Re: [Paddlewise] Dry Suits / Wet Suits

----- Original Message -----
From: "Nick Reiter" <reiter_at_fodderty.u-net.com>
To: <paddlewise_at_paddlewise.net>
Sent: Tuesday, February 05, 2002 6:04 AM
Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Dry Suits / Wet Suits


> I have contemplated a
> drysuit, but I have two problems with them: one, I am extremely proficient
> at destroying clothes, and as I understand it, once a drysuit is torn or
> leaks, it becomes virtually useless (until you repair it of course).

A torn dry-suit is not only useless but potentially deadly. I wear a
dry-suit with reinforcements in all critical areas and have found it
extremely durable. There are people who wear a wet-suit as a dry-suit under
garment because of this concern.

> Second, and more perversely perhaps, I hate the feeling of constriction
> around my neck from the latex seal.  Is that something you can get used
to,
> I wonder?

If necessary, you can trim or stretch gaskets to reduce constriction,
although the are designed "to fit snug".

See:

http://www.kokatat.com/instruction2g1.htm

for tips on trimming or stretching gaskets.

> On the issue of goretex, I have heard that in salt water goretex quickly
> stops being breathable, thereby negating much of its advantage over other,
> cheaper materials: anyone able to throw some light on this?

Try this link:

http://129.33.97.28/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ContentGView?storeId=10001&cat
alogId=10001&langId=-1&productId=10408

According to the Gore site, this material can breath under-water--this claim
is always good for a round of arguments from the pseudo-scientists and
scientists alike. I wear a suit with this material and can attest to the
high breathability, even in surf sessions with frequent splashing and upper
body immersions and while body surfing. No matter what theoretical arguments
you hear, nothing can demonstrate the effectiveness and comfort of a
breathable dry-suit like actually paddling while wearing one.


Hope this helps,
Craig




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