Re: [Paddlewise] Neoprene gaskets at the neck

Natalie Wiest wrote:

> To add to your one piece/two piece dry suit thread, my experiences with my
> Kokatat Goretex paddle jacket would tend to reinforce what you're saying:
> not a good choice if really staying dry is your requirement.
> 
> My jacket (and it's advertised as a paddling jacket, not a dry top) has
> rubber wrist gaskets, neoprene waist "gasket" and for sure a neoprene neck
> closing.  I knew the super tight rubber neck gasket would drive me nuts [snip]
> I do note, however, that after considerable time
> working rescue drills (i.e., in the water a long time), I pulled the wrist
> gaskets away from the wrists and emptied several cups of water out of my
> sleeves.  I was wearing a unisex Medium size, and I'm not exactly a large
> female (5'1") so perhaps the wrist gaskets were a bit too big but, FWIW,
> there was certainly a quantity of water admitted.
> 
> I still like this jacket better than the home-made ones I've been wearing
> for years and it's going to be my jacket of choice for any cool weather
> paddling I do.

I've spent a couple hours surfing small stuff with a combo exactly like the
one Natalie describes -- specifically, using the neoprene neck closure,
*not* the latex -- and nary a large teaspoon of water entered.  Never got
any water entry at the wrists, but did get some "dampness" in the neck.

I 'spect she has it nailed -- her wrists are not large enough to ensure
good sealing there.  I'm a tubby guy (230 lbs), so I don't have that
problem.  In addition, I suspect that slim folks may not get as good a seal
at the waist, especially if the neo band at the waist slides up to their
(smimmer) midriffs.  Let's hear it for "stored" beer and pizza as insurance
for a dry closure around the tummy!

-- 
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR


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