WINTER ON THE WATER

Jennifer Gulizia

With proper preparation, you can paddleboard during the cold months

story by MOLLY ALLEN | photos by JENNIFER GULIZIA and courtesy of FIONA WYLDE

FIONA WYLDE

For paddleboarders, nothing compares to the feeling you get being out on the water, the sense of accomplishment as you enhance your skills with each stroke of the paddle and the views you get to take in along the way. But once the weather cools and the water temperature drops, should you still be out on your board? For many, the proper preparations make paddling a year-round sport.

Courtesy of Fiona Wylde

“Paddling in the winter can be one of the most beautiful times to be out on the water,” says Fiona Wylde, three-time SUP World Champion and the founder of Wylde Wind & Water in Hood River. But it’s not quite as simple as just getting up on your board and heading out. With winter weather comes different conditions for paddling.

“I love encouraging people to paddle year-round,” says Joel Yang, who started Hood River’s Stoke on the Water, which offers guided downwind SUP tours and clinics,

Matt Luchsinger heads to the water at Blalock Canyon in the eastern Gorge, left. Top, T.J. Gulizia demonstrates form on a calm, wintry day.

The Trailblockers at Seven Streams after one of their weekly rides in Post Canyon, Jennifer Gulizia Checking the forecast at Big Winds before a winter paddle, above. At right, Fiona Wylde and her dad, MacRae Wylde, paddle in Nichols Boat Basin.

in 2017. “Your water access is a beautiful thing.” But ultimately, it’s an exercise in informing yourself of conditions, dressing for the weather and properly gearing up for a safe, fun time on the water.

KNOW YOUR SKILL LEVEL

Understanding your skill level is important any time you’re heading out on the water. is will play a role in choosing the location and length for your paddle. In winter, it’s even more important. If you’re paddling for the rst time, winter may not be the ideal time to start. But if you’re a competent and experienced paddler, with the proper gear, it can be the most magical time of the year.

CHECK THE WEATHER e weather in the Gorge can turn in an instant. Checking what the weather is doing when you’re ready to go out is important, along with checking what the weather is forecasted to do.

Courtesy of Fiona Wylde

Jennifer Gulizia

Paddlers head into the Port of Arlington after a 10-mile downwind run from Blalock Canyon. The stretch is considered one of the premier Gorge downwinders for its wide sections of river and big swell.

DRESS PROPERLY

According to Wylde, deciding what to wear while paddling in winter can sometimes be the hardest part of the paddle. “You don’t want to overheat, which can commonly happen, but you also don’t want to get cold,” she says.

Dressing for winter paddling is all about layering. You want to stay dry and warm, both on your board and if you end up in the water.

“ e biggest thing is understanding the layers that are important to you and what works with the type of riding you’ll be doing,” says Yang. “It’s about being comfortable and being able to climate control.”

But keeping warm doesn’t mean throwing on a beanie and a down jacket and calling it good. ose items aren’t meant for submersion, especially in winter’s cold water. “Tights and a sweatshirt might be really warm, but if you fall in the water, your sweatshirt is going to make you very heavy and swimming will be di cult,” says Wylde. Finding the proper attire for your body and the type of paddling you’ll be doing is key to not only comfort but also your safety on the water.

You can consider a full wetsuit, but Yang suggests looking at separate neoprene pieces, selecting pants and a top to better suit the temperature and type of paddling you’ll be doing. at way, you can choose di erent levels of neoprene thickness to suit your body. Looking at options for layering, such as a wind barrier vest, pants with a wind barrier or a sailing jacket can make all the di erence.

Yang also recommends an Exo Skin layer made in Hood River at ProMotion Wetsuits, which provides a soft, water-repellant and wind-resistant shell on the outside and eece on the interior. Dry suits are a great option as well, however they tend to be more cost-prohibitive and may cause you to get too hot while paddling.

Gloves and booties are also crucial pieces to out t yourself for winter paddling. “When you wade out, your feet will get wet,” Yang says. “You want really good booties to keep your feet warm.” is will help to keep you comfortable while getting on your board from your launch point, as well as keep you warm and dry during your paddle.

GEAR UP FOR SAFETY

A lifejacket, or PFD, is required by law any time you’re out on the water. Yang says it’s best to avoid belt-type PFDs, especially in winter. And as a bonus, a vest PFD can add another layer for warmth. is will be your rst line of defense if you fall in and are unable to get back up on your board or get to shore safely.

Using a leash should be top of mind as well. is piece of equipment is attached to the tail end of your board with a cord. On the other end is an ankle strap to attach the leash to you, connecting you with your board.

“ e leash is a very important piece of safety equipment because it helps you stay connected to your board if you fall o . In winter, this is extremely important because the water temperature is very cold and swimming is very challenging in those temperatures,” says Wylde. “Having your board attached to you is the safest way to ensure that you will be able to get back to your board and you won’t have to swim back to shore.”

When you’re ready to go out, be sure to have a paddle plan and let someone know where you’re headed and when you plan to be back.

Yang also suggests bringing a light with you, as it gets dark so much earlier in the winter months. A headlamp can come in handy if you take a bit longer coming back in from your paddle, or if you need to signal for help. In addition to having a cell phone, a VHF radio is also at the top of his list, which can be helpful for communicating while paddling with others or reaching assistance in the event of an emergency. A handheld VHF radio will still work in locations where you don’t have cell phone service and can be used to call the local sheri ’s department.

CHOOSE A LOCATION

With the proper safety gear and clothing ready, where should you head out to paddle in the winter? If you can access the location just as easily in the winter months as you can in summer, it’s probably going to be a great spot. Local at-water favorites such as Lost Lake and Trillium Lake aren’t as easily accessible. However, other nearby lakes, as well as the Columbia River certainly are. Yang says that paddling out on the Columbia in the winter months is truly special.

“In the wintertime, I like to paddle close to shore. e water is cold, and the weather can change very quickly,” adds Wylde. “One of my favorite places to paddle in Hood River is Nichols Boat Basin, which is a calm, protected part of the river where there is very little current and it is protected by the wind.” Particularly if you’re new to winter paddling, it can be a great, safe option.

Ultimately, it’s all about choosing a location that you feel con dent and comfortable with, and then making sure you’re properly geared up for the occasion. Keep warm, be safe and have fun.