[Paddlewise] Dry Suit Questions?

There was an article in SK's April issue on dry suits which has me
intrigued since I'll be looking at replacing my wetsuit either this
season, or come next fall.  I've never really liked a wetsuit, but until

now never considered a dry suit because of their cost.  However, I may
just bite the bullet and go for one.  I solicit all and any comments
from those of you who have tried both options.  A couple of specific
questions:

1.  What's the life expectancy (percentage-wise) with normal useage of
wetsuit vs. drysuit, if any?  I'm assuming that Gore-tex fabric wouldn't

break down in UV light, but does coated-nylon/cordura fabrics start to
lose their integrity in "X" number of years?  Can they be recoated by
owner?

2.  Is it cost efficient to spring the extra $100-150 for Gore-Tex or go

with coated fabric?

3.  Since a drysuit is not as form fitting as a wetsuit, what about
snagging the suit on deck fittings during re-entry, risking a tear?  How

fragile and tear resistant are the fabrics on these dry suits, and can
they be patched?  By owner, or manufacturer?  I can be a bit of a klutz
and many bits of my fabric adorn dock fittings around SoCal with blood
spoor trailing away...

4.  Is there any such beast as a two piece dry suit?  IOW, I'd love to
have a dry top jacket for days and conditions when I'd not need to swim,

roll, or re-enter but would love the thermal/dry protection for upper
body during high braces and scull practice.  In a perfect world, there
would be a dry suit bottom which would zipper on to the jacket for full
protection in more "iffy", challenging conditions.  I know, I'm asking a

lot on this one and if I have to ask, probably couldn't afford it..

5.  Finally, what about sweating?  I'm picturing boiling in my own
juices in an enclosed bag on a 80 degree day, but thankful I'd be in
that that bag if I dump in 52 degree waters a'ways out.  The author of
the article in SK (Kevein Whilden) pays lip service to George Gronseth's

advice on how to stay cool on a warm day in a dry suit (bracing,
sculliing, and rolling) but that doesn't seem to do much for the inner
man/woman enclosed in a shake-and-bake bag.

Comments appreciated, and TIA

-Nick.




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