| What every whitewater kayaker needs to know. | | | | and cold wind to hit your hands. |
| Whitewater kayaking and riding the rapids is a | | | | Layering is even more important in winter. Wicking |
| thrill, and the more you know about dressing for | | | | next to the skin, followed by insulating heavier |
| the conditions the more you can make the most | | | | sweaters and fleece clothes and then a |
| of the adventure. | | | | waterproof layer on the outside. Cotton should |
| In warm weather shorts, hats and sunscreen | | | | never be worn as it holds water and will not |
| works well. Throw in a clean pair of socks, and a | | | | provide any warmth once it is moist from either |
| long sleeve shirt and pants. Layering is easy and | | | | sweat or spray from the water. |
| as the weather changes comfort level can be | | | | A quality dry suit made from GORE-TEX will allow |
| accomplished quickly. | | | | you to wear whatever you need for insulation |
| Make sure that you dress for the water | | | | and yet give you flexibility to stay dry at all times. |
| temperature, even though you will be seated on | | | | Some people like wet suits however when the |
| your kayak, out of the water, most of the time. | | | | weather is close to freezing the wet suit is not |
| Warm air temperatures but you just may end up | | | | enough to keep the body warm. |
| in the water and you need to be prepared for | | | | For the feet get a good wet suit pair of "booties" |
| that option. In cold weather and cold water it is | | | | that give good traction in the water and they will |
| important to have proper protection to guard | | | | also keep the feet warm. Wet suit booties trap a |
| against the elements. Protection from the cold is | | | | think layer of water against the skin and in |
| not just about comfort but also, about personal | | | | conjunction with body heat will keep your feet |
| safety. Most paddling fatalities are not from | | | | comfortable. |
| drowning but from hypothermia. Hypothermia is | | | | Finally, a hat, hoods or skull caps made from |
| the lowering of the body's temperature to a | | | | neoprene that can be worn under the helmet will |
| dangerous level. Water draws heat from the body | | | | keep your head warm in cold wet weather. |
| significantly faster than air does A good set of | | | | Whitewater kayaking is a great adventure and it |
| pogies (a type of mitten) that is more like a bag | | | | will also be a safe adventure if properly fitted |
| crossed with a palmless mitten that allows for | | | | both equipment and clothing. |
| you to grip the paddle but not allow the spray | | | | |