Cold Water Clinic- Saturday Nov 23

[Suz]

Suz Hutchinson will be conducting the yearly cold water event this year on Nov. 23. This will be a workshop done as a "learning on the go" style paddle as was done for the Spring CAM workshops on the water. (Unfortunately Scott is unavailable to assist.) It is a bit later in the year than normal and very close to Thanksgiving. If it appears there isn't enough interest, this will end up cancelled. Please ONLY RSVP if you are really planning on attending.

• Review of cold water physiology and clothing; recognizing hypothermia;

• Dunk tests

• Rescues and tows

• Group scenarios; CAM/leadership issues related to cold water;

• Warm up practice (on-water and on-shore)

• Indoors debrief (if we can find a place nearby to where we will be paddling. Hard to find though.)

Our launch will be planned as we get closer to the event. It will depend on wind/weather conditions. Most likely we will plan this near/on Cape Ann or perhaps Ipswich. Any updates to the trip will be posted to the NSPN website and the evening before we will post the location depending on the weather. More information will also be posted on the calendar.

The paddling will be within level 2 guidelines on NSPN. Please read those: http://www.nspn.org/paddle_levels.htm

We would like volunteers (one per 3-4 participants) so that we will not need to limit participants. Please include this in your RSVP if you have attended a cold water workshop in the past and are now looking to help.

If you are interested in using a drysuit for the day, Suz will bring Kokatat demo suits. They will be available on a first come/first serve basis. When rsvp'ing let Suz know if you are hoping to use a drysuit and what size you think you are so she can make note:

http://www.kokatat.com/sizing_mens.asp
http://www.kokatat.c...zing_womens.asp

If planning to use a drysuit, please bring form fitting fleece to wear underneath, wool/fleece socks and closed shoes that can be worn OVER the drysuit sock and your socks. Fleece jackets are too bulky to go underneath a drysuit.

Please bring any gloves/hoods/hats/shoes that you have that are extra so that if someone else is missing an article of clothing, they can borrow.

RSVP - suz@kayakne.com . Please don't private message or facebook. I have some documents that I will be e-mailing to all who are attending so those other means of communication are more difficult. Also, in the event that this cancels due to weather, I would want to e-mail all.

[cfolster]

I would like to encourage members both new and old to attend this clinic. I cannot say enough about what a great opportunity this is for the club. For someone new to paddling, it's a perfect introduction to safety in cold water and to working as a group on cold water.

For the seasoned paddler, it's an excellent refresher course to remind us of best practices when paddling in the cold/cold water.

There are always a range of gear options discussed with the opportunity to try them on to learn the pros and cons and what might be best for you.

If you've never done rescues and tows in a cold water environment, this is a great 'safe' first introduction.

Suz and the volunteers who assist her always provide excellent and spirited instruction in this one of a kind introduction to cold water paddling. It's always a fun and exhilarating day and one of the unique benefits of being an NSPN member!

Come join us!

[billvoss]

I've enjoyed attending the Cold Water clinics in the past, and suggest everyone attend. Even if they only paddle in water above 50F.

Did you know that the loss of breathing control associated with "cold shock" appears to reach maximum intensity in water between 50-60F (10-15C). The cold shock affect is no stronger in 32F water because the body is already responding as strongly as it can at 50F.

There are other hypothermia issues which do get worse at 32F. I suggest you check out http://www.coldwatersafety.org for more information.

[Inverseyourself]

Looking very much forward to Suz's CWC! It was the post I was hoping and waiting for! I'll definitely try to be there.

[BethS]

I am planning to attend, I hope more people are interested and that it takes place! It's on my calendar.

[cfolster]

*BUMP*

Just a reminder about the Cold Water Workshop on Saturday November 23rd.

You don't have to stop paddling in October! If you wear the right gear (we'll show you), and paddle safely (we'll practice with you), you can be on the water in the most beautiful time of the year!

To start to familiarize yourself with the topic of hypothermia - take a look at this page from the NSPN site: http://www.nspn.org/hypothermia.htm

It has great information on the topic, which will be covered in the class in a real world way.

If you want to really see hypothermia and the cold shock response - look at this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1xohI3B4Uc (yes, it's sensationalism, but it's a real clinic used to teach first responders and the public about the dangers and how to protect themselves). One thing to note is that the rescuers and spotters are wearing drysuits, so they're not experiencing the same level of effects.

We will not be going in the water in street clothes in the cold water clinic, but in drysuits with layers underneath. If you've never been in a drysuit, but have good paddling experience, this is a great opportunity to try a drysuit and learn about the gear and layers needed.

We'll cover methods to properly and safely warm a cold/hypothermic person. We'll also be on the water practicing rescues, group communication and coordination, which become even more critical on cold water.

You'll also learn about the most delicious warm drink you've probably only ever had cold!

It's a fun day of learning and paddling - don't forget to email suz@kayakne.com to sign up.

[Doug]

Pics from last years

COLD WATER CLINIC

Doug

[Katherine]

Last year it was a lot of fun and educational. I encourage everyone who has contemplated paddling year-round or during the shoulder seasons to RSVP soon.

[nj_medici]

It's been a long time since I've paddled in cold weather. I would love to attend this clinic. Thanks.

Natalie

[Lisa]

I would like to attend this workshop also. Thanks for offering it.

[Phil Allen]

Just to reiterate, if you want to attend, you need to RSVP to Suz by email suz@kayakne.com to sign up.

best

Phil

[Doug]

Note: This is an NSPN event not to be confused with the one Lincoln Canoe & Kayak is putting on also with Suz.

Doug

[Joyce Carpenter]

Really looking forward to it! I'm happy to see (from the list Suz emailed to the participants) that so many folks are willing to help. Maybe I'll be able to graduate to "assistant" for next year's event? ;-)