Once again my lake is frozen. Its that time of year when I lament the cold. Not because it bothers me or I dont like it but simply because my local, not so far lake, freezes.
Its not so much of a drama that it really concerns me but know I have to dress differently and more appropriately. No wetsuit but drysuit, no booties but rubber boots, no bare hands, winter gloves or mitts even! I can handle it and do enjoy the regime of robbing and disrobbing the extra layers.
Drysuit is the new norm. Well, not new for me, just this time of year and when I go in the ocean. I dont wear a drysuit on my local lakes but when I am on the ocean in the winter, I always wear my drysuit and pfd. It just makes sense. If I am kilometres from shore and something happens it wont? be that bad as I just want the protection from the drysuit. I layer well and prefer to be warm over cold.
I do enjoy the winter paddling as I mentioned because, I generally dont overheat. Not that I do in the summer but it is really nice to paddle in the dead of winter on semi frozen water. I enjoy looking out and seeing snow capped peaks, the mist my breath makes and the quite of my environment.
It may not be for everyone but if you dress right and are prepared then it can be a wonderful thing. I do not suggest breaking ice as I do though. hahahaha
cheers
