Hypothermia.....How cold will you go?

[Bill "Musky" Modica]

Since my tubing days started more than 20 yrs ago, I've been faced with a few uncomfortable cold water situations. I realize that some of you tubers are fully equipped with neoprene waders to counter this, but is there a temperature line that you just won't cross?....I still love to tube, but only when it's insanely hot and surface temps are in the upper 70's.

Angler in pic, Jay Lockbaum

[Michael J. Searl]

As you brought up, I have a pair of neoprene waders for cold water. The coldest water I have been on is 40 degrees.
I am not so concerned about water temperature but rather air temp. I don't find it comfortable to be on the water when I can't keep my hands warm.
Those unusually warm calm spring days will draw me to the lake in my float tube.
The Fish Cat#4 and Fat Cat help some sitting much higher in the water. ole Mike

[Steve Crowder]

I'm like Michael, as long as my hands feel comfortable, I'm OK. Neoprene waders have been the best invention since the fly rod. Even the breathable waders work well on cooler days. I have been able to stay in a river of 42 degrees for hours with neoprenes on. Getting a little older now, and my comfort level has increased.

[Michael Thompson]

I use loose fitting uninsulated waders for tubing and I have yet to get so much as a chill, much less hypothermia while tubing. it is all a matter of dressing in the required layers under the waders that does the trick for me. I am out in my tube a few days after ice out too.
I have neoprene waders too, but they are tight fitting and hard to get on and off, I havn't used them for over 3 years!

[IceWarriorGill]

Hey Musky,
I know this may not have whole lot of relevance given that I have not tubed in cold water temperatures yet....However, I live in Upstate NY near Albany and just before Ice In (early November 20008) my wife and I capsized our canoe in chilly waters (38 degrees) on a local pond. Luckily we were close to shore (approx 30 yards or so) but when I hit the water, it literally took my breath away it was so cold. Also as we were nearing shore, dogpaddling alongside with our canoe half full of water, I became aware of my whole body slowing down. My brain could tell my hands and legs to do things but they just weren't doing it quickly enough for me (and the scary part was...I couldn't do anything about it except pray that my body (as well as my wife's) didn't give out until we could reach shore and get out of the icy waters. It was a very scary experience that I don't wish to repeat and would caution everyone on this Forum to be safe and take every precaution when out in cold weather conditions no matter what you find yourself doing (working, fishing, relaxing, etc)!!!!