Thanks to Shawn Baker for submitting this table.
|
Water Temperature |
Loss of Dexterity (with no protective clothing) |
Exhaustion or Unconsciousness |
Expected Time of Survival |
Recommended Paddling Clothing* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
32.5 (0.3) |
Under 2 min. |
Under 15 min. |
Under 15 to 45 min. |
Drysuit with fleece layers, neoprene booties, beanie, gloves |
|
32.5 to 40 (0.3 to 4.5) |
Under 3 min. |
15 to 30 min. |
30 to 90 min. |
Drysuit with fleece layers, neoprene booties, beanie, gloves |
|
40 to 50 (4.5 to 10) |
Under 5 min. |
30 to 60 min.
|
1 to 3 hrs. |
Drysuit with fleece or polypro layers, neoprene booties, beanie, gloves |
|
50 to 60 (10 to 15.5) |
10 to 15 min. |
1 to 2 hrs. |
1 to 6 hrs. |
Drysuit with polypro layers or wetsuit plus drytop, neoprene booties, hat |
|
60 to 70 (15.5 to 21) |
30 to 40 min. |
2 to 7 hrs. |
2 to 40 hrs. |
Wetsuit with light paddling jacket, paddling shoes, hat |
|
70 to 80 (21 to 26.5) |
1 to 2 hrs. |
2 to 12 hrs. |
3 hrs. to indefinite |
Thin or shorty wetsuit |
|
Over 80 (Over 26.5) |
2 to 12 hrs. |
Indefinite |
Indefinite |
Swimsuit |
* This table is intended as a basic guide for paddling apparel selection for various water temperatures. If water/weather conditions are rough or paddlers are inexperienced, clothing one or two levels more protective should be considered. Always wear a PFD.