"As If"

What a day on Minnetonka, 63F in November! ISK had paddling day planned for "as if" we were planning an all day trip on Lake Superior. This would give people an opportunity to gain some experience in leadership, and navigation roles, for a day on Lake Superior. A good deal of emphasis was put into hypothermia awareness ... heck, the water was 41 degrees, and the air temp a balmy 63F. A perfect recipe for trouble on the lake. We had a great turn out, 17 people in all. Breaking up into three groups, and all taking different routes from Cooks Bay in the city of Mound, to Goose, and Spray Island for a quick break, then onto Big Island for lunch. Planned talks on hypothermia, proper gear, and clothing for the trip. Then those who had taken navigation, and group leading roles, switched. Then the paddle back to Cooks Bay. We returned a bit before sunset, loaded up, and stopped for a pizza, and a cold one at a local tavern. Its good to see clubs offering the training that the paddling community really needs. We hear all to often about the "kayaker" that succumbs to hypothermia after tipping over in one of the local lakes, and wasn't dressed properly, was alone and couldn't get back in their boat. Its a story we need to change, and it can start with experiences like this last Sundays trip on Lake Minnetonka.