Atlantic Paddling Symposium

A great weekend for learning and starting to work in more challenging conditions. It was early in the season for many of us, so this was a great opportunity to work with different instructors from the Atlantic region. In this short clip on Rock Hopping we practiced controlling forward strokes in higher winds. Chris Lockyer and Mark Scriver did a super job coaching all of us through the session.

Frequent practice can't go wrong

What an evening for practice! Land temperature was 20 degrees when I left work, so I could not pass up an chance to join the regular practice group. The nice weather also brought out beach combers and a lone diver/snorkeller.
Water temperature was still very low. The location and timing seemed a great chance to practice strokes, a few rolls, rescues and reentries. It occurred to me later that frequent exposure to cold water, even though we are all wearing dry suits may also be a useful means of increasing the body's sensitivity to cold immersion. A lot has been written about cold shock and I don't know if there is solid physiological evidence to support this, but it seems to make intuitive sense. What is not known is whether you will react the same way every time - so another good reason to paddle with 1-2 folks.

According to one resource:
Cold shock occurs immediately - as you enter the cold water. It lasts three to five minutes but it can result in quick drowning because of the way the body reacts. You cannot control these reactions:
A large intake of breath
A rapid increase in breathing rate (up to four times as fast)
A reduced ability to hold your breath (to as little as 10 seconds)
A massive increase in heart rate and blood pressure

A significant factor seems to be reducing exposed skin - I added a cap over my thermal head protection. Tony wears a helmet which I think further increases thermal protection and also reduces risk of injury by another boat while in the water. And hand protection is a good idea, I couldn't get a mitt my size, so I settled for using a glove made by Brooks that has a leather palm, but is also neoprene - while waiting on an order.

Living in and on the water

Here is an interesting video from the BBC's Human Planet, it gives another perspective to holding your breath under water:



Check out the article on the Neuroanthropology blog by Greg Downey.

Ice is off Long Pond - Happy Earth Day on Friday

Just ten days ago ice took up 3/4 of the pond. Yesterday water temperature was 5 degrees and not a chink of ice remains.

First major paddle of the season

Dean checking the gear





St.Phillips beach


Yesterday was a cold but sunny day. The air temperature was -2 and the winds were 20 km with forecast expected to be gusty later in the day. I launched with a group of kayak friends from the wharf in St.Phillips. Ideal location for a workout, especially early in the season. The water was choppy and a little chaotic, and was great practice. Then an odd thing happened - I was hit side on with a small to moderate wave, nothing exceptional, went to brace and the blade wasn't where I expected it to be. I am thinking the paddle which twists to adjust but doesn't lock, loosened and the feathered blade I usually have was transformed. I popped over and still underwater, tried to adjust my grip but could not and made a wet exit.
Great to have a fellow paddler - Dean, nearby, who ran the rescue. To say the water was cold would be understating things. My hands were numb and even though I have rescued others and been in the water lots practicing - when you end up in the water it is good to have a reliable partner. This was the first paddle of the year and the first time I ended up in the water unplanned.
This re-emphasized for me that you can never practice these scenarios too often.
And a reliable pair of gloves are important - to keep the hands warm.

Test and practice before the storm

Taking advantage of a sunny day to test the new dry suit and have a workout on the pond.

Maharaja exhibit at the AGO

The Maharaja exhibit was a fascinating insight into a part of Indian culture and history. It provides a glimpse into the Royal Courts of India. Some 200 incredible works of art are on display created for India's kings and include paintings, furniture, arts and jewelry. If you are in Toronto it is worth dropping by before it closes in April.