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Sea Kayaks Techniques Bulletin Board
Re: Paddling Jacket
Posted By: Tim Mattson In Response To: Paddling Jacket (Jeff)
Date: Sunday, 12 May 2002, at 3:51 p.m.
Jeff,
I'm glad to hear you'll be attending SSTIKS. There will be a number of us at the event to help you with your rolls. You may not have a bomb proof roll by the time the event is over, but you will have a clear idea of what is involved. You'll also see a number of master rollers in action.
I find paddling jackets among the most difficult-to-buy garmets we paddlers wear. I just don't think there is a perfect one out there. I have four of them and still don't have it right.
If you want to stay dry, you need to go with the latex neck and wrist gaskets (a dry top). They are "spendy" since you really must have Gortex or some other hight tech fabric that will let water vapor pass through. The cost is worth it, though, if you're going to spend lots of time upside down. I always wear mine when I'm going out for a dedicated rolling session. Unfortunately, I don't like the feel of latex and coulnd't imagine wearing one for general purpose paddling.
If you don't mind getting a bit wet, I am really impressed with the session jackets from Immersion Research. They do not have latex, but they do have a neoprene-like gasket that looks like it would keep most of the water out. I really want to buy one, but I'm too fat and IR doesn't make them in size XXL.
But there is a huge array of products out there. Go to your local paddling shop and try a bunch on.
--Tim
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