More on the accident Spidey posted on Thursday, 28 December 2000, at 7:16 p.m., titled Fort Walton Beach Kayaking Tragedy

A friend of mine contacted Pactrick Wright, the reporter who wrote the article on the accident that resulted in the deaths of two kaykers on the Choktawhatchee River (up in Florida's panhandle). Following is the email he sent back. I have also inculded an article that I ran across on cold shock.

Mr. Coley-
Sorry for the delay, I have been waiting on the report from the Sheriff's office. They originally thought they had been hit by a tug boat because the boat had no lights on it. Now, they believe it was the mast that caused them the biggest trouble. Unlike most kayaks, this one was for two people and had a mast for sailing. When the two men capsized, officials believe that they tried to upright the boat and the mast caused them more problems then they had anticipated. It doesn't take long for hypothermia to set in, especially in the dark and cold water. The rest was in the story. Let me know if I can do anything else for you.
Sincerely,
Patrick Wright

Just ran across this. this could be what happened to those padldlers that drown in Fla.
What is cold shock?Cold shock is not hypothermia but it is caused by sudden immersion in cold water. It is an involuntary gasp reflex followed by hyperventilation. These affect the ability to breath normally and can cause the breathing in of water that can result in drowning. Typically, there is one gasp reflex. The hyperventilation can last 10 to 15 minutes. It does not occur in all cold water immersions.Cold shock can complicate a rescue. The gasp reflex can interfere with ones roll due to the involuntary breathing in of water. The hyperventilation will prevent a person from holding their breath for very long complicating the ability to do a reentry and roll. The hyperventilation can also cause panic in some people due to the inability to breath properly and/or the breathing in of water in rough seas.

Nick i am Sorry that this is off the subject of building, but I believe a lot of people on this board may not ever see it otherwise. Thanks