Paddling Green Lake in the winter.
The wind rips across the near frozen water with temperatures nearing the devils ball sac of pain. The biting reality of darkness approaching before your last break and all you want to do is paddle. Well, its winter in the north 40.
All that may be said but one thing I learned for sure about paddling in the winter is to still have the same fun I had in the summer but with a heck of a lot of specialized clothing.
To start with if your planning on going in the ocean in the middle of winter there are many things to consider before you even go out. I always check my weather sites and check out that days report because it can change without notice and once your out there you have to fend for yourself. I always let my wife or text a friend in the area my intent just so they have knowledge on what I plan on doing. Timing is super critical because of the short days also. I like to train with a partner if possible. A route plan is another helpful idea.
The gear as well as a fit body is also helpful as winter is much different as far as fatigue and the cold together. If the conditions are not good it seems to get amplified in the cold. Hence, why I love my drysuit!! They are the best! If you encounter rough conditions there is nothing better than knowing you have the suit on. I never like to fall in but that piece of equipment is paramount to staying safe out there. I also always use a PFD in the ocean, solo or with others. Its just safer. Like a leash, which is just a standard necessity. As far as layers or specifics, everyones body is different and reacquires a wider range of options. i run cold usually so I like to be warm. My mantra is, ‘I rather be warm than cold!” I use micro tights under neath the suit with wool or synthetic boxers. I love micro fleeces as they are great layers. Poly-pro and specialized companies making specific first layers are breaking ground and allowing us to stay warmer longer. Smart wool is amazing and almost odour free. Foot wear is one of hardest to peg as I wear thick wool socks with my 8mm booties, and, on long paddles I put reflective insoles in my drysuit to help stop the cold of the board from transmitting that said cold, though, sometimes I still get cold! I haven’t spent the money on the heated sock thing but many love them. As I mentioned, they are finite and if you are doing a long paddle the batteries might die, which sucks. For my hands I use 3mm neoprene gloves which are good up to -10 celcius and moderate wind. Though, I find I can paddle in colder weather as long as the output is strong. I always wear a ball cap or toque but I might throw on a micro fiber neck warmer that I can pull up if I need it. The last things that I wear are a exterior micro shell and my surf shorts. Reason being is that the shell will give me an extra layer of wind stopping ability that helps keep me warmer longer. The shorts I use have many pockets and zippers for all my needs. Like water, energy food, my id, camera, money and phone. Which is also a must, in particular if you are solo.
There you have the basic list of what I wear when I paddle in the winter. Everyone is different and has unique requirements so let this be a good start point and go have some fun!!
cheers!!