Category:
Before Paddle Preparation
- We’ll be out on the water with no or limited shade. Typical SE Virginia/NE North Carolina spring, summer, and fall Wx (~70 to ~105 degrees Fahrenheit) is considered normal operating temperatures for Casual Kayakers.
- The 120 Rule for paddling season – This rule of thumb states that the air temperature plus water temperature (in Fahrenheit) should be greater than or equal to 120. With the caveat that water temperatures should be 60 F or greater. This is where springtime or fall weather can lull kayakers into a sense of safety when air temps are 70 F or above but water temps are lower. Any tours conducted with water temperatures below 60 F will require a participant provided wetsuit or drysuit.
- We’ll make the Wx call together either the day prior or the morning of the scheduled paddle. Periodic light drizzle is not a showstopper.
- We’ll consider mitigations first (moving the on-site start or end time; changing paddle location, etc.)
- Wx cancellation reasons include:
- constant or regular bands of moderate to heavy rain (what fun would that be?!);
- thunderstorms (any Wx with lighting);
- high winds (that can’t be mitigated by local terrain);
- anything that prompts a boaters advisory for the water we’ll be on (rough seas/water, high flow-rate on river(s), storm surge/flooding, tropical event, hurricane, etc.) and
- excessive heat/dangerous heat index or cold.
- Should a thunderstorm develop while we’re on the water (possible on most summer days, typically later in the afternoon)
- We will attempt to get back to the launch location if time and conditions allow.
- We will head to the nearest landable shore and seek what shelter is available until the storm passes.
