Re: [Paddlewise] Dry Suit Questions?

OK.  Don't have much time but I'll bite.

Nick Von Robison wrote:
> 
> I solicit all and any comments from those of you who have tried both options.

I haven't lived in neoprene since my H2O Ski days ended a decade ago, so
for what it's worth...

> 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?

My Gore-Tex Kokatat is 8 years old with no patches, no noticeable
changes due to UV (except fading).  It gets washed anywhere from after
each trip to once a season.
- when it gets to smellin' worse than the three litter boxes nearby 8-{
It is stored cool and hung out of sunlight, zippers open as per Kokatat
(used to be zippers shut).

> 2.  Is it cost efficient to spring the extra $100-150 for Gore-Tex or go
> with coated fabric?

I have the Gore-Tex while paddle partner in crime wears the cheaper
coated fabric.
We're both equally capable and efficient paddlers and have similar
regards of what constitutes hot and cold.  By the time I break a sweat
he's sweating profusely.  The difference is minimized if the salt hasn't
been washed out of the Gore-Tex, though.
My own experience has shown the Gore, left unwashed for 3 days, will out
perform the coated.

> 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...

Well, unlike some on our list, I have lived in my drysuit for days on
end (matter of speaking), have bushwhacked through some brush looking
for a place to answer nature's call (and then for a way back on some
other route than through the poison ivy), and even used it to wash a
moored powerboat with - wedged between the hull and rocky bottom for a
minute or two on end 's hard scrubbing (all afternoon).  Hasn't torn
yet.  (Guess I should be thankful, huh)

> 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.

Above 70 degrees air temp. & sunny while distance paddling w/o wind is
my breaking point.  So is 65 degree water temp. - It'll no longer feel
cool enough when roto-cooling.  The comfort level ends for me anywhere
from 55~60 degrees air temp.
I've already traded the drysuit in for my paddle jacket/pile & neoprene
combo.  53 degree water temp. and air temps from the upper 40s to upper
60s.
Actually, the drysuit has been retired for the season due to 2 blown
gaskets + one more that needs re-replacing.  Gotta run(!),

Vince
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