Yesterday our air temperature got up to 65F. Considering that we're in Northern Virginia, this is rather unusual for mid-January. So that being said, Dave and I took advantage again and went out to park and play on the Offut Island chute on the Potomac. The water temperature was still 44F according to the Little Falls gauge.
Given that it was so warm, it was hard to dress for the water. However dressing for the water is something that all paddlers must remember to do, especially when going out in cold water conditions where hypothermia is a real danger. I know I was quite toasty in my IR Thick Skin under my drytop, full-length Power Stretch fleece tights, and a full neoprene head warmer under my helmet, but I was sure grateful for all that layering when I had to roll.
I know, I know, there are plenty of people that suggest that at these water temperatures I should be wearing a drysuit in case I have to swim. Fortunately I'm fairly tolerant of cold water, and in fact a few years ago I did swim at the Dickerson training course in exactly the outfit I was wearing. The water temperature at Dickerson was in the 40s, and the air temperature as well (it was snowing that week) and I was just fine. I've since developed my bombproof roll and haven't swum in years, so I just haven't felt the need to spend $500 on a drysuit. For people who don't have a bombproof roll yet, a drysuit may be a necessity in these conditions.
