Cold water sailboarding

I live in Alaska. Have windsurfed some in warm climates but never here. Would welcome input as to gear (dry suits, etc) which others have used successfully when windsurfing in cold water.

11C (52F) is well above the barefoot threshold for many WSers. I see some guys in shortys then (no comment on how intelligent I consider that to be).

Mike m/

You should check out some of the past magazine articles. I remember one on sailing the arm near Anchorage. Sounded pretty intense though if I remember right. Sounded like the current was more of a danger than the water temp. As to water temps, in lakes I have no problem with a drysuit and 33 degree water as long as air is above 50 degrees. Where you plan to sail will be much more scary with tides taking you out to sea if you break down, which is a real possiblity at any time. I would carry a small backpack with a spare uni in it at least although coditions may not even allow a repair on the water. Carry some line as well. Dave

Some lakes could easily require a many-hour swim ... and that's not even in Great Lakes territory. I got cold in my 3-hour swim in a dry suit in a NM lake, and that was in air and water in the upper 50s. (Of course, the air temp was irrelevant.)

The threat in the Turnagain Arm is getting stranded in the miles of mud when the tide rushes out. That can be fatal, as not even a helicopter can rescue victims.

Mike m/