Winter Boating - Yes !! Boating Can Be Year Round

 

While most boats are laid up over winter, there’s still plenty of boating in winter to enjoy: in warmer climates for the purpose of fishing or simply cruising, on cold rivers where winter steelhead exist, in coastal waters for migrating species, and so forth.

Whether you’re boating in winter from an open boat, a boat with a cabin, or simply a kayak, you have to respect the elements and be aware of the effects of exposure to cold air  and water, even on a warm and windless day. While you should always have all of the normal safety equipment when you go boating, here are ten tips specific to enjoying cold-water boating in winter.

First and foremost when boating in the winter, dress for the water temperature, and Most of all wear your Life Jacket.

“I want to start boating in the colder months of the year. What kind of gear do I need?”

Boating in the colder months? Because the question is much more complex, and it involves your safety – something we take a very personal interest in. Here are some of the factors, in no particular order, that figure into what you need to wear:

• Water temperature. Water conducts heat away from your body 25 times more efficiently than air. The best advice is “dress for the swim.” The colder the water, the faster your body will lose heat.
• Personal comfort range. Here in Missouri  we have some folks that wear shorts even in the winter. And, we have others that have heaters running under their desks in the summer months. Only you know how your body works.
• Water conditions. Are you fishing from a raft.  Are you paddling the inlets of a lazy river or lake observing or hunting wildlife?
• If you do go for a swim, how long are you likely to be in the water? Are you in conditions where you won’t be in the water long and can get to shore easily to warm up and get into dry clothes?

The bottom line is: cold water kills. As internationally recognized water safety expert Charlie Walbridge points out in Cold Water Protection and Hypothermia, as the body’s internal temperature drops, automatic responses begin in the attempt to keep the major organs and functions protected. These responses rapidly lead to loss of manual dexterity, uncontrollable shivering and diminished mental facilities. These inhibit your ability to self-rescue and make the decisions necessary for your survival.

Okay, so at this point you’re probably saying, “Alright, I hear all that, but my original question still stands. What kind of gear do I need for cold water boating?

1. CONSIDER SURVIVAL WEAR

Wearing appropriate clothing and footwear is obviously important for winter boating. However, a float coat or survival suit is a good investment if you’ll be venturing out often.

2. HAVE TWO PAIRS OF WARM GLOVES

If you’re fishing, one pair will likely get wet. Save the second pair for the ride home.

3. USE HAND AND TOE WARMERS

Put hand warmers in your gloves or at least in your jacket pockets. Use toe warmers in your boots, or maybe electric socks or boot-warming insoles.

4. COVER YOUR FACE AND EYES

Use ski goggles to cover your eyes when the boat is running fast, especially if you’re the operator. A warm balaclava should cover all exposed facial flesh. Remember that wind chill is considerable the faster the boat is moving.

5. FACE THE STERN; GO LOW

If you’re a passenger, put your back to the bow and face the stern when the boat is running. Get low if possible; some passengers sit on a bean bag on the floor.

6. KEEP YOUR PFD ON

The shock of sudden entry into cold water dictates cold weather boating prudence. If something goes drastically wrong, you have a better chance of survival in cold water if your PFD is already on, secure, and properly fitted.

7. MAKE SURE YOUR BOAT/MOTOR IS IN TOP SHAPE

This is not the time for a crippling breakdown that strands you, especially when there are fewer people on the water to come to your assistance. Don’t go out unless you have 100% confidence in your vessel.

8.  Make a float plan,  have a written plan, to let others know where you are going, what time you expect to be back, who to call in case of emergency.

9. HAVE COMPANY

Take a capable companion (or paddle with another person if you’re kayaking) along who can lend a hand if you get into trouble. Whether solo or with someone, let someone else know where you’re headed and when you expect to be back, and when to raise an alarm if you haven’t contacted them.

10. DON’T TAKE CHANCES

Through your actions, could you possibly run aground, or hit an underwater obstruction and disable your motor, or get stuck behind an ice floe (this happened to me once)? In each case, you could be in for a long and cold time until you can get out of the predicament. Be realistic about your abilities and the circumstances, especially considering the coldness of the weather and the water. Consider how you’d have to deal with an incident that you might otherwise avoid by making a good decision rather than a risky one.

Go out and enjoy cold weather boating.. be safe to enjoy boating another day.