Silent Sports

Top Menu

Main Menu

  • Home
  • Subscribe
  • Got a Story?
  • Where to Stay
    • Wisconsin Places to Stay
    • Michigan Places to Stay
    • Minnesota Places to Stay
  • CLUBS
    • National with Midwest Ties
    • Illinois
    • Iowa
    • Michigan
    • Minnesota
    • Ontario
    • Wisconsin
    • How to Add Your Club / Organization
  • Hot Links
    • Silent Sports On Facebook
    • American Birkebeiner (Year Round Events)
    • New Moon Ski & Bike
    • Gear West
    • Hostel Shoppe
    • Dirt Trail Running Podcast
    • Multi Media Channels
    • CXC Skiing
    • SkinnySki.com
    • Jackie Hering: Tri-Champion & Coach
    • Ultra Crazy Running Girl Loretta Tobolske-Horn
  • XC Trail Reports
    • All Trails Throughout
    • Michigan
      • ⇒MI Complete XC Trail Reports by Ski Michigan
      • ⇒MI’s UP by SkinnySki
      • ⇒ABR Updates
      • ⇒Blueberry Ridge
      • ⇒Forbush – About
      • ⇒Hansen Hills
      • ⇒MI Tech News
      • ⇒Noquemanon Area
      • ⇒Wolverine News
      • ⇒XC Ski Headquarters
    • Wisconsin
      • ⇒WI Complete XC Trail Reports by Travel Wisconsin
      • ⇒Afterglow (Phelps)
      • ⇒Birkie Trails
      • ⇒Eau Claire Area
      • ⇒Iola Winter Sports Club Trails
      • ⇒Minocqua WP News
      • Mecca Area Mercer, WI, Trail Conditions
      • ⇒SE Wisconsin XC
      • ⇒Telemark Trails
      • ⇒Waukesha County
    • Minnesota
      • ⇒MN Complete XC Ski Trail Reports by MN DNR
      • ⇒3 Rivers Minneapolis
      • ⇒Afton (Hastings)
      • ⇒Buena Vista
      • ⇒Cook County Trails
      • ⇒Flathorn – Gegoka
      • ⇒Giants Ridge
      • ⇒Hidden Valley
      • ⇒Itasca State Park
      • ⇒Korkki Nordic
      • ⇒Loppet Foundation, Minneapolis
      • ⇒Maplelag
      • ⇒Spidahl Skigaad
      • ⇒St. Paul Area
  • Race Calendars
    • Paddling
      • Advanced MCRA Dates from Lynne Witte
      • Michigan Canoe Racing Association
      • Wausau Whitewater
    • Cycling Events Calendars
      • American Bike Racing
      • Reported Fat Bike Race
      • Wisconsin Bike Fed
      • WI: CAMBA Trail Events
      • Michigan Gravel Race Series
      • Bike Iowa
      • Minnesota Bike Trail Navigator
      • Northern Illinois Cycling Index
      • Illinois Cycling Association
    • Running Events Calendars
      • Anderson Race Management / Midwest
      • Wisconsin Running
      • Michigan Running
      • Minnesota Running
      • Illinois Running
      • Iowa Running
    • Trail Running Calendars by ATRA
      • Trail Run Wisconsin by ATRA
      • Trail Run Michigan by ATRA
      • Trail Run Minnesota by ATRA
      • Trail Run Illinois by ATRA
      • Trail Run Iowa by ATRA
      • Trail Run Ontario by ATRA
    • Cross Country Skiing Events Calendars
      • Cross Country Ski Events
      • Michigan Cup Race Series Covid-Links Updates, by XCSH
      • Calendar by SkinnySki
    • Snowshoe Race Calendars
      • United States Snowshoe Association -Midwest/Central Race CalendarRace Calendar
      • Cute Moose Snowshoe Race Calendar
    • Biathlon Event Calendars
      • Minnesota Biathlon Association
      • Wisconsin Biathlon Association
    • Skijor Events Calendars
      • Wisconsin Skijoring
      • Minnesota Skijor Races
    • XC Thrillogy: Trail, Road, & Specialty Events

