This is a reply to the post from Julio MacWilliams. Julio, I intentionally left my drysuit completely unzipped in the pool when I performed a self rescue. I wanted to see if a self rescue was possible with the water that would enter the suit. Even with three gallons in each leg I performed a self rescue. I believe and teach students that Drysuits are the best thermal protection available. You must wear a thermal barrier between you and the drysuit like polar fleece or some other barrier like Jack Martin does. When using a drysuit you must keep the waterproof zipper completely zipped up also. And just as Ralph typed you must have proper gaskets. Years ago a sea kayaker drifted over eight hours in the waters of the San Juan Islands until he drifted up to an island. He slept in his drysuit overnight and was rescued by the Coast Gaurd when they saw him walking on the islands shore the next day. In comparison a few years ago a sea kayaker in Lake Superior was in a wetsuit for three hours while holding his sea kayak. He was found after a three hour search and was hypothermic. He was still conscious but was brought to the hospital and kept overnight. It is best to have thermal protection and both wetsuits work and drysuits work. They just have to be used properly. Good Paddling, Don Dimond *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
I bought a pair of Chota boots that come up to the knees. They have soles but no ankle strap. Thus, should they fill with water, it's like wearing a pair of water filled balloons on your feet. Rather than drill holes to drain the water, is there a way to secure an ankle strap to the boots to prevent them from taking on so much water? Robert *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
On Sat, 13 Mar 1999 16:49:06 -0600, Robert C. Cline wrote: I bought a pair of Chota boots that come up to the knees. They have soles but no ankle strap. Thus, should they fill with water, it's like wearing a pair of water filled balloons on your feet. Rather than drill holes to drain the water, is there a way to secure an ankle strap to the boots to prevent them from taking on so much water? .............. I just got mine in the mail this week, in preperation for my trip to the Grear Bear Rainforest in a couple of weeks. I can just "bearly" get them over my calf muscles, With the wetsuit on, its even harder, but looks more watertight. The upper leg strap does not seem to stay tight (not a problem in my case). They are very warm in the house (like duh). Has anyone had theirs for awhile, and how well do they work, and what of the above question from Robert? Doug Lloyd Victoria BC Canada *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
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