Best Cold Weather Paddling Gear | Winter Paddling Tips

Just because the summer is behind us and the water and weather is getting chilly, it doesn’t mean the kayaking, canoeing, and stand up paddling has to come to an end. It does mean that in order to paddle comfortably, you need to have the right gear. In this paddling tip, I talk about the cold weather paddling gear that I count on to keep me warm and happy during the colder days of the year.
Timestamps for gear mentioned/shown in this video:
1:33 - Kokatat Meridian Drysuit (old model)
6:35 - NRS Boundary Boot
7:49 - Skull caps
9:02 - Pogies and Mitts
11:52 - NRS Hydroskin Glove
12:38 - NRS Ninja PFD
13:50 - Hydroflask Thermos
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Other paddling gear I use and recommend:
NOTE: These are affiliate links where I'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you, but it's a great way to show your support. Thanks!
KAYAKS I recommend
Sea Eagle 380x: bit.ly/37jRbxP
Sea Eagle 393rl: bit.ly/3mVOXbw
Sea Eagle 385ft:
Tucktec: bit.ly/3mQnmcn
Pakayak: pakayak.com/?uap_ref=ken
Decathlon Itiwit:
Oru Kayak Inlet: bit.ly/3vpjxhS
AquaGlide Chelan 120: bit.ly/3IRNde0
Advanced Elements Advanced Frame: bit.ly/3hJNpAl
Star Rival Inflatable Kayak: bit.ly/3lipNno
Isle Switch Hybrid SUP/Kayak: islesurfsup.sjv.io/5bJMJn
Jackson Kayak Tupelo 12.5: bit.ly/3phR8aS
Wilderness Systems Pungo 120: bit.ly/3E5BoOl
Perception Pescador: bit.ly/3FPuWeK
PADDLES
Aqua Bound Manta Ray Carbon Paddle:
Aqua Bound Tango Fibreglass Paddle: bit.ly/3iaGleJ
Aqua Bound Whiskey Carbon Bent Shaft Paddle: bit.ly/3z1kiOH
FOOTWEAR
NRS Kicker Remix Shoe: bit.ly/36F1B6Y
NRS Boundary Boot: bit.ly/2TaCMgl
PADDLING SHIRTS / TOPS
NRS Guide Long Sleeve Shirt: bit.ly/3yVID8j
NRS Guide Short Sleeve Shirt: bit.ly/3dkDYaD
NRS H2Core Silkweight Shirt: bit.ly/3xF43pX
NRS H2Core Silkweight Long Sleeve Shirt: bit.ly/3yZGbO2
NRS Hydroskin Short Sleeve Shirt: bit.ly/3wCvoI3
NRS Riptide Splash Jacket: bit.ly/3BbAZZJ
NRS Flux Dry Top: bit.ly/2U3Pvlw
PFD’S
NRS Odyssey PFD: bit.ly/3ibIk2n
NRS Zen PFD: bit.ly/2VCfrF3
NRS Chinook PFD: bit.ly/2TaEAG9
OTHER PADDLING GEAR
Zoleo Communicator: bit.ly/3zw7gw1
NRS Drylander Sprayskirt: bit.ly/36z5BG6
WRSI Current Helmet: bit.ly/2Te6KA6
PADDLING SHORTS/BOTTOMS
NRS Benny Board Short: bit.ly/2VIbK0L
NRS Hydroskin Shorts: bit.ly/3hCXPl2
SUNGLASSES
WileyX: bit.ly/3NtJQKR
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#PaddleTales #WinterPaddling

[@RogerHammond]

Would prefer a video that starts off with the low budget stuff that can extend your paddling season and then work up to what would make all-year paddling possible.

[@Jeff-cr9ho]

tip.. don't fill your thermos quite all the way to the top. leave just enough air so that it is bouyant. it really sucks when you drop it when its full and then it just sinks and goes bye bye

[@PaddleTV]

GOOD point!

[@andreasenge7712]

Like your videos, just one comment on layers. I paddle all year around on the Norwegian coast with watertemperatures from 2 to 15C, and air temperature dpwn to minus ten degrees C. I always choose wool under the drysuit regardless off temperature - one layer, two layers, wool every time. It’s natural, it breathes, and it keeps you warm even if the wool should get wet or damp.

[@georgemorcom9700]

I also like Polartec or Capilene. They have light, medium and heavy weights for varying temperatures.

