How Not to Freeze Your Tail Off

Fish Notes from NW Chapter meeting Jan 31, 2005

There are three basic ways to incapacitate yourself while paddling (possibly on a permanent basis):

1. Severe Oxygen Shortage
2. Acute Blunt Object Trauma
3. Freezing Your Tail Off

The secret to avoiding #1 is to keep your breathing apparatus above water:

• Wear a good PFD (aka life jacket)
• Learn to self-rescue (including swimming in rapids)
• Get good paddling and rescue training (including CPR) and make sure your paddling buddies do too.  Take a class - it's the best and least painful way to learn!
• Know your limits (aka use good judgment)

The secret to avoiding #2 is to not hit things too hard:

• Wear a good brain bucket (aka a helmet)
• See the last three points above!

#3 is possibly the trickiest of these problems. Very briefly, here are some things to remember to avoid becoing a human popsicle:

• Your most important piece of safety equipment is your brain. Use it often and treat it well.
• Know the conditiions you're facing: weather + water + wind = Forecast!
• Wear appropriate clothing and gear for cold weather/water conditions.
• Plan your trip carefully: stick to well-known, easier streams, less remote sections, and short duration trips in cold weather.
• Carry a first aid kit AND a winter rescue kit, including space blankets, fire starters, heating packs, etc, (Fill in your own etc)
• Take a thermos fill with the hot beverage of your choice - but not alcohol!
• Bring plenty of food and eat it. More fuel for your body will help you keep warm.
• Tell others where you'll be and what time to expect you back.
• Volunteer to drive the shuttle. It's much warmer driving the car than waiting at the takeout!