Information
Attention paddlers with spiffy new pool rolls! Chota would like to invite you to take the Polar Bear Plunge…kayaker style! We will be bringing in the Lunar New Year by taking your new kayak roll skills from the warm indoor pool to Meade’s Quarry.
Date: Saturday, February 10, 2024 @11:00
Location: Mead’s Quarry Lake ramp at Ijams Nature Center, 4398 Island Home Ave, Knoxville, TN.
Meet at 11 AM at the River Sports rental location at Ijams, which is located at Mead’s Quarry Lake ramp. We’ll gather in a heated tent set up right by the ramp, and discuss cold weather paddling considerations like Gasp Reflex (aka torso reflex or cold water inspiratory gasp), safe cold weather paddling strategies, and hypothermia prevention, signs, symptoms, and treatment. Then we’ll gear up and slide into the quarry for a short roll practice in a cold water environment.
We are creating a safe and controlled first-hand experience of the differences between rolling in the nice warm indoor pool and the rivers we’ll be spending the winter on. For our safety, we’ll be equipped with instructors, hot chocolate, a fire pit, a warm tent, and medical personnel on-site.
Dry-suits are required to participate in the water. You don’t have one yet? No worries. We’ll have a couple available as loaners.
What to bring
Chair.
Boating gear: Helmet, PFD, skirt, boat, paddle, flotation, water, snacks.
Synthetic or wool base layers (top and bottom) – NO COTTON! Warm mid-layer since we won’t be working too hard. Warm socks (again – no cotton) and some sort of paddle shoes/boots.
Bring your dry suit if you have one and poggies or gloves. We can’t overstate the need for a neoprene beanie or skull cap to prevent ice cream headaches. Depending on the wind and temperature consider wearing a wool balaclava.
Warm change of clothes and a towel.
Extra Details:
Google pin for Mead's Quarry Lake Ramp
Watch this YouTube tutorial, What to Wear Kayaking, especially in the winter!
Point of Contact: Bryan Hooks via Facebook messenger or email bryanhooks@me.com
Special conditions
You must be a member of Chota Canoe Club to sign up for the free event.
Complete the liability waiver once for 2024.