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[quote=Wolfman]I second that.  Always plan that you will get wet and/or dump it!  Remember that water temp is about 5-10 below the air temp normally (water temps are closer to the night time low). Water temps between 65-80 are normally fine without a wetsuit.  50-65 you want between 2 and 3 mm of neoprene on you - Farmer John and a spash top are fine.   40-50 you want AT LEAST 3mm of neoprene, probably should have a dry suit.  Under that you really should have a dry suit.

Some of this depends one how you personally react to cold.  For instance most Navy Seals can swim down to 40 with minimal protection.  They are conditioned to it.  Last October I went out and the water was about 40-45, I had 2 mm of neoprene but I realized half way through that my half gloves and booties were not up to the task.  I wasn't too comfortable and if we dumped I would have had a hell of a time getting enough grip strength to get back on the boat. Kind of scary because we were basically the only ones left on the lake before winter so if we stuffed it we were screwed - no help coming til spring.  I scared myself pretty good and I've dealt with deadly cold (-40 and then some) every winter of my life and probably have a better than average cold tolerance.

Anyway, the point is a good steamer wetsuit and some boots and gloves are a small price to pay to extend the season safely!  A couple of chemical warmers (hot shots) to shove down your pants to counter excessive shrinkage probably isn't a bad idea either! :)  That's an old Canadian outdoor hockey player trick. :)[/quote]

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