Quote Originally Posted by Cataboo View Post
the gasping for breath might be a reaction to the cold water - cold water gasp reflex.

Since you paddle alone most - Practice reentering & rolling - with a paddle float at first, and then without. That's a lot easier than a paddle float reentry or a cowboy.
Will do! I haven't tried rolling with a paddle float yet.

Funny thing about the gasping is that I've spent plenty of time under water in temps just like these, and a lot colder, practicing in spring. I think I may have held my breath or forgotten to take an extra breath before going round, and hanging upside down waiting for her to bump into my kayak I suddenly ran out of air fast. Which is useful to have experienced of course anyway, because there's no certainty I'd have time for an extra breath if I were thrown around by a wave for real.