RE: [Paddlewise] Dry Suit Field Test

>We stretch our neck gaskets (when we remember to do so at all) for a day or
two before paddling.  I've found that the 1 gallon plastic bottles that
antifreeze comes in are the ideal instruments for this.  With their tapered
tops and handles, it's easy to pull them though the neck gasket and position
them so that the wide, cylindrical part of the bottle is inside the gasket.

What brand of dry suit?  I couldn't stretch my Kokatat at all.  I had a
large that I exchanged for an extra large and they both seemed to have the
same neck gasket.  I had a gallon paint can with the Sunday paper and paper
back novels wrapped around it.  Left it on for several days and I could tell
no difference.  I was still close to suffocation.  Cutting off 3 rings was
the only way I could get relief.  Now it slips over my head comfortably
(hopefully not too comfortably) and it is no longer an instrument of
torture.  Hopefully I've solved my other drysuit problems and can test the
neck gasket this weekend.

>We've also found that the gaskets go on our wrists and heads (two and one
each, respectively) much easier after frequent use of 303.  Just a very
little bit on the gaskets as I get ready to stretch the necks does the
trick.

Maybe that's what was missing when stretching the neck gasket.  While
originally trying to stretch the it there had only been one application of
303.  The crazy chemist recommends 303 after each use too.  

>As for our legs, well, we got the, er, how shall I say this without
overusing the 'b' word?...rubber footcoverings.  I don't remember who
advised us to get them but thanks for the advice!

I don't have them.  I've been using Fleece socks for a couple of years for
winter hiking/snowshoeing, and for early season paddling.  I have thin blood
and still haven't had any (much) problems with keeping my feet warm once
they're out of the water.  This is the first year (since the old ww days)
I've had neoprene footwear.  It was just stinky old sneakers before.

If/when I have to replace the gaskets I may or may not get the relief zipper
but will probably still skip the b' things.  I haven't had the problems
others seem to have getting the suit on and off.  I must be more patient or
have a higher tolerance to pain than some :-).  Of course you can't be
nonchalant without that zipper.  There's not much doubt when you've peeled
down and then stare off into space.

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