[@cieljek]

Me making a shopping list based this video: "I'm never gonna financially recover from this.." 😂

[@titusbc]

When you realize the actual kayak purchase was just the beginning…

[@aw8496]

Thank you! Out of all the videos I’ve watched, this is the most common sense. I’m outdoors more than in, have always layered up....not with a wetsuit...but layers in general. 😅. Makes sense to me! Thanks again.

[@janelhartman2847]

bailey's and hot water...must try that:) of all the videos i have watched on cold weather paddleboarding, this has been the most informative. thank you!

[@michaelregets7672]

I have a 25 year old kokatat dry suit. I have upgraded the booties. It is still in great condition as I take care of it.

[@andrewnau433]

The only thing I missed in here was earplugs! I paddle year round in Montana except when ice locks me out. I did a wetsuit with good splash gear my first winter(started paddling later in life, the desire to get better out weighed the cold). Even getting tumbled at my local park n play wave not in a drysuit, earplugs made an enormous difference in my ability to deal with the elements. Clearer head and faster recovery from the 30°F flushes. Thank heaven for drysuits lol, but protect your brain and those tiny little tidbits that let us hear. 🤙

[@PaddleTV]

Good point Andrew! I couldn't agree more for whitewater kayakers. I have too many friends who have had to get surgery due to exostosis in the ear - which is bone growth in the ear that can block the ear canal.

[@marcusvonh8794]

@@PaddleTV and warm head head helps with the "gasp" reflex, that can be a cause of drowning in cold water

[@wyomarine6341]

I used to scuba dive cold water in Idaho and Puget Sound 30-40 yrs ago, along with being a recon swimmer in the 70's, last week I did a wet exit in a glacial stream in my kayak and it took me 2 days to get the water out of my right ear. Never had it last that long before. Ear plugs are great idea if you know you're going to get wet.

[@villempau]

Great video with lots of insights! Much appreciated 👍

[@Corcioch]

Nice video, thanks Ken.

[@6yjjk]

Throw some instant coffee into that Bailey's soup and you've got an absolute winner!

[@BrianthatiscalledBrian]

Thanks for the drysuit info. Really helpful. 👍🙂

[@PaddleTV]

Warning Brian... if you haven't tried a drysuit, don't do it until you're ready to buy one!

[@BrianthatiscalledBrian]

@PaddleTV ok, thanks for the advice. 👍

[@kayasper6081]

Thanks for your tips, Ken

[@PaddleTV]

My pleasure! I just wish I could be doing more 'on water' ones right now...

[@barnaclebill1615]

I’m really enjoying the video and appreciate all the great tips. Thanks a bunch!! I’ve heard Kokatat dry suits are excellent! 👍👍😁🇺🇸

[@rogerbarrios8614]

Excellent !!!!!

[@dante_pilman]

simple and cool

[@oldguyriders]

Great video. Very informative and helpful. Thanks

[@PaddleTV]

Glad to hear it!

[@georgemorcom9700]

Something I struggled with was super cold hands. I tried polypropylene gloves liners and found some NRS gloves that allowed for the extra thickness of the liners to fit comfortably. My NRS gloves are thin enough to feel the paddle easily. I like to try gloves before buying to make sure I have the dexterity I want. I’ve found this combination to be great. I can dip my hands in icy water and then squeeze the water out and can feel my hands quickly warm up. Everyone has the things that work for them. BTW, I noticed your drysuit was Kokatat. I have a first edition Gore Tex Kokatat dry suit that is still going strong. New gaskets and re-seam sealed. Taking good care is key. 303 on the gaskets and lubricate the zipper. Wash every single time.

[@blackshadowghoster01]

I duck hunt out of a canoe [ in Florida but its still cold 29 this morning] and was looking at getting warmer gear since i do get wet from paddling through the thick marsh grass. great video!!

[@PaddleTV]

Wow. 29 degrees in Florida. I think it might actually be warmer up here in Ontario this week! Glad you enjoyed, and happy hunting.

[@farnorthpicker56]

Thanks for some great info. We’re looking to extend our paddling as long as possible since we have a short season in northern Canada

[@PaddleTV]

I hear you! The summer goes by fast, doesn't it?

[@woolypuffin392]

I have my first paddling lesson tomorrow, so excited! I specifically chose winter because I want to do winter Kayaking in the future and that way I get a sense of what it's like right away.

