A Long, Cold Swim
 

TCT,

The video in the link below is a sobering reminder of the hazards of paddling alone, in cold water, near dusk, on large rivers this time of year, and in rivers in flood or at a very, very high level. Fortunately, this guy made it, but it's easy to see how someone could fail to keep their wits about them under these conditions and not have survived. Everyone, be safe out there.

http://www.vimeo.com/10290133

and here is the first person account of the swim and subsequent rescue from the paddler.....

http://www.monocacyboard.org/mboard/msg/9742.html

This Guy lived to tell his story because he had the right gear for an early season paddle. Paddling solo in those conditions and that much flow was just plain dumb. I will take a long look at my protective gear, after watching that video. Remember the 120 rule: water + Air temp = 120 degrees, wet or dry suit needed below 120.

Good reminder on conditions for when to wear a wetsuit/drysuit, Rich.

As crazy as it may seem to us to be on the water under the conditions in that video, there are a number of kayakers down in that area who paddle that stuff whenever they get the chance. The odds finally caught up with one of them and he was very lucky that someone on shore heard his whistle. His wife and some other paddling friends new he was out there, but they didn't know where.

I noticed that he headed for some partially submerged trees towards the end of the video. In general, that is a bad idea. With the current being that strong, he could have easily have gotten pinned against something and really been up s*** creek.

Yes, it's very ironic that steering toward and grabbing hold of the downed trees actually saved this guy.