RE: [Paddlewise] Dry Suit Field Test

Date sent:      	Mon, 3 May 1999 09:54:46 -0500
To:             	paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
From:           	Patrick Maun <pmaun_at_bitstream.net>
Subject:        	RE: [Paddlewise] Dry Suit Field Test

> Sometimes it is just a bit too easy to forget one of those zippers. 
> The ideal deal test would be to wade out up to your neck, but in 40 
> degree water that gets real unappealing real quick.

It may be unappealing, Patrick, but it's the best way to check out a 
dry suit.  From the beach, before you paddle.  The best way, and 
also the best way to find out if your thermal protective layer 
underneath is going to work for the water condition.  When I paddle 
solo in winter --- er, ahem, assuming I ever took such rash action ---
I always swim the gear first to find any leaks or bad seals <before> 
I paddle --- and just for that reason.  That said, your buddy system 
sounds like the best idea --- especially if you have a buddy to 
paddle with.

Re the dry suit manual issue, I received detailed maintenance 
instructions with my GoreTex suit from Kokotat, which is about all 
I'd expect.  I didn't get a manual with my VCP kayak, nor much 
safety instruction with my Lotus PFD --- except for the government-
mandated stuff --- so I guess I don't understand the concern some 
have voiced about the lack of a manual with a drysuit.  But the 
point is taken --- you need other networks, clubs, seminars, etc. to 
learn this stuff.  I'm glad I had the Chesapeake Paddler Association 
(CPA), Cindy and Charlie Cole, Ron Casterline and other local 
individuals when I was starting up, and, if all you have is this 
network, as Clyde mentions --- don't forget the keys, Clyde ---, 
maybe this is as good as it gets.

Having said that, the CPA had a cold water workshop a year ago 
January, and several relatively experienced kayakers found --- for 
the first time at the workshop, having been paddling in cold water 
for several years --- that what they'd been counting on just wasn't 
there.  That includes improperly used gaskets --- socks under 
them! --- bad zippers, and insufficient insulation to handle a 20 
minute swim.  So there's never a better option than trying out stuff 
in reasonably controlled conditions as Clyde did in the start of this 
thread.  Don't forget the keys, Clyde.

Jack Martin
***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List
Submissions:     paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
Subscriptions:   paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net
Website:         http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/
***************************************************************************