Don't Rock the Boat

Winter water excursions-sounds like a terrible idea, doesn't it? But talk to a kayak or canoe enthusiast who has been out on the rivers in the wintertime, and they'll tell you there is much to see on Missouri's waterways even after the cold winds begin to blow.

Dave Millsap, an avid paddler in all seasons, gave us a few reasons why wintertime is a great time to get out on the water. "Paddling in the wintertime is great because nobody's out there," he says with a laugh. Millsap also says that the view of the Ozarks picturesque bluffs and trees is totally different in the winter, because there is no foliage to block your view. Wintertime is also perfect for viewing bald eagles and other wildlife. Some of Millsap's favorite waterways in winter are Bull Creek, and the James, Buffalo and Jack's Fork rivers.

What to Wear

One thing to note: Millsap says wintertime is not a time to learn to canoe. Because of cold water and air temperatures, hypothermia is a danger to be avoided at all costs. "Carry a bag of extra clothing, in case you get wet. But really, if you go over once you may go over twice, and then what are you going to do?" Millsap asks rhetorically. A wet suit is not absolutely necessary, he says, but the American Canoe Association says if the air and water temperature combined equal less than 120 degrees Fahrenheit, you should wear a wet or dry suit.

The bottom line with winter canoeing, according to Millsap, is knowing your own skill level. If you are a canoeing or kayaking novice, get a guide who can help you. The Ozark Mountain Paddlers club (ozarkmtnpaddlers.org) is a great resource for finding a guide or exchanging tips and good locations for winter scenery. Here you can network with people like Millsap and learn things like how to stay warm (the trick is in the layers), what to take to eat and how to avoid getting wet at all costs.

When to Go

The best time to head out for some winter paddling is right after a cold snap, according to Millsap. "When it has been 15-20 degrees, and you're expecting 30 and sunny the next day, that's a great time; when there's snow on the bluffs and icicles, it's a winter wonderland out there." Big icicles form from cracks in the bluffs, and you can expect to see icicles nine to 11 feet in length. "But don't get too close to them," Millsap warns, "at a certain weight they'll give in, and when they crash into the water it sounds like artillery in the hills." Cool. If you're skilled enough to stay dry (and get an expert to help you along the way), getting out on the water in sub-freezing temperatures isn't such a bad idea after all.

Did we mention you need to stay dry?

Proper Clothing is Your Best Weapon against Hypothermia

There is a lot of danger you need to be aware of when adventuring out on the water in the winter, primarily hypothermia. Water sucks heat from your body 30 times faster than air, and according to the U.S. Coast Guard, if your core body temperature drops even 3.5 degrees you will experience hypothermia (low body temperature), which can be deadly. When dressing for a winter paddling excursion, local paddler Dave Millsap says to forget about the cotton.

Dress in layers-wool and fleece, or a popular fabric he recommends called polypropylene. This synthetic fabric will keep your body from getting overheated or chilled from perspiration. Putting a rain suit on top of it all will ensure you stay nice and dry as long as you're upright in your canoe or kayak. The Coast Guard also recommends that anytime the water temperature is less than 60 degrees (Fahrenheit), you should always wear a wet suit or dry suit. Dynamic Earth and Bass Pro Shops are two good retail outlets-and the staffs are a good resource for advice-when shopping for your winter outdoor attire.