RE: [Paddlewise] Wetsuit sizing help needed for Newbie

From: Blaauw, Niels <nblaauw_at_foxboro.com>
Date: Thu, 17 May 2001 07:23:02 -0400
Christian wrote:
>>>
 I bought a shorty wetsuit by NRS for use
during those chilly days and it feels pretty snug. How tight are they
supposed to feel and are you supposed to wear underwear under them or not?
<<<

The way to dress while kayakking is depending on conditions ( air
temperature, water temperature, sea state), your skills ( how likely is a
capsize) and personal taste ( do you prefer to overheat while kayakking, or
undercool while swimming).

A few tips might help:

- If your wetsuit is uncomfortably tight while wearing underwear, don't wear
underwear;
- If the rubber scrapes your skin while paddling, do wear underwear;
- If you think your private parts might get stuck in the zipper, wear
underpants;
- If your wetsuit gets too smelly, burn it;
- If you think you look rediculous wearing tight rubber, wear something on
top of it.

Seriously: If you browse the web, you will find people telling you to wear
full wetsuits, half wetsuits with drytops, underwear, no underwear, fleece
instead of rubber, rubber instead of fleece, hats, caps, helmets,
scullcaps...

Just try different combinations and find out what is most comfortable with
your climate, your preferences, your tolerance of heat and cold, your
standards of decency and your taste in fashion. While trying you will
probably have a couple of uncomfortable trips, but that's just part of the
learning curve.

Personally, when I wear a wetsuit, I combine it with underpants and a
stretchfleece shirt, under a semi-drytop. I wear surf booties with socks.
Whenever possible, I leave the wetsuit at home and dress in a suit of
stretchfleece and a drytop.

Happy paddling,

Niels.



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Received on Thu May 17 2001 - 04:47:35 PDT

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