Hi Everyone,
Hope your having a good winter and got out to enjoy the snow while we had it. Looking at the forecast had me thinking about getting out on a paddle with the our air temp hitting 70 this week and I suspect some of you may be thinking that. BUT, take note the water temp in the harbor is down to 45 degree's today. At 45 you'll go numb pretty quick. Test it by stepping in the water in your bare feet. I've found that up most creeks the water temp in actually colder and just warming up to 45 when mixed with sea water. This is certainly a mixed blessing we deal with in the low country. Warm air, cold water makes it tough when deciding what to wear, Now, remember the saying "dress for the water". That should mean wearing a wet suit at this water temp or better yet a dry suit which only a few of us own. Most of us go out in synthetics (wools better) with hopefully at least a paddle jacket to hold in the heat. If you wear sandals you'll quickly note how cold the water is. Please, don't paddle alone or even with someone who does not know how to help your when not dressed for the water. Paddle with a group. Think club paddles or join Ralph on one of his showNgoes. Note, he doesn't go out if the air temp hits 50. I see he cancelled the Wambaw Creek paddle on the 18th for the cold water. As I said, it's our privilege to have such warm weather in the winters here, but the water is still very cold. Maybe you can try taking a bike ride or a good hike instead of a paddle. Oh yes, don't forget the clubs oyster roast coming up in a couple weeks.
Now, get out and have fun.
Dan