Re: [Paddlewise] Dry Suit Questions?

Hi Rob,

    I just "bit the bullet" and ordered a drysuit from Kokatat in GoreTex.  
The people I paddle with swear by the GTX front entry suits from Kokotat.  
This is a large and sometimes burley group. If the garment stands up to their 
abuse, it must be good.

1.  What's the life expectancy  - Some of the people I know have suits that 
are 7+ years old. Cheap insurance at $100 per year. UV must still be a 
problem, as it is with anything, less is best.

2.  Is it cost efficient to spring the extra $100-150 for Gore-Tex. - The 
"hot blooded" among the group say yes. The calmer and most efficient paddlers 
say that the coated stuff is fine.

3.  Since a drysuit is not as form fitting as a wetsuit, what about snagging 
the suit on deck fittings during reentry, risking a tear?   - Certainly 
possible, but rare in actual usage. Anything can be patched, though it may 
not be as pretty or functionally equivalent to the original material.  Then 
again, it only a small patch, right? Yet another good argument for a 
consistent roll.

4.  Is there any such beast as a two piece dry suit?  - Yes, though 
reportedly not as waterproof as a one piece suit. Some people swear by the 
versatility of the two piece system. I went for the one piece, but I already 
have a drytop and will buy dry pants for emergency back-up or the warmer 
water temps.  Some people have told me about two piece systems that are very 
workable. They report some wetness but not enough to bother them and this 
only if they swam a lot.

5.  Finally, what about sweating?  - This is my biggest concern. Great 
argument for perfecting that roll and sculling technique. Also I truly 
believe that a very efficient paddle stroke would minimize any overheating.

    Please take all of this with a mouthful of salt water, I have done a 
bunch of research, but have no personal experience with the drysuits yet. 
Certainly some of our more seasoned cold water paddlers will chime in to 
clarify any inaccurate information.  Best of luck!

Jed
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