought to be most common. You will freeze to death within 5-10 minutes of the first signs of Hypothermia if not addressed properly.
Frostbite
Frostbite can also occur and is not as rare as you may think. Frostbite occurs when your body cuts down its effort on blood circulation in an attempt to keep your core warm. Frostbite normally occurs on fingers, hands, toes, feet, nose, and ears, so keep them warm and covered (exposure to cold windy weather drastically increases your chances of frostbite). The first sign of Frostbite is a burning feeling in the affected areas caused by the formation of microscopic ice crystals under your skin.
Stroke and Heart Attack
Kayaking can be a labor-intensive sport, especially in more swift currents. The increased risk of heart attack is common in colder temperatures where blood is forced into the core in an effort to keep your internal organs warm which increases strain on the heart, and paddling increases your heart rate.
A drop in body temperature also increases blood pressure and in cold weather can increase the chance of a blood clot that can lead to a stroke. So if you have a history or are a high risk of heart attack stroke or high blood pressure be sure to be more careful and stay extra warm to help your body keep blood in the extremities.
Sickness
When body temperature drops, the immune system weakens increasing your chances of catching influenza. In colder temperatures your body cannot fight off illness as well and your chance of infection increase. A great way to keep your immune system healthy is by eating properly, drinking plenty of water, and keeping your body temperature at a suitable level. Drinking water insulates the body which keeps you warm and eating food provides your body full of calories to burn to produce extra heat and energy. So remember do not paddle on an empty stomach, and bring extra food and water.
Consult Your Doctor
As always, when you have any questions concerning your health and specific activities, your doctor is the best source of personalized information.
The Event of an Accident
When you’re on the water, be mindful of how far you are away from the shore and how far that is from your vehicle. If roads are snowy or icy, how long will it take you to get to civilization or a hospital to seek medical attention? In the event of an accident, you need to be aware of your surrounding and stay calm.
If you manage to cut yourself while out on the water, a small/moderate wound can bleed for 15 minutes before it clots, then the wound can trickle for up to 45 minutes depending on the person. However, if you badly injure yourself and need stitches it is important to stop the bleeding (this is why a first-aid kit is a must carry for all paddlers). If you lose a lot of blood in a short period of time you can become disoriented on the water and become lost. Since your body relies heavily on the circulation of blood flow to distribute heat throughout your body, it can also cause a drastic loss in body temperature and cause increased strain on the heart.
Accidents will vary in severity but small to moderately sized cuts are most common. Any accident should be treated seriously and you should seek immediate medical attention.
If you find yourself losing too much blood you need to remain calm to keep your heart rate down decreasing blood loss. Situations like these can become increasingly dangerous in cold temperatures. Be sure to keep the wound clean and head immediately to your vehicle and back to civilization to a hospital.
Weather Events
It is best to just stay off the water that day entirely if you know that there is a possibility of a weather event, like extreme cold or blizzard-like conditions. If you find yourself in a flash flood, hail storm, or blizzard these events can cause an immediate drop in air temperature and can cause the body to quickly lose heat.
Weather events like blizzards can often appear quickly with little to no warning and can cause you to become lost or disoriented. If you notice the snow rapidly picking up, it is best to make it back to your vehicle if possible and stay in one place as long as it is safe, If you cannot make it back to your vehicle make it to shore.
If you become stranded, do not leave your vehicle, unless you absolutely have to, because it is easier for your rescuers to spot. Your vehicle will also provide the perfect shelter to keep you out of the wind and snow. Blizzards normally only last for up to 3 hours. In the event of a hail storm or flash flood head back to shore immediately and get to your vehicle and head to a safe place.
Never Kayak in Cold Weather Alone
It is important that you do not kayak alone, especially in cold weather. It’s always nice to have company but it is a necessity when in cold weather, two minds are better than one when faced with tough decisions. Having someone to tag along will also increase your chances of survival, should an accident happen. Remounting a kayak after taking a plunge into the water is infinitely easier with a partner, as well. Morale is also important, kayaking is always more fun in good company!