Re: [Paddlewise] drysuits

>From: "Robert C. Cline" <rccline_at_swbell.net>

>Options add a higher initial cost to a dry suit, but probably substantially
>extend its lifetime. Kokatat's dry suit has an option for "cordura" 
>kneepads
>and seat pads.    My WW instructor, Kevin Stevens of Seattle, wore a 
>goretex
>Kokatat drysuit that was entirely covered with another layer of material,
>presumably cordura, like the knee pads, which made the whole suit very
>durable and abrasion resistant.
>
>I would think that the covered dry suits would be as tough as the neoprene
>wetsuits and many more times functional.  You can wear a drysuit in warm
>weather, and use the zipper to regulate heat when the water conditions
>permit, but if you are not planning to stay immersed, a wetsuit will cook
>you!
>
>In summary Paul:  Get the one piece dry suit if you possibly can!  Consider
>the add-ons as budget will allow.  You are paddling serious water up there.
>
>Robert

Hi Robert,
No question that an intact drysuit with appropriate fleece beneath provides 
substantially more immersion protection than a 3mm farmer john wetsuit. I 
had such a "dream suit" made for an arctic trip a few years back: a 
reinforced Kokotat Gore-Tex drysuit with relief zip. I had the factory latex 
seals replaced at a dive shop with the sort of neoprene seals used on diving 
drysuits (far more comfortable and durable). At the same time, I had them 
install integral booties as used in diving drysuits so I could wade ashore 
without soaking my feet - on longer trips "trench foot" is a serious issue.
The suit served me well on the trip - we could work on land and just strip 
off the drysuit and slap Gore-Tex jacket and pants on without removing the 
fleece.
The suit also served me well for a couple of years once I got back to BC. 
However, as I swam ashore once on a surf kayaking trip, the crotch seal blew 
open from stem to stern, leaving me exposed in a least two senses. If this 
had happened far at sea or during a multi-day trip, it would have been 
disastrous. (I did not consider this a warranty issue with Kokotat, as I had 
basically given the suit a typical lifetime's worth of use in a few years.)
I also noticed that in BC in the summer, I had a tendency to paddle with the 
suit unzipped and peeled around my waist to avoid heat discomfort, which 
meant that had I capsized it would have been worse than useless. Since then 
I've paddled with the 3mm farmer john previously described. Even worn peeled 
to the waist, it would provide some protection if I swam. It's certainly 
true that a drysuit is preferable for winter wear, and as soon as I can 
afford to replace my "dream suit" I probably will.


Philip Torrens
N49°16' W123°06'


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