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From: inetex <dlloyd_at_inetex.com> subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Dry Suit Field Test (add dry top) Date: Thu, 06 May 1999 22:16:35 -0700 · This archive was generated by hypermail 2.4.0 : Thu Aug 21 2025 - 16:32:59 PDT

Most of the folks I know using Dry Suits around the shores of Vancouver
Island find them too hot for touring, even in winter, so use them for other
paddling activities, keeping the neck seals tight for surfing, etc. Nookie
two-piece Dry Suits are popular here, but again, prove too hot for touring
(and expensive). The term "dry suit" is a bit of a misnomer, too. After a
couple of hours of hard paddling out at Race Rocks in the big tide races,
the above suited ladies and gents are soaking from perspiration. Goretex
helps, but not much. Interestingly, during Summer tide play, once one's
insulation is wet and thermal efficiency reduced, the right comfort level
is achieved...until the sun sneaks behind some clouds for awhile.

For touring or sustained rough water paddling, you should try to stay dry
and comfortable. A base layer of poly-pro with  medium fleece over that,
wicks away moisture from the skin's surface, transporting it to the outer
layer of the fleece. At rest stops, you can partially undo the suit, then
shake off the layer of moisture off the outer surface of fleece.

Those who go long distance in their dry suits, really need a comfortable
fit around their neck. You don't want to cut of any circulation, as it
were, and require a minimum preponderance of suffocation, especially if you
are prone to vertigo, queasiness, etc. I've seen wooden rings used to keep
the neck seal open where danger of constant dousing is minimal. This also
allows some much needed ventilation. I've never asked how these rings go
on, or where they can be bought or made.

There are as many neck anatomies as there are clothing color combinations
in the sea kayaking community. To get a good fit that is not too tight, but
provides an acceptable level of protection, don't arbitrarily start cutting
subsequently lower rings. Rather, cut a ring or two off if it is really
tight fit, then experiment with cutting a half ring at a time. You need a
sharp scalpel and good cutting surface. I use a thick cardboard cylinder
form. As new latex seals will loosen a bit with time, err on the side of
slightly tight.

I use a dry top, rather than a dry suit (for 40 deegree water and above
with air temperatures not lower than freezing), but the principle is the
same. I have been able to achieve a nice balance between comfort and
hydraulic protection. I do a lot of "touring" in rough water, and usually
do a few rolls "accidently-on-purpose". I also do a couple of re-entry and
rolls here and there, to stay dialed in. As the neck seal is just a bit on
the loose side, I normally do up the neoprene over-seal, which prevents
water entry to a very acceptable level. 

One of the biggest advantages with a dry suit or dry top for paddling
waters that are a bit on the trashy side, is that your forearms of your
jacket don't fill up with water because of the lack of a good wrist seal. I
just hate it with regular paddling jackets that fill up, then, just as you
throw that high brace, cold water runs down your torso. A number of my
paddling friends (there are a few who still paddle with me these days) have
bought semi-dry tops that have latex wrist seals, but retain the regular
neoprene velcroed neck closure for touring.

My dry top is made by Navarro, using Sympatex (a block copolymer membrane).
As it has no pores, no clogging occurs. The fabric allows a natural
unencumbered movement. Gone are the days of long, rough water passages
where my previously stiffer jackets caused horrible, painful chaffing. I
wear a thin layer of poly pro, with an additional layer of fleece over
that, depending upon air temp and wind. I use the Navarro "Eddie Pullover
Fleece" - a sea-going fleece pullover that uses a lighter fleece weight in
the arms, and thicker fleece for the core area. I don't work for these
guys, put you can check them out at  <www.navarrogear.com>.

I combine the above with a custom fit 3mm Farmer John. It has no "dead
spaces" and is very warm. I use Navarro nylon pants with neoprene ankle and
waist closures for extra thermal protection ontop of wet suit (especially
in wind). I have a selection of four different weights of poly pro for
various conditions and layering options. I give preference to manufactures
that avoid the use of seams at high chaffing areas.

On my early April failed crossing of Queen Charlotte Sound, we spent eight
hours on the water, of which six hours were in gale conditions and breaking
seas. I was towing hard for most of the six hours. The Sympatex breathed
beautifully, even with its surface soaked. I wasn't cozy, but I wasn't cold
either. The other strong paddler in the group of three was wearing a 3mm
wetsuit, poly-pro, a fleece jacket, *and* a top grade nylon dry suit by
Kokatat. He was very cold when we were rescued. The third and weaker
paddler was wearing an older MEI neoprene cuffed paddling jacket, poly pro
and 3mm wet suit. He was hypothermic when rescued. The paddler in the dry
suit had a tight neck seal and was in great discomfort on the coast guard
life boat.

Kayaking is fun. Kayaking in rougher conditions is serious fun. It requires
some serious thought and maybe some serious experimentation. Much of what
one reads about with respect to kayaking apparel is theoretical and
artificial. Some of it is just plain BS. I've been very encouraged to read
the comments and "tests" and accounts by Paddlewisers. What we wear at sea
(or in the sea, as the case may be) is important. Talk of rough water is
not just macho machinations. The skills needed and the gear worn have great
bearing, as even the safest paddlers can get caught in a serious situation
(see Sea Kayaker, June 1999 issue, death of Lone Madsen).

PS Fellow Paddlewiser, Matt Broze, will hopefully be doing a safety article
on the failed crossing of Queen Charlotte Sound/Strait. The three men
involved, including myself, submitted our accounts to him, to be part of a
future issue in SK Magazine. 

BC'in YA
Doug Lloyd
( A kayak enthusiast, not an expert)   
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