[@PaddleTV]

Sounds great! Enjoy!

[@StephenRouse2]

Ken, this the first video that actually addressed the layers, and what they can or should consist of! Thank you for that. I keep seeing James Bond stripping off his dry suit after exiting the water and he’s dressed in a tux. No one else talked about what layers should or should not consist of. I could even use a more in depth layering video. Yes, I’m way more soft than when I was 30!

[@PaddleTV]

Ha! The layers I use have definitely changed with my softness too! :) good idea on a layering video. Thanks for that!

[@filbilly]

Hmm! Will have to try your Bailey's recommendation, ha! Great informative video as usual.

[@PaddleTV]

Just to make sure I was giving good advice, I had hot water and baileys this weekend after a long hike. Yup! It's as good as I remember! :)

[@filbilly]

@@PaddleTV Ha ha! Going to buy a bottle today! BTW - after watching your video, my daughter and I went kayaking on a local river. I saw a young boy fall into frigid waters from a sit on top. I rushed over to help, but he wasn't able to get back on his kayak because the cold water zapped his energy not to mention he was panicking. Fortunately he was wearing a pfd and eventually made it to shore. The whole ordeal only reinforced that I need to purchase some gear for my family if we're planning to continue paddling through Winter and also practice self rescue when the water warms up next year.

[@kennarly]

@@filbilly Wow! That's a scary thing to watch. Makes me think about wetsuits as a much more affordable option than the drysuit. I think you've given me my next video idea... Thanks!

[@filbilly]

@@kennarly Hi Ken! Great idea. I can't afford a drysuit right now so I'm looking at a NRS Riptide splash jacket and layering to keep warm and dry while on the water this winter. However with the collar not being a true gasket, would a wetsuit in combination with the jacket be a good idea in case I do unexpectedly enter the water. I plan to get a bib with sock feet to pair with the jacket.

[@siyabeanland9777]

I'm about to go for my first winter/wet weather paddle tomorrow morning 🙃🙃 I was starting to get anxious a bit lol thanks for the video 😉

[@PaddleTV]

Awesome! Hope it went well!

[@richardpace9818]

I don't think I'll bother to comment because everybody's already said it below. Hoping to start kayaking any day now on the River Thames in London. Please keep the videos rolling.

[@PaddleTV]

Nice! Happy Paddling Richard.

[@onkelsort5381]

Great video! Thx!

[@PaddleTV]

Glad you liked it!

[@alexic0n]

just wanted to thank you so much for the content! i've watched a ton of your videos, and they are always incredibly helpful and informative. and i'm loving the new content especially, it's more fun and casual and still has incredible information throughout! it's like having a close friend or uncle that's a paddle expert :) thanks again, i really appreciate!! so you've convinced me it's time to take to the waters in winter ;) my question is, when i kayak i prefer to use a greenland paddle, so getting wet is just part of my day anyway lol! what kind of glove do you think would complement that paddle type best? thanks again!

[@PaddleTV]

Thanks for the kind words! Great to hear my videos are being enjoyed. As for gloves... it really depends on how cold things will get for you. My favorite gloves are ponies, because you don't have anything between your hand and the paddle. They simply stop the wind and splashing on your hands.www.nrs.com/product/25031.02/nrs-mamba-pogies When things get really cold, ponies might not be enough. That's when I go to a glove like this www.nrs.com/product/25039.03/nrs-maxim-gloves or this glacierglove.com/perfect-curve-glove/ If you're someone who always has cold hands, you probably want to go with a mitt. You lose dexterity, but they're definitely warmer. www.nrs.com/product/25027.05/nrs-toaster-mitts Hope that helps!

[@JLT1003]

Would love to hear more about options for mittens, mittens with a glove liner, etc. I paddle 12 months a year in the northeast and I have poor circulation, so hands has always been my biggest challenge. All of the options you discuss included the caveat that they let cold water in (pogies, glacier gloves with slits -- not to mention that pogies leave you nothing if you flip and miss your roll), are supple but limited insulation (hydroskin), etc. Even with the heaviest, waterproof neo gloves I've tried -- old school glacier gloves, heavy, no finger slits, that allow almost no dexterity -- my fingers get numb. Only mittens are warm enough -- but they literally allow NO dexterity, so you have to take them off to do anything. Help! As far as head protection: when you're dressing for immersion -- as you ALWAYS should except (maybe) in the absolute most placid conditions -- a wool/fleece beanie is worthless. If you swim, it's gone. I see so many people that wear an expensive dry suit with layers and fancy gloves, and throw a wool beanie on their head. I don't get it.

