Quick question for the forum. A friend and I are doing a WW canoe intro clinic this weekend at Palmers. What would you suggest we wear for it? Would it make sense to rent a thick wetsuit (say from here)? Buy one of the less expensive farmer john's from mec? Any preferred accessories (head, hands and feet come to mind?) Recommendations, suggestions and funny anecdotes welcomed.

1st choice is a dry-suit.

That maybe out of the question though

Farmer John is the best best bet for paddling. Try to avoid wetsuits that restrict arm movements. 3mm should be the thickest, any more than that and you will cook while out of the water.

In fair weather this should be sufficient.

If it is raining or a chilly wind a paddling top in addition to the wetsuit might be an option.
http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_deta ... 1884631622

If you don't want to drop the cash, some polypro long underwear top and bottom, will warm significantly and cut the breeze.

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I like canoes

At one time you could rent drysuits but I couldn't find one listed on their website and Trailhead only seems to have a wetsuit.
Don't buy one right away. Beg or borrow. If you become a casual WW person then a wetsuit would be enough but if you catch the bug you'll be getting a drysuit and the neoprene will just be closet space.
There should be tons of them on used gear sites

The water has lost the bone chill but is still cold. We've stopped using the beenies and gloves for the adults. I like to recommend neoprene socks. They fit in most well used sneakers and keep the feet a little warmer in the bottom of a wet canoe. PLUS.....if you never do white water again they will still come in handy tripping.
Pack lost of changes quick dry if you have it and no cotton. Dan's got most of it covered. A wind break over the layers helps when you are wet....and you will be A change for the morning and afternoon.

A thermos of hot coffee will go a long way to make you comfortable and a snickers bar for 10 am and lots of water to drink.
Being cold kind of prevents you from taking the risks and pushing yourself and that is what you have payed to do in the hands of a pro to pick you up and dust you off. So, make sure you maximize that time by staying warm, hydrated.

Oh and the bugs at Palmers are treacherous right now. Hubby picked up our Caption there this weekend and the girls retreated to the car. Pocket Headnets for shore lunch and scouting and a bug shirt for camp

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