As the air temperature starts rising into the 50's and 60's, this is probably a good time to remember to dress properly for the water in case of a wet exit. Besides learning to roll quickly, your layers of clothing is what will delay hypothermia enough to allow you to re-enter your boat. I went out yesterday to the MD Chute, and had my standard cold-water gear on: three layers on top (capilene, powerstretch fleece, and dry top), two layers on bottom (powerstretch fleece and dry pants), capilene socks under neoprene booties on my feet, neoprene gloves inside pogies for my hands, and a neoprene headwarmer under my helmet. Granted, as a whitewater paddler I expected to get wet, so I dressed appropriately. Except for my hands (which always get cold) I was toasty warm for the entire two hours I was out there playing in the 40-degree water with air temp in the upper 40s. Please, everyone, dress appropriately and be careful out there.
