[Paddlewise] Wetsuit for cool water??

Never measured comfort versus actual temperature, but will pass along an experience.  If someone knows the average Lake Superior water temps at the times of year that mark the following  episodes, we might be able to pin down approximate times when a dry suit should replace a wet suit.

Last Memorial day in Apostle Islands, debated whether to wear wet suit or dry suit in unseasonably warm weather.  Chose wet suit rather than cook under sun.  (Can't roll, so couldn't cool off that way.)  When reached island destination was overheated in wet suit and took plunge.  Unbelievable shock!  Farmer john gave some protection, but shoulders and arms numbed immediately, driving me out of water in less than a minute.  Realized that, if capsized, would have almost no time for either self- or assisted rescue.
Terribly anxious until reached shore, donned dry suit with light insulation, and tested by swimming.

Later, in August at Isle Royale, again chose wet suit, this time for week-long paddle.  This time had no problem swimming -- water in protected areas was actually pleasant.  Also found wet suit  adequate in Lake Michigan even in late September.

Point:  Great Lakes change with season.  If you plan to rely on a wet suit when paddling them, make sure you take a swim in it before you go out.  Wet suit will always make a big difference, but it may not always be enough.  Old bromide:  Dress for the water, not the air.

Rick

Later


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