[SomeYeahoo]

Launching on the Salt May 1. What do you recommend for cold protection for:

1) Those in the rafts and
2) Those in kayaks

Wet suit, dry suit, splash jacket, or nothing?

 

[Quiggle]

Have you looked at the the average temps for the region for the month of may? I start to ask this question for any river trip when I can start to look at the 10 day forecast. I’ve been down there in March in a dry suit and a fuzzy rubber on the same trip

 

[SomeYeahoo]

Average May temps for ShowLow are 73 high and 43 low. For Globe they are 85 and 54. I'm guessing it's somewhere in between, but probably closer to ShowLow in the canyon. I have no idea what water temps might be.

If you were packing for this trip and had all of the above, what would you take? More importantly, what would you tell the people coming along to buy that do not yet own any of the above?

 

[Electric-Mayhem]

Average May temps for ShowLow are 73 high and 43 low. For Globe they are 85 and 54. I'm guessing it's somewhere in between, but probably closer to ShowLow in the canyon. I have no idea what water temps might be.

If you were packing for this trip and had all of the above, what would you take? More importantly, what would you tell the people coming along to buy that do not yet own any of the above?

Elevation wise its MUCH closer to Globe. Show Low is over 3000ft higher in elevation then the put in and the river drops ~1400 feet from bridge to bridge.

For May.... I personally would plan to pack like it's going to be pretty warm and sunny with a few contingency items to cover you if it gets cold. I did an early March trip this year and it was the first time I've brought dry gear but I never used it. I'm pretty warm blooded though and others basically wore their drysuits all day.

Dollars to Donuts the water will be warm and the air will be too and you'll be hunting for shade and enjoy getting splashed.... but you never know. Way too early to call. I've done several Grand Canyon trips in May and never needed more then a light fleece hoody and a raincoat.... and that is higher elevation then the Salt.

 

[Quiggle]

I would decide for myself about 4 days before launching. As for friends who don’t own anything… that depends on the craft. IKs a farmer John at the minimum. People riding in an experienced boaters oar rig, splash/rain jackets could work. I would never ask my non experienced friends to buy a dry suit when splash gear or wet suits will be sufficient.

edited: the salt is not the river to bringing non experienced people in a IK…..

 

[SomeYeahoo]

the salt is not the river to bringing non experienced people in a IK…..

Would you still feel that way at 400-800 CFS? All inexperienced people would be in rafts if it is above that. But if it's a big problem to have them in IKs at those levels too that means we'd probably have to leave them off the trip.

 

[Quiggle]

Every trip is different. I think you need to use your judgment at this point.