Essential Gear Winter kayaking is a challenging endeavor for which paddlers must be ready. Cold air and colder water can make for a miserable outing unless kayakers are prepared. The paddlers are clad in layers of the latest fabrics. Beneath are more layers, albeit thin ones, for too much thickness restricts critical paddling movements. Maneuverability is essential, especially when tackling such falls as Jerrod's Knee.
Feet are clad in wool socks under either sandals or neoprene booties.
A pile headband is often worn to keep ears toasty. But first to chill are the paddler's hands, and frozen hands can hinder accurate blade stroking. The answer is pogies, a kind of over-mitt that allows you to feel the paddle yet keeps the wind off your hands. It does not prevent your paws from getting wet. At the end of the paddling run, warm, dry clothing and a thermos of hot liquids should await, a just reward for an invigorating winter or early-spring paddle down a southern Appalachian stream.