Silent Sports

  • Home
  • Subscribe
  • Got a Story?
  • Where to Stay
    • Wisconsin Places to Stay
    • Michigan Places to Stay
    • Minnesota Places to Stay
  • CLUBS
    • National with Midwest Ties
    • Illinois
    • Iowa
    • Michigan
    • Minnesota
    • Ontario
    • Wisconsin
    • How to Add Your Club / Organization
  • Hot Links
    • Silent Sports On Facebook
    • American Birkebeiner (Year Round Events)
    • New Moon Ski & Bike
    • Gear West
    • Hostel Shoppe
    • Dirt Trail Running Podcast
    • Multi Media Channels
    • CXC Skiing
    • SkinnySki.com
    • Jackie Hering: Tri-Champion & Coach
    • Ultra Crazy Running Girl Loretta Tobolske-Horn
  • XC Trail Reports
    • All Trails Throughout
    • Michigan
      • ⇒MI Complete XC Trail Reports by Ski Michigan
      • ⇒MI’s UP by SkinnySki
      • ⇒ABR Updates
        • ⇒ABR Trail Conditions
      • ⇒Blueberry Ridge
      • ⇒Forbush – About
        • ⇒Forbush Corner Trail Conditions Blog
      • ⇒Hansen Hills
      • ⇒MI Tech News
        • ⇒Michigan Tech Trail Conditions
      • ⇒Noquemanon Area
        • ⇒Noquemanon Area Ski Reports (Always Click on “Read More”): Forestville, Saux Head, Big Bay Pathway, Fit Strip, and More
      • ⇒Wolverine News
        • ⇒Wolverine Nordic Trails Conditions
      • ⇒XC Ski Headquarters
    • Wisconsin
      • ⇒WI Complete XC Trail Reports by Travel Wisconsin
      • ⇒Afterglow (Phelps)
      • ⇒Birkie Trails
      • ⇒Eau Claire Area
        • ⇒Eau Claire Area: City Wells, Carson, Fairfax, Northwest, Pinehurst, Coon Fork, Evergreen, Lowes Creek, Tower Ridge
      • ⇒Iola Winter Sports Club Trails
      • ⇒Minocqua WP News
        • ⇒MWP Trail Conditions
      • Mecca Area Mercer, WI, Trail Conditions
      • ⇒SE Wisconsin XC
      • ⇒Telemark Trails
      • ⇒Waukesha County
    • Minnesota
      • ⇒MN Complete XC Ski Trail Reports by MN DNR
      • ⇒3 Rivers Minneapolis
        • ⇒Three Rivers, Minneapolis: Hyland, Baker, Carver, Cleary Lake, Crow-Hassan, Eagle Lake, Elm Creek, French Regional, Glen Lake, Lake Rebecca, Murphy-Hanrehan
      • ⇒Afton (Hastings)
      • ⇒Buena Vista
      • ⇒Cook County Trails
        • ⇒Bally Creek & Pincushion (Grand Marais); George Wash. Pines (Gunflint)
        • ⇒Lutsen/Tofte: Sugarbush,Norpine, Sawbill, Lutsen Mtns.
      • ⇒Flathorn – Gegoka
        • ⇒Reports/Nat’l Forest Lodge
      • ⇒Giants Ridge
      • ⇒Hidden Valley
      • ⇒Itasca State Park
      • ⇒Korkki Nordic
      • ⇒Loppet Foundation, Minneapolis
      • ⇒Maplelag
      • ⇒Spidahl Skigaad
      • ⇒St. Paul Area
        • ⇒Fort Snelling State Park
  • Race Calendars
    • Paddling
      • Advanced MCRA Dates from Lynne Witte
      • Michigan Canoe Racing Association
      • Wausau Whitewater
    • Cycling Events Calendars
      • American Bike Racing
      • Reported Fat Bike Race
      • Wisconsin Bike Fed
      • WI: CAMBA Trail Events
      • Michigan Gravel Race Series
      • Bike Iowa
      • Minnesota Bike Trail Navigator
      • Northern Illinois Cycling Index
      • Illinois Cycling Association
    • Running Events Calendars
      • Anderson Race Management / Midwest
      • Wisconsin Running
      • Michigan Running
      • Minnesota Running
      • Illinois Running
      • Iowa Running
    • Trail Running Calendars by ATRA
      • Trail Run Wisconsin by ATRA
      • Trail Run Michigan by ATRA
      • Trail Run Minnesota by ATRA
      • Trail Run Illinois by ATRA
      • Trail Run Iowa by ATRA
      • Trail Run Ontario by ATRA
    • Cross Country Skiing Events Calendars
      • Cross Country Ski Events
      • Michigan Cup Race Series Covid-Links Updates, by XCSH
      • Calendar by SkinnySki
    • Snowshoe Race Calendars
      • United States Snowshoe Association -Midwest/Central Race CalendarRace Calendar
      • Cute Moose Snowshoe Race Calendar
    • Biathlon Event Calendars
      • Minnesota Biathlon Association
      • Wisconsin Biathlon Association
    • Skijor Events Calendars
      • Wisconsin Skijoring
      • Minnesota Skijor Races
    • XC Thrillogy: Trail, Road, & Specialty Events
  • Back Page
  • Camping
  • Cycling
  • Destinations
  • Dryland Training
  • Training
  • From the Clubs
  • Hiking/Backpacking
  • Multisport
  • Nutrition
  • Paddling
  • Profiles
  • Running
  • Silent Alarm
  • Snowshoeing

December 2023, photo by Jeff Wolf / MQTphoto.com

Articles
Menu

Noquemanon 2023 Ski marathon

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QFv9Y0yXzM&t=35s
Paddling
Home›Paddling›Withdrawal symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms

By Silent Sports
12/11/2019
1273
0
Share:
Winter Paddling Maintenance

PADDLING
BY DOUG COOMER

It’s a late fall or early winter Saturday morning in the Midwest.

You get out of bed, plant your bare feet on a cold floor, throw on some socks or slippers and head for the thermostat.  

You push the up button a few times before grabbing a cup of hot coffee.

Another weekend you won’t be paddling has arrived.