[@PaddleTV]

Unfortunately, you've found the best solution I can give for cold hands... mittens. If you're hands are still cold with mittens, you might want to try use 'hot shots' in your mittens, like people use for skiing. They won't stay warm if they get soaked... but I can't think of anything else... I'm one of those people that wears a beanie with my drysuit, but only in calmer conditions, when I'm highly confident I won't flip. You're absolutely right in that they're pretty useless and awkward if you're flipping or swimming.

[@sodiumlights]

``you're gonna regret it for 15, 20 years`` haha

[@sgolsen]

Great video! When you wear a waterproof glove with your drysuit does the wrist portion of the glove go inside or outside of the latex gasket on your drysuit?

[@Chopbreaka]

Paddling Mittens are the way to go. Key to warm hands even when hiking is fingers keeping in contact not separated as they are in a glove . I have an old pair from NRS but I believe the Kokatat inferno mitts have better reviews.

[@PaddleTV]

They're definitely the warmest option, and I know a lot of people that like them... but I could never get used to not having the dexterity that comes with a glove... or with having your hands directly on the paddle. If you have hands that get cold easily, it might be the only option though! Thanks for the note.

[@JLT1003]

I definitely need mitts in colder weather. Do you know of any mitts that have a "grippy" palm? I find that can help a lot with paddle control. (I don't think there is any solution to loss of dexterity for tying knots, putting on your spray skirt, etc. that would also be warm enough for me.)

[@michaelsnook1130]

Really enjoyed this video! Recently purchased a pair of Oru Inlet kayaks. Any experience taking an Oru out in cold water? What would be the coldest you would recommend? Thx

[@leeoberg]

I was with yuo right up to the bailey's. alcohol is NOT good for cold weather. Besieds, who needs booze to have fun?

[@PaddleTV]

Fair enough. Although I do agree that alcohol and paddling are a bad combination, I don't think of Baileys and hot water as alcoholic. You only use a splash of baileys, which is the same percentage alcohol as wine... and so it's like having a splash of wine combined with a litre of water. It's too diluted to have any noticeable effect. It's just yummy. That being said... Eggnog would also be worth trying!

[@thewanderingbooler]

Another great video that’s a good help. I’ve ordered my Sea Eagle 380x Explorer Carbon Package, as you advised. My next question is, I need a dry suit. I’m 6’5” and 36” waist. What’s best brand that have front opening and relief zip?

[@PaddleTV]

Good choice! I really hope you like it! As for drysuits... It's hard to go wrong with NRS, LevelSix or Kokatat. I've been using NRS gear mostly for the past 5 years, because they make great stuff, and I really how it fits and looks. That said, I haven't tried their drysuits yet (I will soon). Looking at their sizing chart, you'd need to get a XXXL for your height, which I'm not sure they offer in drysuits. LevelSix on the other hand says their XL fits up to 6'6". I'm 6'2", and the XL I tested did have some extra room. I think it should be good for you, but I couldn't 100% guarantee it. You could always return it if it really didn't fit. As for Kokatat. I'm not sure about their sizing. They've been one of the leaders in drysuits for decades though, and so the quality isn't a question. The size is the question!

[@thewanderingbooler]

@@PaddleTV great! These you mention are the ones I’ve looked at. Level 6 has my required size but I need front entry due to my mobility. NRS are good looking and I’m buying their Boundary Boots after seeing them in another of your videos. Thanks again.

[@SimplyTheBethWalsh]

Thanks for this video. I was just saying how beautiful Lake Arrowhead is in winter. I paddle a recreational kayak with my dog. I am not the strongest swimmer and use a life vest all the time. Do the extra clothes weigh one down? Should I be more concerned with drowning with clothing layers?

[@PaddleTV]

Good question! If you're wearing a drysuit, then it's not a problem. Your clothes will stay dry, and the drysuit provides added floatation (the air trapped inside). Wetsuits also provide added flotation. The only time extra layers weigh you down, is when your outerwear doesn't seal the water out. In that situation, it will weigh you down, but unless you're in rough water or current, your life jacket will still do the trick. It will make moving slow though!

