-- Last Updated: Jan-15-13 12:22 AM EST --
Paddled the Huron often in the winter over the years
as well as the Shiawassee River.
Annual St Patricks paddle at Island State Rec
aka Kensington Kent Lake Dam has been going on for
over a decade.
http://picasaweb.google.com/108590711667865641354/KayakingStPatricksDay2003
http://bitly.com/RVljkh
http://picasaweb.google.com/108590711667865641354/Dec52010ShiawasseeRiverHarmonToDitch#5550008516492485346
Pogies allow that hand flesh on paddle shaft "feel"
for better control and finesse of the blade.
Wearing a glove means you're compressing that material
resulting in quicker hand/wrist fatigue.
Redundancy is vitally important in winter.
I always have backup sets (plural) dry gloves nearby
in case of a severe dumping with extended swim.
That redundancy also involves fellow paddlers going
out as a group to increase that safety margin.
Fallen trees, strainers, stumps, roots are obstacles
and flipping at the wrong time could be real nasty,
especially with snow melt raising the water level.
I like SnapDragon brand - easy to get hand in and out.
They hold their shape well, no fumbling,no fuss.
http://snapdragondesign.com/2008/12/12/hyper-hands/