Re: [Paddlewise] dry suit, spray tunnel

From: Erik Sprenne <sprenne_at_netnitco.net>
Date: Wed, 27 Sep 2000 01:01:38 -0500
Gabriel wrote:
> I am looking at a kokatat goretek drysuit that has a
spraytunnel.
> Anyone have any thoughts on that tunnel.  I don't have time to
> wait for booties or relief zipper, but can get it done later.
>

The spraytunnel will help keep water out of the boat, which is
more important for one who paddles in rougher conditions/surf or
in whitewater.  There *is* some added bulk, but IMO that's much
easier to carry around than an extra gallon of water in the boat.

You also might want to check with Kokatat on drysuit retrofits.
My first drysuit was made by OS Systems, and they were adamant
about not doing drysuit retrofits on a used drysuit.  The reason
they gave was that they could not guarantee the waterproof
integrity of the suit after sealing surfaces contaminated with
body oils.  Even though I told them I'd waive the guarantee, they
still would not add a relief zipper to my used drysuit.

My intent is not to knock OS Systems for their stance - I liked
the drysuit, and it kept me dry for 9 years until the waterproof
coating delaminated in the armpits due to repeated stretching in
that part of the suit.  I now have a Kokatat Goretex drysuit with
a sprayskirt tunnel and a relief zipper :-), which has served me
well for a number of years (and I paddle at least as much
whitewater as I sea kayak).  Perhaps Goretex retrofits are less
sensitive to body oils than urethane-coated fabric retrofits?

Regards,
Erik Sprenne


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Received on Tue Sep 26 2000 - 22:56:18 PDT

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