Cold Weather Paddling

Don't let cold weather keep you off the water. Late fall and Winter paddling offer some of the best conditions to view wildlife, spectacular sunsets and mirror like water.  There are a few things to consider before getting on the water to keep you safe. These tips are also suggested if paddling with water temps below 70 degrees.

First, let's talk about what you should wear to be comfortable. If one of your goals is to paddle often and year round then you should consider investing in quality gear to keep you warm and dry. The best option is a drysuit. Drysuits are expensive but will last you years if taken care of properly.  Be sure and purchase from an authorized dealer or directly from the manufacturer. Be leery of drysuits advertised under $500 because there are many knock offs that are cheaply made and will not last long and could put your life in danger. NRS, Kokatat and Level Six are reputable brands and stand behind their gear. NRS currently has a couple of entry level suits starting around $900. You may be able to find sales or closeouts this time of year but again be sure and order from the manufacturer or reputable dealer. 

Drysuits offer the ultimate protection especially if you find yourself in the water. They will keep you completely dry if immersed. There are also semi drysuits available that are a little less expensive. They typically can be more comfortable around the neck than a true drysuit because  neoprene or other material is used at the neck as opposed to latex gaskets. Keep in mind that semi drysuits  can leak at the neck area because they aren't completely sealed. You will want to acquire base layers to keep you warm for use with your drysuit. A drysuit will keep you dry but not very warm if you end up in the water. 

The next option would be a wetsuit. A farmer John or farmer Jane is ideal as it is less restrictive in the shoulder area. For paddling you want 2mm or 3mm max. The more mm the more restrictive. You can wear a swimsuit or rashguard underneath and pair it with a drytop or paddle jacket. You can find farmer John's and Jane's for under $200. NRS has various options available. 

 If you don't plan on paddling often and you don't have the money in your budget for a dry suit There are options to help keep you warm, comfortable and safe. Number one is to never wear cotton on the water because cotton takes forever to dry.  Wear synthetic layers such as Spandex and polyester blends. Fleece and wool are other options.  Adding a splash jacket and or splash pants will help keep you from getting wet from dripping paddles or erroneous splashing. Always bring a spare set of clothes in a drybag just case you do get wet so you can change quickly into some warm dry clothes. Keeping a towel in your vehicle is also a good idea. Always bring snacks and water. A hot beverage in a thermos can be especially enjoyable this time of year.

To stay safe on the water, especially during the cold weather months, always plan ahead and research your paddle location if you haven't paddled the area previously. Things to know before launching include; where will you launch? Will you return to launch or take out at a different location? Water temperature? Weather forecast? Tides and or currents? Is there a place to exit for safety or an emergency? Are there any hazards to consider such as vessel traffic, submerged hazards or strong currents? Is your craft appropriate for conditions? Do a self assessment as to your skill set, physical and mental state before launching. Create a float plan and let a family member or friend know about your plan. Always carry at least two forms of communication such as your phone, whistle or vhf radio. Be sure to carry any electronics in easy to reach dry bag or a waterproof case. If you are a beginner or even intermediate paddler, stay close to shore where you can reach safety quickly. This is NOT an exhaustive list but hopefully will help you plan properly and be prepared for your paddle.

I strongly suggest taking classes from certified instructors. One of the reasons  I love kayaking and SUPing is that there is always something new to learn. I enjoy honing my skills and  I never get bored. You may be surprised how much a class will improve your paddling experience, and may even inspire you to paddle more often! 

If you prefer to have someone else do the planning and preparation, book a guided tour with Delta Kayak Adventures! During the colder months we provide paddle pants that can be worn over your clothing that will help keep you dry. I have a passion for sharing the sport I love with others and I'd be delighted to paddle the Delta with you!

Book tours, classes and rentals here.

Wind and Waves

As winter comes to a close and spring approaches, it won't be long before our seasonal winds pick up in the Delta and the San Francisco Bay Area. With that in mind I thought I would write about how to plan and be prepared for these conditions or how to avoid them altogether.

In general, the wind tends to pick up in March and continue through August. Not every day is windy but it can sometimes feel like it. Knowing how to understand wind and tide predictions will make your paddling adventures so much more fun and help to keep you safe. 

I instruct my students who are just beginning their paddling endeavor to avoid paddling in winds above 10 mph. Many paddlers are capable of paddling in higher winds but as a general rule I suggest not paddling in winds above 15 mph unless you are proficient  with self and assisted rescues and have practiced those rescues in those conditions.

Spring and summer winds in our area are typically northwesterly, which means the wind blows from that direction. A benign day can become challenging or even treacherous when that wind opposes the direction of the current or direction the water is moving. It's important to know what the tide will be doing before getting on the water. Many locations in the Delta can experience 5 to 6 foot swells and breaking waves when the wind is blowing 10-15 mph against a big outgoing tide. These can be fun conditions especially if you enjoy surfing but can be scary for beginners and even intimidating for intermediate paddlers. Shallow water areas or shoals can also experience confused seas and breaking waves with relatively low wind speed.

The wind we experience in the Delta is generally stronger than the currents so I suggest paddling against the wind to begin your paddle so you'll have it at your back on the way home when you may be tired. Here are some steps to take to plan your next paddling adventure:

    1) Check tides and know that in our area that it takes another 2 hours for the river to change direction.

    2) Check wind forecast and be prepared to change your mind at the put in. Wind forecasts have been known to not be precisely accurate. You can also monitor the wind and weather forecast using a VHF radio and a VHF radio is great to have in case of emergency.

    3) Check nautical charts or maps to plan your trip and note potential emergency exit points or places you can shelter from wind.

    4) Make sure to dress appropriately for  water temperature, wear your PFD and bring safety gear such as whistle, two forms of communication, spare paddle, bilge pump and paddle float if using a sea kayak.

    5) Create a float plan and do not deviate from it unless you notify your emergency contact that you are changing times and or locations and or destinations

    6) Make sure the equipment you are using is appropriate for where you are paddling. Recreational type kayaks with no bulkheads or only one bulkhead should be equipped with float bags so the vessel can not sink. If using this type of craft never paddle far from shore.

To avoid windy conditions altogether, look for protected areas to paddle. Smaller sloughs or channels and many of the tributaries of the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers are amazing places to paddle.

The above information is a brief synopsis of how to decide on whether to paddle in windy conditions. There is so much more to learn and know about tides, currents, weather and trip planning.  Contact Delta Kayak Adventures to learn more about how we can help you become a better, safer paddler by joining some of the classes offered. We offer private and group lessons and tours year round.

The following video is an excellent visual resource to see how wind and current effect each other.

Wind and Waves Against Tide from Moulton Avery on Vimeo.