Hypothermia is not limited to the NW

This is a sad story of what sounds like a strong young man who got into conditions that were  too big for him. Both had on pfd's.

http://www.wtsp.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=170517&catid=8

http://www.wtsp.com/video/default.aspx?bctid=759820311001

Not to make light of it, but what would you do? What can you learn and how could you practice it?

Obviously I don't know if this was a factor in this particular case, but the other day I was out with a few guys and one us got so cold that holding on to the paddle became an issue.  It's important to keep your core temperature up and extremities warm, so that if you do fall in, you're physically capable of getting back into the boat.  He was at a point where he had to paddle around just to warm back up, but could barely hold the paddle and had some speech issues.

Any idea what this guy was wearing, or was it JUST a PFD?  Windy conditions in cool clothing can lead to exhaustion really quick, then you fall in, and it's just a matter of time before you're dead.

Not to make light of it, but what would you do? What can you learn and how could you practice it?

Not sure what the temps were like, but with higher winds, perspiration from heavy paddling can cool you very quickly - even when you don't need it.  This is kinda why I pretty much always have my dry gear on, even on mild summer days.  I let my wicking layers to the work to scavenge off the perspiration and the dry gear to keep the wind off.

One of the "problems" with living in a normally warm climate is that most folk don't have proper cold weather gear. I was not there, but I'd suspect that might be the case.

Seems odd they would seperate from each other... Never leave your Battle buddy!

Even in warmer water than the PNW offers, wet clotihng and wind can strip off body heat in minutes.  Love my dry suit!!!  I fished Point No Point last Feb in a wet suit, it was windy and I got really  really cold, especially my feet.  That led me to the Kokatat dry bibs with socks and a dry top with a folding seal, now I'm warm even of the wind blows, with polypro fleece underneath.
   I know the dry suits are $$, but how much is your life and well-being worth??

Even in warmer water than the PNW offers, wet clotihng and wind can strip off body heat in minutes.  Love my dry suit!!!  I fished Point No Point last Feb in a wet suit, it was windy and I got really  really cold, especially my feet. 

I often straddle my yak and trail my feet in the water.  You can jam chemical hand/toe warmers in your dry suit.  I've stuck them between layered socks.  Toasty toes!

man that's sad.

I normally go with the 120 rule. If air temp (wind chill factors in as well) plus water temp are less than 120, I'm wearing a dry suit. If they equal a little more than I make a personal call on the gear. more than 140 I normally don't wear dry gear. Also, you have to think about how long during the day it's going to be that warm. In the SJ's I normally wear a dry suit, even when it's going to be 75 or 80 during the day. It's usually only that warm for an hour or two, the rest of the time if the wind is blowing, I'm in a shadow, or it's not peak temp, it's chilly. The water is always in the 50's so swimming is cold without a suit. I'm hot for an hour or so but I can just swim or roll to cool off.

Hypothermia can set in at temps as warm as 70F. A person's age, physical condition, etc. can also effect how easily/quickly they get hypothermia.

I did just get Kokatat bibs and a tech-tour jacket for those on the line temps and there is no neck gasket. I wouldn't wear it in the surf, but for everything else I do it will be adequate. Being able to take off that top layer on those warmer days is something I'm looking forward to.

I think it's important to get into the habit of always taking safety precautions. It's good to have a checklist and do it every time no matter what.

It's kind of like putting on your seat belt every time you drive. I don't expect to get into an accident, but I'll be happy that my seat belt is on when the unexpected happens.

Next Adventure had a really good deal on dry suits over Xmas, I saw some Palm dry suits with sox and pee zip for $299!!  They also have Stohlquist and Koke.
Locally, we have the Kayak Academy, they are top-end dealers for SINKs and apparel, expect to pay top $$ for custom Kokatat suits.

http://www.kayakacademy.com/pages/store/drysuitinfo.html

Next Adventure had a really good deal on dry suits over Xmas, I saw some Palm dry suits with sox and pee zip for $299!!  They also have Stohlquist and Koke.
Locally, we have the Kayak Academy, they are top-end dealers for SINKs and apparel, expect to pay top $$ for custom Kokatat suits.

http://www.kayakacademy.com/pages/store/drysuitinfo.html

They are your best friend if you own a Kok suit or want to buy one but don't have the time of day for you if you don't own one.

Next Adventure had a really good deal on dry suits over Xmas, I saw some Palm dry suits with sox and pee zip for $299!!  They also have Stohlquist and Koke.
Locally, we have the Kayak Academy, they are top-end dealers for SINKs and apparel, expect to pay top $$ for custom Kokatat suits.

http://www.kayakacademy.com/pages/store/drysuitinfo.html

We had the same deal on the palm stuff because they are no longer distributing to the U.S. We sell Kokatat and Stohlquist dry suits as well.
http://www.aldercreek.com

We have the Stohlquist bPod paddling suit on sale at $499, the stohlquist gPod dry suit w/tunnel on sale at $599. Kokatat front entry $749 and meridian $849.

Everything we sell has socks and pee-zip. I'm not sure why you would get one without.

actually i still have 2 or 3 of those Palm Silver "paddling" suits for $200. XL & XXL

Everything we sell has socks and pee-zip. I'm not sure why you would get one without.

I agree about the socks, but the ladies have no use for a front zipper

Everything we sell has socks and pee-zip. I'm not sure why you would get one without.

I agree about the socks, but the ladies have no use for a front zipper

Oh contrare!

we sell the ladies with a lower front reliefe zip so they can use a "freshette" to stand and pee. No chick wants that rear zip because it makes there butt look big, and sitting on that zipper all day is a drag (I hear)

Jason, what's the tunnel on suits for?