Prepare for Cold Before Paddling Frigid Water Can Take Breath Away

Summary

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We're all about paddling this week. The on-water season already is under way for some, and for others it's right around the corner.

Before you drag out your boat or canoe and head for the nearest ice-free water, though, take a few minutes and study up on what cold water can do to you - like kill you - quickly. And plan to attend the free sixth annual Paddle Smart from the Start safety symposium at the Bangor Y on April 28 (more on that below).

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Extract

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Prepare for Cold Before Paddling Frigid Water Can Take Breath Away

At a Maine Association of Sea Kayak Guides and Instructors meeting on March 23, we got a great review of hypothermia and cold water immersion from Dr. Dave Johnson of Wilderness Medical Associates in Portland, some reference material from Gordon G. Giesbrecht (known as Dr. Popsicle), and a couple of educational pamphlets by Chuck Sutherland, who authored an article "Cold Water Paddling" published in Atlantic Coastal Kayaker in December 2001.

Giesbrecht is the man...

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