Re: [Paddlewise] drysuits

I find that the drysuit is really uncomfortable only the first time or so
that I wear it each season.  I have the lightweight goretex and, while I
won't say it isn't warm in there, it's not terribly uncomfortable,
especially since, while there are those warm days, most of the time that
you're wearing a drysuit it's actually pretty chilly out.

For guys the relief zipper is a must - I have the drop seat, which is
much more useful for ladies.  Also, I definitely recommend the attached
booties.  For one thing, they increase the itnegrity of the drysuit, and
for another, they're easier to pull on.

On Tue, 11 Jan 2000 08:48:36 EST Bhansen97_at_aol.com writes:
> I'm in agreement with those who say that, for really cold water 
> (regardless 
> of air temp) the only safe way to go is with a full Goretex drysuit. 
> A drytop 
> won't do the job. I do have a Goretex drytop, and I wear it when the 
> water 
> temp gets up to 50 or so - but even then, I'm probably taking a 
> significant 
> risk. A drytop won't usually keep you truly dry if you're practicing 
> rolls. 
> If you ever come out of your boat, a drytop will first allow your 
> lower body 
> to get wet and cold, and soon thereafter you'll notice all that cold 
> water 
> wicking up onto your lower torso.
> 
> Don't try to compromise with a coated drysuit. It won't breathe, and 
> you'll 
> be so uncomfortable that you won't use it.
> 
> As for discomfort, there is some with a full Goretex suit, but it's 
> well 
> worth it. When I paddle even moderately hard during late fall and 
> winter, the 
> polys lining my drysuit get wet - even though the drysuit is 
> Goretex. That's 
> okay. I have other clothes I can change into. 
> 
> As for difficulty getting into the suit, that's minimal. For me, 
> it's getting 
> out of the suit which is a bit of a nuisance. That takes about 30-45 
> seconds 
> and a little careful tugging. It certainly isn't a big deal.
> 
> And as for  price - well, do you have life insurance? A Goretex 
> drysuit is by 
> far the cheapest life insurance policy you'll ever see.
> 
> Get a relief zipper in the suit if you possibly can, unless you're 
> blessed 
> with a 6 hour bladder capacity.
> 
> Bill Hansen
>
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