Spring is on the horizon, and for many paddlers, that means eager anticipation to get back on the water. Longer daylight hours and warmer air temperatures can make it tempting to dust off your board and dive in—but spring paddling comes with unique challenges that can quickly turn dangerous if you’re unprepared.
At Aqueous SUP, we believe in adventure with awareness. That means embracing the changing seasons while staying safe, confident, and in control. Before you head out, let’s talk about cold water, runoff hazards, and how to prepare for unpredictable spring conditions so you can enjoy the season to the fullest.
Cold Water: More Dangerous Than You Think
It may feel warmer outside, but the Columbia River and surrounding waterways remain frigid, often lingering in the 40s at the start of spring. Even as air temperatures rise, water temperatures lag behind—staying dangerously cold into early summer. This makes cold shock and hypothermia serious risks if you unexpectedly end up in the water.
You might have heard of the”120 Rule“—the idea that if air and water temperatures total 120°F or more, cold water protection isn’t needed. This is dangerously misleading. Immersion risk is what matters. Water below 60°F can trigger cold shock in seconds, and when the Columbia is in the 40s, even a short swim can be life-threatening.
For a deeper dive into cold-water safety, check out Winter Paddling 101 and Gearing Up for Winter SUP Adventures for gear recommendations and essential precautions.
How to Prepare:
- Dress for immersion. A drysuit with insulating layers is ideal for water this cold. If using a wetsuit, ensure it’s thick enough and add extra thermal protection like neoprene gloves and a hood to retain body heat.
- Carry extra thermal gear. Even with proper immersion wear, additional layers like a windproof shell or an insulated top help regulate body temperature in shifting conditions.
- Know self-rescue techniques. Cold water limits mobility quickly. Practice remounting your board efficiently before you need to rely on it in an emergency.
Runoff & Changing River Conditions
Spring brings melting snow, rising river levels, and increased runoff from rain and thaw. These seasonal changes introduce new hazards for paddlers:
- Stronger, faster currents – Higher water flow speeds up river currents, even in typically calm areas. Faster-moving water can also be unpredictable, creating new eddies, altering familiar flow patterns, and changing conditions. Areas that were once calm may behave differently, and currents can push you into unexpected routes.
- Floating debris & submerged obstacles – Logs, branches, and other debris wash into the river, creating hidden hazards. Watch for:
- Sweepers – Low-hanging branches that can catch paddlers off guard.
- Strainers – Partially submerged debris that lets water flow through but can trap objects (and people), making them extremely dangerous in fast-moving water.
- Reduced visibility & increased turbidity – Runoff stirs up sediment, making water murky. This limits depth perception, obscures hazards, and makes navigation riskier.
If you’re unsure about conditions, scout the area before launching. Water levels, flow, and debris can change daily, so take time to observe currents and hazards before heading out.
How to Stay Safe:
- Check river conditions. Monitor water flow reports and paddler updates for changes in speed, debris, and clarity. Take time to assess and scout the area before launching.
- Expect changing conditions. Be prepared to adapt and adjust your paddling strategy.
- Stay alert for hazards. Log jams, fallen trees, and floating debris can appear suddenly, especially in strong currents. Pay attention to how the water is behaving.
- Avoid high water periods and flood conditions. Paddling after heavy rains or rapid snowmelt increases risks due to faster currents, hidden obstacles, contamination, and poor visibility.
Spring Weather: Be Ready for Anything
Spring paddling often means quick weather shifts—calm one moment, gusty the next, with temperatures that drop fast once the sun disappears. Even if you check conditions before heading out, weather can change dramatically while you’re on the water. Sudden winds, temperature drops, or unexpected rain can turn a smooth paddle into a challenging situation. Be prepared and carry extra gear to handle changing conditions.
How to Prepare:
- Check the forecast. Wind, precipitation, and temperature swings can rapidly change conditions. Plan your paddle accordingly.
- Carry emergency essentials. A dry bag with extra layers, communication devices, a first-aid kit, hydration, snacks, and an emergency blanket ensures you’re prepared for the unexpected.
- Let someone know your plan. Always share your location and estimated return time before heading out.
Spring into Adventure—Safely!
Spring paddling is incredible—refreshing, full of energy, and a great way to shake off winter. But staying safe means dressing for immersion, watching for runoff hazards, and preparing for shifting conditions so you can enjoy the season with confidence.
What’s your go-to gear for staying warm on spring paddles? Drop your favorites in the comments, or tag us in your first spring paddle of the season!