Sea Kayaks Techniques Bulletin Board

Re: Cold weather wear

Posted By: Shawn Baker
Date: Monday, 16 October 2000, at 2:07 p.m.

In Response To: Cold weather wear (Mary)

Drysuits cost a lot of money, as you've already seen, but they are, hands-down, the best cold water option. If you can manage it, buy one--you'll end up purchasing one eventually, anyway.

Drytops over wetsuits aren't a bad option, as are full wetsuits.

Look for used wetsuits--they're out there for some pretty good prices. While dive neoprene is better quality, you should look for "watersports" wetsuits, like those made for waterskiers or PWC'ers, as they're less restrictive, and usually lighter weight.

I've been wearing a drytop over neoprene chest waders (sealed with my neoprene sprayskirt), which is a pretty economical, and relatively dry option. Do not ever wear only the waders, as they can fill with water and make self-rescue difficult. With the drytop/sprayskirt/waders combo, I pick up only a cup or two of water after pretty vigorous rescue/swimming practice, and remain totally dry inside when rolling.

shawn

: Now that the weather is getting cold, I'm wondering if I could have some
: advice on what clothes (wetsuit/drysuit) to purchase. I just started
: kayaking in May when it was fairly warm, and love it so much I would like
: to continue throughout the winter. I am however totally broke after buying
: two kayaks and lots of gear this summer. What would be the best value as
: far as cold weather kayaking gear? What air/water temperatures necessitate
: a wetsuit vs. drysuit? I would like to avoid getting in "Deep
: Trouble"! Thank you.

Messages In This Thread

Cold weather wear
Mary -- Monday, 16 October 2000, at 12:01 p.m.

Re: Cold weather wear
Shawn Baker -- Monday, 16 October 2000, at 2:07 p.m.

Re: Cold weather wear
Robert Woodard -- Monday, 16 October 2000, at 9:00 p.m.

Re: Cold weather wear
Frank -- Monday, 16 October 2000, at 11:45 p.m.

Re: Neoprene hoods
Shawn Baker -- Tuesday, 17 October 2000, at 10:59 a.m.

Re: hoods
Lee -- Wednesday, 18 October 2000, at 11:15 p.m.

Re: Cold weather wear
Martin Glader -- Tuesday, 17 October 2000, at 4:30 a.m.

Re: Cold weather wear
Shawn Baker -- Tuesday, 17 October 2000, at 11:44 a.m.

Re: Cold weather wear
Martin -- Tuesday, 17 October 2000, at 1:26 p.m.

tried them all
Randy Kanuff -- Tuesday, 17 October 2000, at 4:55 a.m.

Buy the goretex drysuit
Ed K. -- Tuesday, 17 October 2000, at 12:30 p.m.

Re: Buy the goretex drysuit
MT -- Tuesday, 17 October 2000, at 5:07 p.m.

Re: Buy the goretex drysuit
M. Hamilton -- Tuesday, 17 October 2000, at 6:12 p.m.

Re: Buy the goretex drysuit
Brian Nystrom -- Tuesday, 17 October 2000, at 6:39 p.m.

Re: Buy the goretex drysuit
Bruce -- Wednesday, 18 October 2000, at 12:25 a.m.

Re: Hybrid Dry Suits
Craig Bumgarner -- Wednesday, 18 October 2000, at 5:19 a.m.

Best solution??still available
Randy Kanuff -- Wednesday, 18 October 2000, at 2:54 p.m.

Re: cold weather ware
Rod Estvan -- Wednesday, 18 October 2000, at 2:58 p.m.

Re: Cold in Southern California?
Don -- Wednesday, 18 October 2000, at 9:58 p.m.

Re: Cold in Southern California?
M. Hamilton -- Wednesday, 18 October 2000, at 11:06 p.m.

Re: Cold in Southern California?
Greg Stamer -- Thursday, 19 October 2000, at 10:43 a.m.

Re: Cold in Southern California?
M. Hamilton -- Thursday, 19 October 2000, at 6:07 p.m.

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