An unusually warm day in the “-ber” months can be tempting for paddlers who generally stick to summertime to get out on the water.
A recent float from Shelvin Rock to Hooten Town with the James River Basin Partnership crew provided a brief and brisk new look at a familiar stretch of the James.
It also inspired this look at a few fall & winter paddling safety tips:
Wear a Life Jacket: Period. In colder weather and water, its essential. It will even provide some insulation. They’re not a seat cushion, or something to forget at home.
“Anything But Cotton” (The other river ABC’s) Think a base layer or layers depending on the combined water and air temperatures should you choose to paddle in the colder months.
While a dry suit with gaskets at the neck, wrists, and ankles is always the best way to stay warm & dry, paddling jackets and pants may suffice on the occasional warm winter day in the Ozarks.
The base layer should be made of wicking material, drawing sweat and moisture away from your skin to evaporate.
The middle layer is for insulation, and should be made of wool, fleece, or other non-absorbing materials. The outer layer should be one to protect you from the elements.
A well-prepared paddler should also carry an extra set of clothes in a sturdy dry bag in case you become waterlogged, as well as a safe way to start a fire.
File a “Float Plan”: Let someone know where and when you’re putting in and taking out, how long you expect to be out, and how many people are in your party, and if possible, include a photo of your group.
While you can always file a more “formal” float plan through the US Coast Guard’s Float Plan Central, even a text or email sent to a family member or friend is peace of mind knowing someone on shore is tracking you.
Check Those Gauges: River paddlers should be familiar with how to read a US Geological Survey (USGS) river gauge, especially focusing on Cubic Feet per Second, or CFS. The CFS reading gives you a good idea as to whether a stream is too high to safely paddle, or conversely, if the stream is so low, you’ll be dragging more than floating.
A notebook describing ideal (and less-than-ideal) CFS, and other conditions can help you and others plan future paddling trips.
Tether That Gear: As the old saying goes, “We’re all between swims.” Should you find yourself out of your boat, you don’t want to see your gear going under with you. Tether or tie your dry bags, coolers, etc. to the canoe or kayak with bungee cords, ropes, etc. to keep all your gear together.
Bottom Down, Feet Up: While it may be tempting to attempt to stand, especially in shallow water, swift currents and foot entrapment are a lethal mix. Flip on your back, point your toes downstream, and attempt to get closer to shore before standing up.
Man the Bilge Pump! There are several inexpensive bilge pumps from a variety of outdoor and paddling firms. A bilge pump will help you empty excess water from your boat, especially should you find yourself tipping. Even a sponge can serve as one.
A bilge pump also makes a nice Christmas present for the paddler in your life.
Take a Skills Class: My kayak instructor mentor always says, “More skills equals more fun” when it comes to paddling. It could also save your or someone else’s life. Remember that in semi-isolated areas like the Ozarks, self-rescue skills are essential for a safe day on the river.
The American Canoe Association, Missouri State Parks, the Springfield Greene County Park Board’s Outdoor Initiatives Program, and the US Coast Guard Auxiliary all offer both on-shore and on-water courses for you to add those skills to your paddling safety toolbox.
Paddling does not have to just be a warm weather activity. Regardless of when you paddle, being prepared to react to the unexpected will help you return home safely. It will also allow you to see our Ozarks rivers in a whole new way.
We’ll see you on the river.
Todd
