[Paddlewise] Wetsuits

Tony asks:

<<<Could someone steer me toward a couple of solid companies/brands that
might fit me out? And what are the salient points I should look for in
this product purchase?>>>

Tony,
In case no one else mentions it, one of the biggest issues is the "fit"
while in the kayak-seated position. Many wet suits are non-specific to
_kayaking_(touring or otherwise). Canoe paddling, surfboard riding,
river running inflatables, etc., all don't require the essential fit
that kayaking demands when one has to sit in the "L" position. Add a
wide girth, and the problem compounds.

I had mine custom made, and was sure to find a manufactured amenable to
the specific needs of the long-distance ocean kayaker. An ergonomically
incorrect fit will leave the suit far too tight up your bum crack and
upper rump, and may indirectly cause the farmer john shoulder straps to
pull too tightly downward. You also need the correct cut to relax the
fit under the upper thighs. Most folks just buy an off-the-shelf suit,
and buy one a bit bigger to allow for a better "bend-fit." The risk here
being less thermal protection for the thin membrane of water required to
keep the Kelvin output up. My life may depend on my suit, so I made the
task of research and the need for a company offering exemplary service a
priority, as well as assuring a good final fit.

I also had the arm pit cutouts opened a bit more (under the
understanding that there would be a slight reduction in thermal
protection), which helped lessen the suits tendency to cause underarm
rashes.  I'd suggest avoiding Velcro shoulder straps, which may rub-rash
under the shoulder straps of a PFD.

I added knee pads for kneeling-on-the-beach protection, long calf-muscle
zippers for in-boat cooling, and a relief zipper which works well with a
drytop when nature calls out in nature. The better suits (IMHO) comprise
of panels sew/glued/taped together, as opposed to ones that are
minimally seamed (meaning poorer fit in many cases).

I realize my situation is different, as mine was custom made at great
expense, but some of the features are ones salient in your search I
would imagine.

Doug Lloyd


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