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Sea Kayaks Techniques Bulletin Board
Re: Some better info about Neoprene/Polartec
Posted By: Brianne Corbett In Response To: Re: Some better info about Neoprene/Polartec (Alex M)
Date: Saturday, 15 February 2003, at 7:46 p.m.
: Thanks, good article; divers sure know their stuff. Question to those using a
: dry-top/Farmer-john combination: how effective is it, any leaks to upper
: body under FJ skin?Yep...
Mine leaks but it doesn't bother me much. If the water is real cold, I always wear a second neoprene layer... either a full 3mm jacket with long sleeves or a long sleeve hydroskin top. The hydroskin is very good for this purpose. It is a good augmenter but not good as the primary layer. It keeps your arms warm enough and is quite snug. Nevertheless the thick wetsuit is keeping the core warm.
As I said... 6.5mm in three layers plus poly underneath and a drytop is maxed out for me. If the water is any colder than this outfit will handle then I am home watching TV. I feel that with head covering and thick neoprene gloves I am good to about 40 degree water in this gear. This is Lake Superior in summer except in some shallow areas or river mouths were she heats up a bit more.
Spring and fall would call for a drysuit on Lake Superior. I confess that I often go with less than 6.5mm. I should only do this if I am really shorehugging, but it is hard. With 80 or 90 degree air temperatures, it is very tough to paddle with 3.5mm plus drytop much less 6.5mm plus drytop. Heck it is hard to paddle with drytop and rashguard at those temps.
I actually carry a mist-er and mist myself to cool off when I am on Superior in summer. I also pour a lot of water over my head to keep cool. In June, Lake Superior water in the Apostle Islands is about 38 degrees. Cutting corners can be very dangerous there. I confess that I do it. But it is a calculated risk. I feel like I have many possibilities to win... roll back up... re-enter and roll... use C-Step and climb back in... assisted rescue with my partner's help... or even swim to shore.
I typically have at least 3.5mm on. I do have some time... though not limitless time. If I am close in, I can make shore. The problem comes doing long crossings. I usually paddle point to point versus shorehugging. This often puts me far out to sea. This creates danger for me.
For example, on the north shore the crossing from Michipicoten River near Wawa to Perkwakwia Point is about 4 miles. If the wind is blowing from the North or NE and you are a mile or two out heading west, capsize alone, and lose your boat... you have a BIG problem on your hands. The wind is blowing you out to sea and you have a very long swim home. At 38 or 40 degrees and 3.5mm you might not make it depending on the breaks. You will need some luck, flares and hope that someone sees them... or maybe a windshift.
Safe Paddling!
Brianne
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