Re: [Paddlewise] Dry Suit Field Test

Clyde S. responded:
>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.
>
Ours are Kokotat suits as well.  I won't speak for Joan, but since the
stretching works for me, I'd guess that my neck is thinner than yours, Clyde
(last time I paid attention, the neck size was 15.5 or 16).
>>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.
>

>If/when I have to replace the gaskets I may or may not get the relief
zipper
...I emphatically recommend the relief zipper.  Joan's got the Dr. Denton
variety on her suit.  I know she's pleased with it, but it's best to ask her
for details (provided she's willing to share).  I can say this much on that
subject:  She was concerned when ordering the rear-facing relief zipper that
it would make for an uncomfortable seat in the kayak -- that she might end
up sitting on the zipper.  That doesn't happen.

Happy testing, Clyde.

    Bob V



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