Do Kayaks And Cold Weather Mix?

[Smokinal]

I bought my first kayak this summer and am really hooked on getting into smaller water where big boats can't go. I've had some great days out there in it this year. I still love my Nitro and alternate here and there with it. My question is, do you guys still go out in the kayak in air temps of 35-40 and water in the high 40's, low 50's? Do you do anything different as far as safety precautions go? I always wear my PFD in it, and it's pretty stable; I'm just not sure if it's a good idea with extra clothes on, even with a PFD.

Thoughts and tips?

 

This is similar to my PFD fwiw:

 

http://www.cabelas.com/product/boating/life-jackets-vests/inflatable-life-jackets|/pc/104794380/c/104741280/sc/104399280/cabela-s-essential-2500-auto-pfd/1806470.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Finflatable-life-jackets%2F_%2FN-1100590%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_104399280

 

[Darren.]

They mix, so long as you are prepared.

 

I used to go out all the time in Virginia

winters, but they're tame compared to 

Maine winters.

 

I wear layers under my PFD, warm socks,

etc. I have no scuppers in my yak, so I am

not getting wet except from fish hauled in.

[bigfruits]

if you flip, hypothermia could be an issue. id recommend a change of clothes in a dry bag as a precaution.

 

I don't think the extra clothes will weigh you down enough to sink the pfd. id worry more about losing body heat after taking a swim.

[Turtle135]

I fish through the winter here in Maryland in my Ride 115. I having been wearing the "dry suit" since mid October. If the combination of air and water temperature is 120 degrees or less out comes the dry suit. As it gets colder the layers underneath the dry suit increase.

 

1. always wear the PFD

2. keep spare clothing in a dry bag

3. have a good way to easily start a fire in an emergency

4. not the time to explore new areas if you are on moving water (rivers, tidal influence, etc.)

5. try to not fish alone (however I frequently violate this one as there is a limited supply of anglers who enjoy fishing in a snow storm)

[flyfisher]

i almost prefer winter fishing myself.  No people on the water and if you can find them, the big girls are almost always willing to play

[desmobob]

I fish through the winter here in Maryland in my Ride 115. I having been wearing the "dry suit" since mid October. If the combination of air and water temperature is 120 degrees or less out comes the dry suit. As it gets colder the layers underneath the dry suit increase.

 

1. always wear the PFD

2. keep spare clothing in a dry bag

3. have a good way to easily start a fire in an emergency

4. not the time to explore new areas if you are on moving water (rivers, tidal influence, etc.)

5. try to not fish alone (however I frequently violate this one as there is a limited supply of anglers who enjoy fishing in a snow storm)

 

This almost sums up my cold water/cold weather safety precautions for canoe and kayak use.  The only thing missing is "File a float plan."  In other words, make sure someone knows where you're headed and when you'll be back.  

 

A safety mindset is important, too.  Be aware of the dangers of cold water and cold weather, and remind yourself not to do those "risky" things you might do in the summer time.

 

Tight lines,

Bob 

[OperationEagle]

if you flip, hypothermia could be an issue. id recommend a change of clothes in a dry bag as a precaution.

 

I don't think the extra clothes will weigh you down enough to sink the pfd. id worry more about losing body heat after taking a swim.

 

Good advice AND I will go even further...I wear a john (armless) wetsuit.  Be informed...take a sec and google hypothermia.  I bet A-Jay will chime in here soon....he's always a good reference on this stuff.

 

 

[DogBone_384]

I fish through the winter here in Maryland in my Ride 115. I having been wearing the "dry suit" since mid October. If the combination of air and water temperature is 120 degrees or less out comes the dry suit. As it gets colder the layers underneath the dry suit increase.

 

1. always wear the PFD

2. keep spare clothing in a dry bag

3. have a good way to easily start a fire in an emergency

4. not the time to explore new areas if you are on moving water (rivers, tidal influence, etc.)

5. try to not fish alone (however I frequently violate this one as there is a limited supply of anglers who enjoy fishing in a snow storm)

About sums it up. Also make sure someone knows where you are going, a float plan I believe it's called.

Just don't try to start a fire on your 'yak ...

[Evan K]

I would love to have and wear one of those wetsuits surfers wear when the water's cold. I think that under a few good layers of clothing and you wouldn't even need to worry about hypothermia.

[flyfisher]

I would love to have and wear one of those wetsuits surfers wear when the water's cold. I think that under a few good layers of clothing and you wouldn't even need to worry about hypothermia.

dry suits are where it's at....i don't fish in the cold enough to warrant one but i know many who do and they are pretty much set for any temperature water they would face.

[Dye99]

I live in Cali, and my main lake is in the sierra's and I fish year round in my yaks...

 

 

My wet ass yaks stay in the garage though. Only the seated ones go out...

 

Better fishing, less people.

[Jrob78]

One other thing I will add is to fish with a buddy when you can.  When you hit that cold water, your ability to swim very far could be severely limited.  I am speaking from experience.

[Snakehead Whisperer]

I fish through the winter here in Maryland in my Ride 115. I having been wearing the "dry suit" since mid October. If the combination of air and water temperature is 120 degrees or less out comes the dry suit. As it gets colder the layers underneath the dry suit increase.

 

1. always wear the PFD

2. keep spare clothing in a dry bag

3. have a good way to easily start a fire in an emergency

4. not the time to explore new areas if you are on moving water (rivers, tidal influence, etc.)

5. try to not fish alone (however I frequently violate this one as there is a limited supply of anglers who enjoy fishing in a snow storm)

Great advice.

I bought my first kayak this summer and am really hooked on getting into smaller water where big boats can't go....

Turtle135 knows what he's talking about.

[Caliyak]

Time to move to Florida or Cali. Sandals and shorts year round. LOL

I fish during our 40' winters. So, everything stays the same but I wear long sleeve shirts or hoodies and long water resistance pants.

Life is hard out here in the west coast.

[hoosierbass07]

 Oh man, I want to try at least once to get my Ride 115 out on a strip pit pond when it's really really cold this winter but I don't have a dry suit.  When I'm kayaking in the spring/summer/fall I hardly get wet.  My Ride 115 is very stable.  So should I buy a dry suit or not?  

[Kidflex]

If you plug your scuppers, the kayak might ride a little higher and may be top heavy. I had a friend do that and took a dump in some cold water. I only use a sit in kayak during the winter.