Paddling Gear Update

Mike just contacted me about the gear...He works with several other crews around town, and some of his gear has gone missing.  He has all adults covered, but needs us to outfit our kids in the traditional pre-neoprene style.  Mike apologized for not having all the gear he thought he did.

I asked and Mike assured me that we will be fine in this gear as well...it's not as easy or pretty as having the tetraprene/neoprene gear, but it will be fine.  He's mostly concerned about head, hands and feet.  So please take a look at the note he sent and make sure you have the right gear for this weekend or as close to it as possible.

Some of this was already necessary gear, but I'm sorry for the additional gear and the prep time that wasn't anticipated!

See you all soon!

Ben

Here's the note he sent me with how the kids should prepare:

Kids Winter Paddling Clothing
Try to avoid Cotton clothing, it won't dry and gets very heavy if wet.  Poly
blend, or wool or wool blend is best.

Three layer system + Rain / Snow layer

• First layer = long underwear, top and bottom (can substitute sweat pants and shirt for long underwear)
• Second layer = fleece coat and wool pants, blue jeans will work if necessary
• Top layer = winter coat

Rain/Snow Layer

• plastic poncho and plastic pants or rain suit
• Head, Feet and Hands
• Should bring two sets of each for a change just in case of wet head, wet feet and wet hands
• Wool winter hat that covers ears + hood on coat
• Thick Wool socks + plastic bags over socks
• Thinsulate winter gloves, (ski gloves are good because they are generally water proof scarf to wrap around face if windy
• Winter snow boots

Kids Clothing Tips and Notes

No Gym Shoes!!  only bring them to change into when we are done

"Farm boots" are good, they are rubber and come up over the calf.  I know that they can be purchased for $16-$20 at Wal Mart (yes, I know, I hate it too, but it's the cheapest and only place to get them easily) These farm boots will work all year for all cleanups, and garden stuff, etc.... Not a bad investment for the kids.

Don't forget to bring a pair of sweats or some type of change of clothing for the ride home.  Let this be a reminder to all to bring something to exchange for any muddy outerwear that shouldn't be worn in the cars and a reminder to drivers that it might be good to bring an empty rubbermaid tub to throw muddy stuff into for the ride.

I will bring a bunch of small wool gloves to put on under everyone's gloves or mittens.  They are cheap one size fit all that I got a while ago.  I have enough for all the river kids.