Re: [Paddlewise] Dry Suits / Wet Suits

From: Steve Cramer <cramer_at_coe.uga.edu>
Date: Mon, 04 Feb 2002 15:31:26 -0500
Gypsykayak_at_aol.com wrote:
> 
> <<I have to admit that I support the use of proper clothing, but don't fully understand when you move from a wet suit to a dry suit.  >>
> 
> I'm glad Rick asked this question as I was under the impression that you moved from > a WS to a DS when you had the EXTRA $400-500 dollars, having first shelled out the > $20-300 (?) for the wet suit.

I used to think pretty much the same way. Understand that I used to
paddle WW in North Georgia/NC in the winter (it ain't Minnesota, but <
40 degree air and < 50 degree water is not unusual in the mountains)
dressed in one layer of poly and nylon paddlejacket and pants. But a
couple of things have changed my POV.

1. I've got more money tied up in boats than clothes. With a GoreTex
drysuit, I'm willing to paddle when I've got the opportunity to do so,
not just when the weather is nice. I don't let a $2K boat sit idle for
want of a $300 suit (I paid $250 for my GT DS, used).
2. Wayne Horodowich says in his rescue tape(s) "Base your equipment
decisions on utility, durability, safety, and maybe style. Price doesn't
enter into it; it's your life we're talking about."
3. OK, I'll admit our family income is more than when I started boating.

-- 
Steve
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Received on Mon Feb 04 2002 - 12:32:25 PST

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