Lakes are frozen over, and if the rivers aren’t, their ultra-cold water makes them extremely dangerous.

With no imminent plans of getting the canoe or kayak out on the water, I always end up going through withdrawal symptoms.

At times like this, it’s good to remember the Kenneth Grahame (1908) line from the book “The Wind in the Willows.”

“Believe me, my friend, there is nothing … absolutely nothing … half so much doing as simply messing about in boats.”

I would add, messing about with things which have to do with boats is a damn fine time as well.

That being said, this time of year doesn’t have to be devoid of activities related to paddling.

In fact, there are a myriad of things you can mess around with which help you through the down days – it’s time to do some gear maintenance.

I enjoy working in the garage no matter what I happen to be tinkering with, so this is my go-to habitat when I need a little motivation.

I head to garage, fire up some tunes, drag all my paddling gear out and get started.

The first thing I always do is unstuff any items that are stuffed when packed – sleeping bags, pads and tents.

Normally, I unpack these guys after returning from a trip to clean and dry them out.

Sometimes I pack them back up, so they are ready to go at a moment’s notice if the chance to use them presents itself.

For the winter, they all get unpacked, hung up and placed in front of a fan so they get as dry as possible.

I let them hang or simply leave them loosely piled up.

This will greatly extend their life and keep them from developing mold and mildew.

Check with the manufacture’s tag or go online and carefully follow any washing and cleaning directions and they will last a lifetime.

Additionally, now is the time to fix any issues you may have with leaks, tears or troublesome zippers.

Next is the cooking/kitchen gear.

I have an NRS Bolder Box I use for a kitchen kit (or wannigan) I really like.

Get out whatever you use to cook with and give it a once over.

Stoves and burners are not something you normally carry a backup for, so it pays to make sure they are working properly.

Take any dehydrated foods out (good ones are expensive) and store them in a cool, dry place.

These guys can last up to 10 years if you treat them right.

Replace any utensils you’ve lost or broken and give everything else a good cleaning.

Wash and completely dry shoes, boots, waders, sandals, etc. and oil if required.

I highly recommend Nikwax Tech Wash for washing and prolonging the waterproofing qualities of clothing and equipment.

Get rid of old batteries in radios and other items and replace with fresh ones.

Have a look at your vehicle’s roof racks or whatever you use to transport your boat – make sure things are tight and make adjustments if needed.

Knives, axes and hatchets should be sharpened and oiled.

If you enjoy and participate in the great sport of fishing, then it’s time to restock the tackle box, check out fishing poles and get some new line on your reels.

Inspect all ropes carefully and make sure they are in good condition and replace if they look worn.

If you have floating ropes, make sure they float. Ropes can save your life or someone else’s.

I am sentimental about my wooden paddles. They have been with me for a long time. When practical, I will always choose a wooden paddle over a man-made product.

Every year, I check them for cracks and wear and some new varnish is applied to the tips almost every winter.

Last but not least, are the boats themselves.

Give them a thorough cleaning and make sure all screws are tight, all rivets are in place, deck lines and rigging are in good working condition and check carefully for any signs of wear on the hull.

Canoes and kayaks are made of a multitude of materials both old and new and each has specific instructions on how to care for them.

It’s a good idea to follow these to the letter because depending on type of material, they can represent a substantial investment.

Because you are in the garage, you might as well throw in some exercises to keep yourself in good condition for next season.

In fact, it’s a fantastic idea to make this a regular habit – it’s good for the mind and the body.

Once you leave the garage and head back inside the house, it’s time to wade through the collection of books you have on camping and paddling because there is always something new to learn.

My favorite part of winter is planning for trips in the spring.

Having a map laid out on the kitchen table and dreaming about new places to paddle is as good as it gets.

You could also say the hell with winter and plan a trip someplace where the weather is warm.

The bonus part about taking another trip is you get to do the stuff you did all over again.

TagsDoug CoomerpaddlingWinter Maintenance
Previous Article

Southeast Michigan: Exploring the Waterloo-Pinckney recreation areas

Next Article

December Silent Alarm

0
Shares
  • 0
  • +
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

Related articles More from author

  • ColumnistsPaddling

    All over the map

    12/31/2015
    By Silent Sports
  • Paddling

    2017 Catalina Island Crossing

    12/27/2017
    By Silent Sports
  • ColumnistsPaddling

    Why is paddling such a pain in the butt?

    03/06/2018
    By Silent Sports
  • Human Interest

    There’s no place like home

    02/21/2019
    By Silent Sports
  • Reading a river
    Paddling

    Reading the river – a beginner’s guide  

    06/04/2019
    By Silent Sports
  • Paddling

    Yoga for the lower back

    08/17/2019
    By Silent Sports

Leave a reply Cancel reply

Receive Notifications

About Us


Silent Sports is published by Multi Media Channels LLC, N2919 County Road QQ Waupaca, WI 54981.

  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe
  • Contact Us
Copyright © 2020 Multi Media Channels LLC.
All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication or any of its contents may be reproduced, copied, modified or adapted without the prior written consent of Multi Media Channels LLC.
×