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From: <MJAkayaker_at_aol.com>
subject: [Paddlewise] Increasing hydroskin effectiveness
Date: Mon, 28 May 2001 20:21:28 EDT
I have a NRS hydroskin farmer john and a long sleeve top.  These are 0.5 mm 
neoprene with a fleece lining.  They are claimed to be equivalent of 2.5mm 
neoprene.  I would like to increase the effectiveness of this system for my 
short trips up north where the water temp may be around 50 degF (10 degC).  
Do you think any combination of the following would increase the 
effectiveness closer to that of a 3-4 mm full wetsuit.

1. Light to mid weight poly pro bottoms and top underneath. (Polartech 200 
type fleece will not fit.)

2. Paddle jacket (adjustable neoprene wrist and neck closures, ie not drytop) 
and waterproof pants over the outside.

3. Prefilling suit with water before paddling. (Idea being that on immersion 
I might have less heat loss to initial water warming).

I have not spent any significant time in water under 60 degF (15.5 degC) in 
the hydroskins.  Even with the things listed above, am I just fooing myself 
into thinking I have hypothermia protection with the hydroskins when water 
temp is 50 degF.

What would you consider a good pre-paddle test for appropriate clothing?

1. 15 min float with no chilling
2. 15 min float with no shivering
3. 30 min float with no shivering
4. 15 min swimming with no chilling 
5. Other

Mark J. Arnold

Mark J. Arnold  

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From: <SeaKayakNH_at_aol.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Increasing hydroskin effectiveness
Date: Mon, 28 May 2001 21:07:10 EDT
In a message dated 5/29/01 12:25:42 AM, MJAkayaker_at_aol.com writes:

<< I have not spent any significant time in water under 60 degF (15.5 degC) 
in 
the hydroskins.  Even with the things listed above, am I just fooing myself 
into thinking I have hypothermia protection with the hydroskins when water 
temp is 50 degF. >>

Hi Mark,

    Maybe I'm just a wimp but I wouldn't even think of paddling in 50° water 
without some kind of dry suit system. HydroSkinz are fine to wear under the 
drysuit but I can think of no combination that had HydroSkinz as the primary 
protection that will offer any real protection for immersion in 50° water.  
My advise would be to buy an inexpensive drysuit and sell it once you no 
longer need it.  Or try to borrow one from someone.  Good luck, have a great 
trip.

Jed

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From: Patrick Maun <pmaun_at_bitstream.net>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Increasing hydroskin effectiveness
Date: Mon, 28 May 2001 21:20:24 -0500
At 9:07 PM -0400 5/28/01, SeaKayakNH_at_aol.com wrote:
>
>     Maybe I'm just a wimp but I wouldn't even think of paddling in 50° water
without some kind of dry suit system.[SNIP]

Up on Superior starting in June if it is a hot day I'll wear 
HydroSkin (I have a long sleeve top and bottoms as well as the short 
sleeve top). The problem is that is can get really really hot up 
north when the sun is shining. The water ay be in the 50's, but if 
the air temp is in the 90's and it is humid (which it always is up 
here), a dry suit is overkill. Rolling to stay cool every ten minutes 
is not my idea of fun either. I'll sometimes bring my drysuit along 
in case the weather gets rough for spring or fall paddles.

I'd say, swim a bit in your get up and see if it is comfortable.

-Patrick
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From: Wes Boyd <boydwe_at_dmci.net>
subject: [Paddlewise] Charity paddle event in NE Indiana
Date: Mon, 28 May 2001 21:33:43
There will be a paddleathon in NE Indiana on the Lake James chain of lakes
next Sunday, June 3. Meet at the Marsh Lake put-in at 9:00 AM Indiana time.
The event benefits the local Red Cross, and the full distance is about 15
miles. You're all invited!

For more information, contact (219) 495-9436 or (219) 495-9991.

-- Wes
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