Practice with pogies and gloves
Posted by: davemcadoo
on Jan-16-13 3:36 PM (EST)
Last time I swam it was to grab a water bottle from bottom of boat. I lifted up on the paddle while holding the water bottle. May I please suggest you ask someone to help stabilize you whan making changes, or hold unto a dock. PLEASE DRESS TO SWIM A fuzzy rubber farmer jane or john is better than nothing. You are concerned about your hands but what about your body?
I have busted ice trying to get to shore. My kokatat dry suit kept me warm but I once returned from a solo trip and found the relief zipper was open. If I had swam, I would probably be dead. Neoprene is cheaper and simpler. Please avoid the myth of personal invincibility. We are not designed to survive cold water!