In this video we will have a look at clothing, insulation and external heat sources. All relevant for winter paddling and staying warm during the cold winter months.
Knowing how we lose heat can help you understand how to prevent it from happening.
We lose heat through touching or being in contact with anything colder than ourself. Heat loss through conduction can be prevented by insulating your kayak with closed cell foam pads at your feet and on your seat.
The wind chill causes heat loss through convection. The air movement that feels like relief on hot day will only add to the cold air temperature on a winter`s day. Here our dry suit and base layers will prevent the effect of convection.
Evaporation through sweating is our body`s way of regulating its own temperature. On a warm day sweating will cool the body temperature. On a cold day being damp and sweaty is another consideration to be managed. By managing our activity level we can prevent the cooling effect of sweating and evaporation.
Through radiation humans lose heat to the environment. It is possible to contain some of that radiation wearing a barrier such as a dry suit. Multiple layers, base layer and mid layer, will also help in containing the radiation. A PFD and spray skirt will further help us prevent radiation. While on land staying in the sunshine, out of the wind and building a fire will all contribute to you remaining warm.
