Re: [Paddlewise] PaddleWise Drysuits/Dampsuits

Bob Apter wrote:

> I also find that I can't stay dry in a Goretex drysuit, paddling vigorously
> in the Pacific Northwest.  I suspect that the high humidity here limits the
> effectiveness of Goretex, since the vapor pressure outside is relatively
> high.
>
> Nonetheless, the Goretex still works much better for me than when I tried a
> coated drysuit in the past.
>
> Although Goretex is not a perfect answer to sweating up the dry suit it does
> make a big difference.  In 1997 when Don Dimond and I were preparing for a big
> crossing I wore a coated nylon suit for a 35 mile training paddle out to and
> part way around Isle Royale.  It was nice and cool about 40-50 and we paddled
> at a brisk, but not insanely vigorous pace, and at the end of theday I had
> about a pint of liquid sweat in each ankle gasket (yuck!!!).  We are not
> talking damp here we are talking swimming in moisture.

In contrast during our actual crossing I had a Goretex suit and paddled for up
to 67 miles in one sitting at a fast pace with hardly a trace of dampness in the
liner.  Obviously on warm day at a race pace you are going to sweat up the suit
no mater how breathable the shell.  A few things that help a great deal are
controlling your body temperature by covering and uncovering your head and
hands.  It is amazing how much heat you can dissipate just by paddling with a
bare head or bare hands.  By being very aware of your body temperture and
adjusting your head gear and or gloves and pogies you can thermostat yourself to
more dry comfortable paddling.

> >
>
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