In a message dated 4/3/01 10:06:50 AM Eastern Daylight Time, mastalski_at_engr.wisc.edu writes: << I have a question regarding what is the appropriate dress when immersion in cold water is a possibility. >> I've been a diver for a very long time. I own 4 wet suits and two dry suits. I can stay in 68F water for 35 minutes with a 3mm shorty before I start getting cold. I can stay under with a dry suit, and proper insulation for an hour, easy, in 48F water. The purpose of a wet suit is to trap a thin layer of water between the suit and your skin, which is then heated by your skin. This is why 3mm is only good for short term immersion. Heat loss is dependent on many variables, so what works for me may not work for you. In order to be protected for long term immersion, let's say 20 minutes in water under 50F you must have not only a dry suit, but the proper insulation underneath. You would need 6 or 7mm neo to protect you for a swim like that, but for me that's just too damn uncomfortable. Remember the dry suit is only the shell, the amount of thermal protection is dependent on what you wear underneath. A lot more can be said on this subject, but I hope this helps. Steve Schmitz Enjoying an empty Long Island Sound! *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Tue Apr 03 2001 - 19:27:23 PDT
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