Sea Kayaks Techniques Bulletin Board

tried them all

Posted By: Randy Kanuff
Date: Tuesday, 17 October 2000, at 4:55 a.m.

In Response To: Cold weather wear (Mary)

: 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.

After paddling in Alaskan waters most of the time, lower 48 and Mexico during the winters, it will vary with the water temperatures and air temperatures in which you paddle.

If you are dealing with waters around 50 degrees or below and air temperatures below 55-60 and sometimes rainy then a Goretex drysuit is the absolute best way to go. I even use mine at 60-65 degrees air temps quite comfortably especially if there are some clouds, wind or rain.

Even if you borrow money to get one, as long as they last with good care, your yearly cost is quite low considering the comfort and safety it provides. If you shop around and make some dealer an off season price ofer you should be able to get one new in the $420-450 range. People I paddle with have suits over ten years old and still good.
Randy

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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