Chris said: <<< Hi There, Rain can be devestating for any kayaker who happens to get caught in a downpour. <snip> >>> I was paddling out of Bamfield this weekend. As it was only a short trip, I had room to bring a full-fledged rainproof parka with hood. It also worked well as a pillow while in its waterproof bag. It was sure nice to have in the cooler mornings and evening rain showers. On a longer trip I generally omit an item like this due to space considerations, instead wearing my wet paddling jacket with a rain hat and/or generally keep under a tarp or in the tent. I also carry a poncho on longer multi-day trips, wrapped in a small factory sealed package for emergency use. I have in the past used a more compressible (than the parka), older paddling jacket with hood that works great as a backup paddling jacket and as around camp rain wear. Trouble is it is not very comfortable for either. I'd kind of like to buy a rain jacket, full cut with hood, that is both _durable_ and compressible (totally waterproof/windproof). It need not be breathable. As for the original thread, I do not see the efficiency of a paddling jacket that fits over a PFD. But I've never tried it out or actually seen anyone using this type of garb. You also said: <<<As to the West Coast kayak Symposium. I will be there as part of Seaward Kayaks marketing team. Seaward is my employer. Any paddlewiser will be assured of a warm welcome at the Seaward booth. c. banner Thetis Island. B.C. >>> Hope your "jumping ship" is working out for you. Seaward are great folks, with a good product. I've seen a number of custom kevlar Seawards on the water, with nothing but praise from the owners. I had an impromptu race with one of them this weekend. It took a bit of work to overtake him, though a quartering fishboat wake from astern threw the Ascente (I believe) off course faster than the Nordkapp (the fellow was an good paddler). None of the Seaward owners I've bumped into lately have had any leakage problems. This isn't true with some of the Nimbus kayaks, and others. I notice Wendell Phillips is one of the noteworthy presenters at the symposium this year with his Greenland slides. Should be a good show (Wendel is such a great guy, and a Christian BTW who lives an truly ethical life). I can't make the symposium. Have fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Doug Lloyd *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
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