When the winter ice melts, we can get out paddling on the river early.   This year, our first outing was in February.

The water is cold so a number of measures can be taken.   We wear neoprene socks and booties so we can step into the water to launch and land.   We wear neoprene gloves for our hands and try to keep them dry.

The leafless shorelines are lined with red ossier dogwood and geese congregate on beaches.

Willows are at their early-season best-yellows and on a calm day, the reflections grace our paddling journey.

Our kayaks have insulated seats, but early season paddlers may need to bring a cushion to sit on.   Some paddlers even put a foam pad under their legs.   We wear our spray skits until the end of April.   A good paddling jacket and a toque keep us warm enough on a calm day.   Wearing a wetsuit or drysuit is even a better idea, especially in windy conditions.   If the temperatures are cold and the wind is blowing, we go for a hike instead.

In the right conditions we can start paddling as soon as the ice is off the river and the shoreline is dry.

Safety is an important issue when the water is cold.   We know and have practiced self-rescue.   We wear a PFD and have a paddle float and leash.  If we go over in the cold water, we know that reducing the time in the water is critical so we may choose to swim to shore rather than try to self-rescue on the water.

Late winter paddling is not a good practice for novices and even for intermediate and advanced paddlers, all of the safety steps are essential.

The best part of paddling at this time of year is that there will be no one else out, especially the dreaded power boats.   A quiet paddle on a nice day is a fine tonic for winter cabin fever.