RE: [Paddlewise] Wetsuit for cool water

  I certainly wouldn't want to have to paddle in my Mustang suit!  For the
land locked Northerners in the group, it's a lot like a foam insulated
snowmobile suit - and about as warm!  They're nowhere near as efficient as a
full wetsuit or drysuit with proper insulation, but do offer a significant
level of thermal protection in the water - the first thing that I did after
buying mine on a brisk day in May was head for the water and take a swim to
test it.  They work best if you can stay huddled in a "survival floatation"
position and limit your activity to reduce the amount of water moving in and
out.
  IMO - not a practical addition to your paddling wardrobe.  (But I wear
mine all the time when travelling in my skiff).

Dave Seng
Juneau, Alaska

-----Original Message-----
From: Jerry Hawkins [mailto:jhawkins_at_cisco.com]
Sent: Monday, November 15, 1999 12:18 PM
To: rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com; Mel Grindol
Cc: Paddlewise
Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Wetsuit for cool water


I just checked the Consumers Marine catalog and found several choices for
survival suits.  They run $279 to 449.  I don't think I could paddle
effectively in the heaviest ones.  The lightest is 8 pounds, the heaviest is
14 pounds.  Some offer neoprene closures but most rely on Velcro.  Mustang
Anti-Exposure Coveralls ($318, 8 pounds) are somewhere between wetsuit and
survival suit and might be paddleable.  They are a stylish safety orange
with black trim, just right for Hallowe'en.  None of the suits offers
information on the actual amount of insulation or flotation, or compares
itself directly to a wetsuit or drysuit.  There are, no doubt, Coast Guard
or Navy tests comparing these things.  

Well, it is sunny and 70 degrees here in San Jose.  Too much talk of cold
things.

jerry.


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