Winter is Coming: Don't just hibernate!

Whether you like it or not, cold weather and water are heading our way (I know….BOOO).  With the change in conditions, it’s really easy just to put on some sweatpants, cozy up on the couch, binge watch EVERYTHING, and let your fitness and connection to the outdoors slip away.
But it doesn’t have to be that way!  Even though it’s not 85 degrees and gorgeous, you can still enjoy the physical and mental health advantages of spending time outdoors.  You just need to BE PREPARED.  Here are some things to keep in mind when preparing for some time outdoors in winter on the North Carolina coast.
Kayaking

1. Live by the “120 Rule”-  If the combined temperature of the air and water are less than 120 degrees, you are in danger of hypothermia if you flip.  Warm weather does not cancel out cold water!  Really, any water below 70 degrees should have you being a little more planful on  your paddling trip.
   
2. How to dress-  Stay away from cotton clothing and focus on wearing quick drying clothing.  If the math for your trip finds you on the wrong side of the 120 rule, you may even want to think about a wetsuit or drysuit. 
   
3. Hypothermia pack-  One thing we make sure to have for any of our kayak excursions in the cooler months is a dry bag with necessary materials to help our customers if they take an unplanned swim.  In our pack, we have sweatshirts, toboggan hats, gloves, socks, chemical hand warmers, emergency blankets, and energy bars.  You should try to have something similar with you.
   
4. Pick a good day!-  Don’t go out on an iffy day.  You can get away with that during the summer but winter won’t let it slide.  If you aren’t sure what a good day is, call us!  We are glad to give you our opinion on whether it’s a GO or a NO.
   
5. Wear a PFD-  You should always be doing this on a kayak but even more important if you are in deep water and cold water is sapping your energy.
   
6. Go with a friend-  You should always try to go with a friend but it’s even more important in winter.  You may not be thinking straight and you need that clear mind to help you make the right choices to avoid severe hypothermia.
   

Hiking

1.  How to dress- Layers!  Also, you need to stay away from cotton and stick with quick drying synthetic materials.
   
2. Make sure to have your head covered-  Most of your heat is lost from your head so some sort of warm hat is extremely important
   
3. Remember to eat and drink-  It’s easy to remember to stay hydrated during the summer but much harder in winter.  Remember to drink plenty of water and eat BEFORE you are hungry.
   
4. Bring the 10 essentials!-  If you were in scouts, you may remember this and, just because you aren’t 14 years old, it doesn’t make this any less important.  Your 10 essentials are:  navigation (map/compass, GPS), sun protection, extra clothes, pocket knife, fire starter, trail food, flashlight/headlamp, water, rain gear, and a first aid kit.
   
5. Know where you are going-  Stick with familiar trails!  Things may look different in winter so really stay focused on staying on the trail.​
   

Just remember, a failure to plan is a plan to fail.  There’s other times of year that you can get away with not planning ahead but winter isn’t one of them.  Plan ahead and you’ll be safe when exploring our beautiful area year round!