I’ve had a bit of a discussion recently about safety on icy waters. There are certainly not too many of us who paddle through the winter months here in Wisconsin. Even I’m not out as often as I’d like. Cabin fever is getting to me too. However when I really start feeling cloistered and edgy, I load up the boat and get on the water. I can remember when I started kayaking I just sort of read books and guessed at what to do and what to wear. I took some stupid risks. It would have been cool to have had someone to talk to the first time I thought about braving the Wisconsin winter. So for what it’s worth, here’s the bits I can tell you about winter paddling. . .

Wear A Dry Suit. Ok, so it’s pretty obvious that you really must have a dry suit if you’re thinking about venturing out on Lake Michigan or Lake Superior this time of year. You also have to be sure you’re wearing enough layers of wicking material underneath. I get a lot colder with my breathable drysuit than I did with my old non-breathable garbage bag. I still miss that drysuit occasionally. On the coldest days I tend to wear 3 or 4 layers before I’m comfortable.

Take food & water. You need both of these to maintain energy. When I finally leaned to drink more water in the winter it really made a difference.

Wear a hat. Just listen to mommy on this one, dear. . I also have a 5mm dive hood that I wear when I know I’m going rolling.

Gloves. I know a lot of people who can’t find gloves that keep their hands warm. I don’t know of any either really. They all seem to work a bit, but in a couple hours you’re hands are frozen. Try Pogies. Some friends have also worn rubber dish gloves. They seem to really help, even if you look stupid. Also we’ve taken to carrying extra pairs in the day hatch. It’s helps to change gloves over the course of the day. If for nothing else just to feel your fingers again for a few minutes.

Have an exit strategy. Sure you can seal launch off a 3 foot ledge 50 yards from shore. But how are you planning to get back up? If you don’t know don’t do it. Remember ice moves. Is your open lead going to stay open? What if? What if? What if? Drill yourself for a solution to as may what if’s as you can imagine.

Be a gear head. All your safely gear is really important now. VHF, cell, flairs, dry clothes, emergency blankets, etc., (this is not a complete list of course) I carry extra little heat packs as well. Remember the BCU Guideline. . . Have a thermos of hot coffee or tea with you. Hot brandy and cider sounds good, but alcohol is a bad idea. Save it for when you get back home.

Rivers are risky. Imagine being pinned against an ice flow. What about getting dumped and dragged under the ice? Scary stuff. I won’t go on a half frozen river. It’s just too scary to me.

Be sure you can use you’re gear in you’re winter bulky wardrobe. Especially check operation of your tow rope and radios. What about your spare paddle? Is it frozen to the deck? What if you need it? Make sure you know.

Be able to roll. I hate sounding like a rolling snob, but when I look out my window this morning and see the clear blistering 3 degree (F) air, I would be really afraid of going on the big Lakes without a roll. As a side note, after you roll check your gear again. One time I forgot to “crack” the carabineer on my tow rope. When I remembered, it took both hands for me to break it open again!

Swim. Speaking of rolling. Roll and swim in your gear in a safe environment. It’s a good idea to give your mind that experience of an ice roll in a “safe” situation before you actually need it. That cold, even if it’s only on the face can really mess with you. Be sure you’re warm enough to withstand some time swimming. I actually enjoy swimming in my drysuit sometimes. It’s mad, and wonderful.

Screw Drivers? Some people carry screw drivers. Some carry ice axes. Regardless, what if you have to drag yourself across the ice or work through a narrow lead? Have a way to move yourself without a paddle.

Have a “float plan”. Tell others where you are and what you’re doing. Ok, I’d tell you “don’t paddle solo”, but I know that there are many of us who paddle alone most of the time. It’s doubly hard to find paddling companions in the winter. If you do, tell someone. Tell them where you’re going, the route, and when to expect you back. Check in by cell if possible.

Have a bailing option. I’ve had my pump freeze up, so in the winter I take a bailing pitcher.

Have fun. What the heck are you out there for if it’s not a great big freaking good time!?

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Here Is A Hypothermia Table that shows the effects of hypothermia on an immersed paddler.

Here is a “Symptoms of Hypothermia” Printout as well.

More Handouts

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Ok, you experts. . What did I miss?

-d