Re: [Paddlewise] Wetsuits, Poly Undies, and trying not to die in Rosario Strait

From: John Fereira <jaf30_at_cornell.edu>
Date: Fri, 23 Feb 2001 10:31:53 -0500
At 09:56 AM 2/23/01 -0500, ralph diaz wrote:
>From: <JCMARTIN43_at_aol.com
> >>
> > > Silly question: I was of the understanding that wetsuits should be worn
>next
> > > to the skin with no intervening layers, and that additional cold weather
> > > clothing should be worn over it.  Some one suggested to me that polypro
>long
> > > underwear could be worn under the wetsuit, and was better than wearing
>it
> > > over a wetsuit.
> > >
> > > Which is better?
> > >
> >
> > Joe's response seems to be the standard answer --- you want some water
>next
> > to the skin, but as little volume of water to heat as possible, and as
>little
> > circulation, or "flushing" as possible.  To the question of warming layers
> > OVER the wetsuit, sure: there is some value in insulation over the suit,
> > assuming you're talking dry state.  The desired state.  But if you swim
>this
> > outfit, the fleece, or whatever you are wearing on top of the neoprene, is
> > going to function best as a sea anchor, and will provide absolutely no
> > warmth.  Just a clarification in case anyone thought that Polartec over
> > neoprene would add insulation during a swim.
>
>Several points.  When I have worn a wet suit, really just a farmer john
>type, I have found that wearing a polypro long sleeve top under the upper
>portion of the suit was of some benefit.  This was partly as a rash guard as
>mentioned by Joe and also as a bit more insulation both when over the water
>and in it.

When I wear a wet suit top I usually wear a long sleeve silk top underneath
(Eddie Bauer carries them). It's extremely thin, works as a layer to prevent
abrasion, and besides, wearing silk makes me feel pretty.


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Received on Fri Feb 23 2001 - 07:32:24 PST

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