[@bennyblanko3]

I have a dry suit, wet suits, dry tops, etc. but still do some recreational paddles until the lake freezes over (McCall, ID) generally using "non dry gear ... i.e. fleece with splash type jacket and pants. I've been in the water with boots, jeans, heavy sweat shirt, and yes, that heavy cotton stuff will make you sink to the bottom much faster if you don't have a life jacket/pfd on - just be super careful, especially with your dog - but the water is beautiful that time of year. Lake Arrowhead/Big Bear doesn't get as cold or have as long of winter as we do here - but don't wear any cotton - and I have those boots he is showing, and they are great because you can get into the water a little when you are launching, without getting your feet cold and wet. Well worth the 80 bucks or whatever they cost. If you do go over the top of the boots though, they will get wet just like any booties - but they are thick and warm and great for winter paddling.

[@PVLocalFirst]

Pogies are great, but it should be mentioned, that if you cant or fail to roll, once you let go of the paddle to do the self rescue, what's on your hands then?

[@fairfaxphil]

Gloves hopefully! 3mil neoprene should be enough to hold on and get back in your yak.

[@PVLocalFirst]

what do you wear underneath the pogies just in case you do have to do a wet exit?

[@jpete8404]

Great info, thank you! I have a question that I hope someone can answer. Is there a recommendation for a dry suit for the guys that are not very tall but pretty wide (my mom says I’m husky lol) I’m 5’9” and 250ish and my experience with wetsuits have been that if they fit girth, they’re often too long. I’m assuming that would be uncomfortable and counter productive in the performance of a dry suit . Any suggestions? Also, I paddle around the Portland, OR area. Thx!

[@PaddleTV]

Wish I had some good advice for you... probably worth a call to one of the companies that makes them, like NRS, Kokatat or Level Six.

[@jmerodgers]

drysuits run looser than wetsuits, you may be fine in an XL. i have a level 6 drysuit at 5'10 220lbs and there is lots of room.

[@JLT1003]

@@jmerodgers Yes drysuits should be fitted loosely -- but you can't count on that extra room to accomodate a wider body -- you need to still have enough room for layering. If you paddle in conditions that don't need a lot of layering it might work out, but the last thing you want to do is discover that you do need those layers and end up with a tight fit -- restricts circulation = really bad news. Otherwise, I agree with Ken -- call the manufacturers. You might need to spring for a custom suit.

[@tim1398]

@@jmerodgers I have the same problems, long torso and broad barrel chest. I cannot find a wetsuit that fits me - either it crushes the marbles or makes me fight to breath or both. The NRS "Grizzly" suits are probably large enough in girth (tho I don't need it for the gut it's more the chest) its not long enough in the torso. I have a nice (XL?) dry-top that makes me feel a little like Houdini getting into it but its comfortable when its on (with light layers). I also have an XL semi-dry top that is ridiculously hard to get over my shoulders. I found out that you can order *custom sized* dry suits from several companies - sadly as part of the pandemic effects they are all backlogged for a year.

[@kovacikayak]

So watery…and yet there’s a smack of baileys to it

[@kerrinyoung2883]

Mix the baileys with coffee instead of just hot water, you'll thank me.

[@scottgorman7166]

Oh yea....that will do it as long as you have the front zipper!

[@slaphappyduplenty2436]

I’ll have more use for the back zipper.

[@davidwood8107]

Hi what make of dry-suite do you recommend .

[@PaddleTV]

It's hard to go wrong with NRS, Kokatat or Level Six. They've all been making drysuits for a long time, and have great customer service.

[@jerrys576]

If it's that cold I have to wear any of this,I'm staying in & watching Hockey

[@PaddleTV]

Ha! I don't blame you... but I can tell you that there are some magical times to be had when paddling in the shoulder seasons.

[@woolypuffin392]

Really great video, but I would recommend not drinking alcohol even if its low percentage. Alcohol makes you not feel the cold, but the body does still get cold.

