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Jeff Charette

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Posts posted by Jeff Charette

    A Beautiful Day on Casco Bay!

    in Trip Reports

    Posted

    Suz, when we were out on Casco Bay last Sat we were discussing winter paddling safey. Warren mentioned your "20,20,20" rule. He could recall only two of the three 20's. 20 degree air temp and 20 KT winds. In good humor I added the idea of not paddling after one has had more than 20 beers. This is most likely not something you ever said, however, you can take credit for it if you like.

    Cold Water Practice Session

    in Trip Reports

    Posted

    Rob, thanks for organizing this event. It was a great opportunity to practice and improve our skills in a safe environment, with a group of skilled paddlers. This was the first time I dumped and attempted a roll in water this cold. It felt good to overcome the anxiety of a wet exit in 40 degree water.

    Here are a few pictures. https://picasaweb.google.com/104130917981156539102/NSPNColdWaterChallenge

    Will the REAL Easter Bunny please step forward.

    Jeff

    Sunday Paddle 03/17/13 (second version)

    in Trip Reports

    Posted

    Now, before the comments about survival time in cold water start, let me see a digital "raise of hands" of those that have actually done a cold-water immersion trial to see how long it took them to get relatively cold with the gear they typically wear? Has anyone done a simulated swim along a beach with a spotter or two, to see how well they can stay warm moving, and how far they can swim? Before Cathy and I joined NSPN, we did a cold water clinic with Suz where we, in borrowed drysuits, went into the water and sat there! There was no other agenda of rescues, or paddling, or anything else other than determining if the clothing layers and protective gear we were wearing were enough to keep us warm. The other point was to determine how restricted our movement was and how much it affected our ability to swim. I have wanted to do this again, but so far don't have much support. Anyone interested?

    Rob, although I have been in the cold water long enough to test my dry suit or do a quick rescue, I have never tested my limits. I would be willing to join you for swim before the water warms up. I think we have plenty of time to plan something.

    Jeff

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