Staying dry, warm and happy as you get out on the rivers through October/ November, and into December involves some different gear then during the summer.
Summer time, depending on where you paddle, a dry top and shorts with some light thermals underneath and your good to go. The water is warmer, the rivers (on the island) are lower.
As the Fall chill moves in its nice to get some warmer layers and dry gear that keeps you happy on the whitewater.
- A solid helmet keeps your head protected, I like having ear protection. Check out the WRSI helmet or the Sweet Protection ROCKER.
- A neoprene skull cap is a must to keep your head warm when cold river is trying to freeze your skull (Ice-cream headache)
- Ear Plugs – a must to stop Surfers Ear (exostosis in the ear Canal). Check out Surf Ears or Doc Pro Plugs

Cold Morning on the Nimpkish River
- Pogies or check these to wear on your paddle are my preference when it gets cold. Some people like mitts or gloves – whatever you use to keep your hands in a functional state. Carrying some hand warmers in your dry bag could be a good trick as well.
- Dry suit – These are not cheap, however they are great for cold water paddling. I’ve been using a NRS Jakl Suit for the last couple of years and it has been great.
- Fleece or other under layers and for that its hard to beat a onesie – I’ve been using the Lightweight and Expedition weight Union Suit from NRS.

- Neoprene socks – These help protect your Dry Suit feet as well as give you a bit of added warmth. Check out the Hydroskin 0.5mm NRS wetsocks.
- A PFD is an essential piece of kit and having one on traps some heat. Check out the NRS Vector with its Orbit Fit System.
- Footwear is last on my list. Currently using Palm Gradient boots which have a vibram sole and have been holding up with over a hundred days of paddling a year, plus another 20-30 days of swift water teaching. For playboating, I’ve been using using the NRS Paddle wet shoe, which with size 13 feet works well in my Rockstar 5 play boat.

Fall day on the Nimpkish
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