Re: [Paddlewise] cold water for warm water paddler?

From: <rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com>
Date: Wed, 02 Dec 1998 14:53:02 -0800
Bob Denton wrote:
> 
> I recently purchased a used K-Light and I'm ready to travel. I will be going
> to wild and exotic places like Newark and Pensauken NJ on business and
> wondered if anyone has suggestions for clothing.
> 
> My usual paddle gear consists of a T-shirt, Bathing suit and occasionally,
> water socks.
> 
> What is the most cost effective, packable cold water gear? A wet suit is not
> an option: too bulky.

Bob,

Just wear your ordinary wear.  You will be fine...honest...just make
certain to will me your K-Light! :-)

Actually you can get away with one of those Polartec 2000 suits made by
Body Glove, Henderson, US Diver, O'Neill et al.  Cost around $200 for a
one piece suit. They are nice and stretchy and therefore comfortable. 
Supposedly the equivalent of 3 mm of neoprene.  Given you are traveling
etc. and are looking for a modicum of cold water protection it would
work decently enough.  You are not likely to be needing to roll in that
boat.  You can get back in without needing a paddle float, etc.  Wear a
paddle jacket over it and you will be just fine.  The polartec suit
folds down good and flat if there is room problem.  I also noticed in
the latest TravelSmith catalog a bag that is meant to fit fluffy stuff
like regular Polartec into a very small space.  You close it (I guess
similar to a drybag) and it has a one way air valve that pushes air out
as you press down.  It isn't a dry bag but a super sophisticated side
open stuff sack with a way of expelling out air.  It looks like it would
make the suit compress down real small.

ralph diaz
-- 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ralph Diaz . . . Folding Kayaker newsletter
PO Box 0754, New York, NY 10024
Tel: 212-724-5069; E-mail: rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com
"Where's your sea kayak?"----"It's in the bag."
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Received on Wed Dec 02 1998 - 12:00:14 PST

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