[@PaddleTV]

Thanks! I 100% agree that alcohol and paddling don't mix. Honestly though, I don't consider a splash of baileys in hot water for flavor to be an alcoholic beverage. It doesn't taste like alcohol, and it translates to a negligible amount of alcohol. In fact, a non-alcoholic beer has more alcohol in it. That being said, I appreciate how this could possibly be interpreted by some as a green light to drink and paddle. Maybe next time I'll elaborate and include a small note saying 'a splash for flavor only, because you definitely shouldn't drink and paddle'. :)

[@slaphappyduplenty2436]

Mythbusters successfully confirmed the scene from True Lies where Arnold SCUBA dived out to a yacht, unzipped his dry suit to reveal a perfect tuxedo underneath and infiltrated a party.

[@PaddleTV]

Nice! If that isn't the ultimate drysuit endorsement, I don't know what is.

[@fairfaxphil]

Did they do the Thunderball Challenge and a tuxedo in a wetsuit? I think the tux might wrinkle a bit.

[@shaneporter3933]

I think it's called a convenience zipper

[@billc7211]

Drop seat

[@sergeykopylov652]

I want winter kayak. But i have no dry suite... Well, i don't need it. My kayak stable and dry,do I don't need the suite. But ice, few meters of ice between me and open water...this thing I don't know how to cross and enter to water..and get back on river bank. I want to find some underground small city river falls into our big Ob river. I think, warm underground river might melt ice... and I can get on river using those small springs. I know, water level is very low now, winter time. There are places hard to pass on kayak - 2 inches deep. So, I hope, ice is laying on send river bottom and it will not crack. I have been on river Nov 8, just regular city wear. It been snowing, but no nearshore ice. I was able get on kayak. Can you help me with my kayak course stability?? Now i have fixed skeg, glued to bottom and it made kayak stable...but without skeg it is hard to go straight.

[@PaddleTV]

I wish I had a trick for crossing the near shore ice, but I don't have a good one. About 20 years ago, I had a good friend drown when she flipped her kayak and got swept under the ice. As a result, I'm not a big fan of paddling around ice, even though it can be a truly beautiful experience. Otherwise, you've given me an idea for a video next spring, about keeping your kayak going straight. There are lots of little tricks you can employ. Cheers!

[@sergeykopylov652]

@@PaddleTV well...I have got ice. Sometimes river middle part is open few weeks....or else I have wait next April.

[@Wings_of_foam]

10:29 How do you free your hands in an emergency?

[@PaddleTV]

Your hands just slide in and out very easy, and so there's no real 'freeing' needed.

[@tdiddle8950]

Just a tip here: it does actually matter, in my opinion, if your boots are waterproof or not, even when wearing a waterproof layer under them, like a waterproof sock. This is why: materials, like cotton, that become sodden, don't insulate. They can't insulate because in a very wet environment they are experiencing constant exchange of body-warmed water with environmentally cold water, which washes your warmth away. But it's worse than that: water increases the mass of water absorbent materials DRAMATICALLY, so not only are your sodden boots not insulating, they are also wicking warmth from your feet because of their mass. Ever touch a cast iron skillet when not in use and think it feels colder than the air temperature? Well, it's not possible for the skillet to be colder than the ambient temperature, so the reason it feels cold is because it has dramatically more mass than the air, so if the air is cooler than your body (so is the skillet) then the skillet will feel quite cold. Sodden boots work the same way.

[@ThisIsWideAngle]

Love your videos. Very direct, practical, educated, well presented, personal. BUT: And not that I really care and maybe I´m kind of uncertain because I never really drank alcohol in my life, but I somehow find it odd for someone giving out some good safety advice otherwise to recommend drinking on the water. Even though your percentage might be very low due to the hot water. But there always is a problem with people not being able to be responsible when it comes to alcohol and might underestimate the risk.

[@PaddleTV]

Thanks for the good words! I hear you... I did think about what you're saying, but like you said, the percentage of alcohol is negligible when you use a little Bailey's to flavor hot water. I believe that it's totally different than telling people to bring beer, wine or shots of whiskey on the river - which I would never do! Quite the opposite in fact... I go out of my way to tell people that alcohol and paddling (or any watersport) don't mix. Does this make me a hypocrite... I don't think so, although I understand how others might believe otherwise. Something I'll continue to consider for sure... Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@ThisIsWideAngle]

@@PaddleTV I have no doubt you know what you are doing. And I don´t want to be that guy who wants to make someone responsible for other peoples choices. But there might be someone out there who might missjudge a responsible ratio of hot water and the spirit. Let´s face it: there is this thing about alcohol, making some people being not really reliable with responsibilities and capabilties.