Coldwater workshop and winter paddling gear test:November

[Bolonsky Adam]

About five years ago Jim Brayden hosted a whole crew of us at the Bass Haven Yacht club in Beverly in the middle of winter, where we tested dry suits and paddled in an ambient temp. of 18F and on a saltwater river that was mostly frozen. Buddy Hogan lasted twenty minutes floating in his drysuit in a big puddle he broke through in the ice, Brian Nystrom tried to roll out of the ice, Liz Neumeier shot some priceless video, and we all retired afterwards to the clubhouse for hot soup.

The whole thing was written about by Bill Kirk for a feature article for Offshore magazine, complete with a full-color photo spread. (Anybody have a copy of that? Lost mine in a move.)

Anyways, does anyone have access to a heated building with access to kayakable waters for a coldwater workshop and gear test in late November?

My idea is for two or three presenters to do a talk and dog-and-pony show on how some local winter paddlers dress for winter paddling and full immersion, someone to talk about hypothermia protocols, then for those who want to to hop into the water to test gaskets, seals, drysuits, etc., and see what it feels like to float in winter water. Then we could go out for a quick spin.

Freshwater access is probably best, as local lakes and ponds tend to get cold earlier in the year than the ocean, giving us a chance to more closely duplicate what happens on the ocean December through April.

Post your ability to host here and I'll get the wheels rolling.

[djlewis]

Great idea. I wonder if the Medford Boat Club could be used as the shelter, with Mystic Lake as the water. There's at least one member of MBC in NSPN.

As for Offshore magazine, their archives are here...

http://www.offshoremag.net/archives.html

and go back to November 1999 online. A Google search (with "Bill Kirk") seems to indicate that the article you describe is not online. But the magazine may be able to sell you a paper back issue, or at least a copy of the article.

--David.

[bethany]

I'm checking with a couple of friends who live by ponds...

--b

[SeanK]

Adam-

Depending on the size of the group & date, I may be able to host. Although it's a haul for most coming from Boston. I live in Shrewsbury on Lake Quinsigamond. I have access to a clubhouse w/ full kitchen facilities and fireplace -- holds 50(?) people.

-Sean

[Walter]

If you are unable to get fresh water you could do it at Conomo Point.

My house is three buildings from Joes Creek(AKA Walker Creek).

Creek is tidal. No water at low tide. However, you could also do it down front in the Essex River.

I have an outside shower(with hot water)as well as inside shower, first floor at the back door.

The presentation depending on numbers could be done at my home or at the Boat House (building is not heated) or the beach.

I would need advance notice of when so that I could procure a key to the boat house. As much notice as possible as people are not as readily available.

Keep a paddle in the water.

Walter Mears

Impex Serenity

Sunburst / Ivory

[Brian Nystrom]

You forgot to mention that we had winds of 15 knots or so that day, too. The only thing worse than rolling in the 32 degree water was coming up into the 20 degree breeze!

I think it's safe to say that we all learned a lot and got a taste of how nasty things could be in real winter conditions. We learned the pro's and con's of various types of winter clothing and gear. It also expanded our knowledge of what was actually possible.

If you want to do it again, count me in!

BTW it was Paul Sylvester that rolled in the ice, not me. I didn't do any "stupid kayak tricks in ice" until last winter.

[Suz]

Great idea. I really appreciated it when Scott et al did something similar last year, my first winter kayaking. It turned out to be a warmer Fall day but it was still effective as a learning tool. It was also good to see the kind of gear that people bring with them for winter gear from hoods to pogies and gloves.

Suz