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From: e nacik <Ellen.M.Nacik-2_at_tc.umn.edu>
subject: [Paddlewise] rubber boots/chotas
Date: Mon, 17 Feb 2003 10:25:30 -0600
hello,

i'm looking for information from those of you who have used both chota
boots and rubber boots in COLD ocean water. has anyone found a clear
advantage/disadvantage w/ one v. other?

thanks in advance,
ellen
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From: Kirk Olsen <kork4_at_cluemail.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] rubber boots/chotas
Date: Mon, 17 Feb 2003 10:20:28 -0800
On Mon, 17 Feb 2003 10:25:30 -0600, "e nacik"
<Ellen.M.Nacik-2_at_tc.umn.edu> said:

> i'm looking for information from those of you who have used both chota
> boots and rubber boots in COLD ocean water. has anyone found a clear
> advantage/disadvantage w/ one v. other?

I wear Chota's in the ocean around New England.  They stay dry so long as
the water doesn't get over the tops than it will let water in.  I've
been swimming a few times with them and they do take on some water but
not enough to be a problem.  After swimming from my surf ski I found it
was quite
difficult to get the water out of the Chotas.  The cinch strap on the
chotas
works well to cut down on water going into the boots, plus it keeps them
on your legs
when swimming and maneuvering back into/onto your boat. 

I don't like the prospect of using an open topped boot.  My time with
regular
boots has been off the water.  I've seen no reason to chose regular boots
over
the Chotas.  There definitely isn't foot space in my boats for much more
than that
taken up by me and my chotas.  

Kirk
-- 
  Kirk Olsen
  kork4_at_cluemail.com
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From: Mary Zuschlag <mzuschlag_at_attbi.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] rubber boots/chotas
Date: Mon, 17 Feb 2003 11:01:05 -0800
> i'm looking for information from those of you who have used both chota
> boots and rubber boots in COLD ocean water. has anyone found a clear
> advantage/disadvantage w/ one v. other?

I have both rubber boots and Chotas, and I never use the rubber boots for
boating any more.  The Chotas are much more comfortable and warmer than the
rubber boots.  Rubber boots are yucky to hike in; my socks usually slip down
my foot.  The Chotas never do that and they are warmer.  The Chotas take in
much less water, especially if you cinch them tight.  The Choats with a good
sole are better for walking.   The slipper type boots might be good if you
have a small kayak but they are terrible for walking on rocks.  Chotas rule!
If you have a dry suit with an attached gortex sock you can go with the
shorty version. -- MZ

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From: al.m <al.m_at_3web.net>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] rubber boots/chotas
Date: Mon, 17 Feb 2003 10:56:47 -0800
> i'm looking for information from those of you who have used both chota >
boots and rubber boots in COLD ocean water. has anyone found a clear >
advantage/disadvantage w/ one v. other?

Ellen, if you mean regular $10 rubber boots, then *any* kayaking booties
(like chotas, wellington or low-cut neoprene
booties) have the advanage that they don't let water in (well... almost).
Regular rubber boots will be instantly filled with water if the case would
be.  While wading with water in them can be a nuisance, in emergency swim it
can be a disaster - first, they work as sinkers, second, they don't provide
heat insulation  like tight-fit kayaking shoes.

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From: Michel Charlebois <michelcharlebois_at_videotron.ca>
subject: RE: [Paddlewise] rubber boots/chotas
Date: Mon, 17 Feb 2003 13:37:34 -0500
"i'm looking for information from those of you who have used both chota
boots and rubber boots in COLD ocean water. has anyone found a clear
advantage/disadvantage w/ one v. other?

thanks in advance,
ellen"

I am using the Chota boots for the last 3 years. I paddle in Quebec (read
cold) from early April to early December. I also paddle in the golf of
St-Laurence where the water in summer is no more than 4 C (appx 40 F). I
wear them with neoprene socks. You can go in water above the top of the
boot, but some water will seep in. I am very satisfied with the product.
Distinct advantage over rubber boots in comfort and warmth.

Michel
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From: Rick Ramos <ramos_at_lanset.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] rubber boots/chotas
Date: Mon, 17 Feb 2003 20:39:41 -0800
My wife is questioning the sizing of the Chota mukluks.  do they fit well with
wide feet? 
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From: Joan Spinner <jspinner_at_peoplepc.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] rubber boots/chotas
Date: Mon, 17 Feb 2003 20:04:24 -0500
    To echo what others have said, I've been swimming with my mukluks to see
how they would do. I have the old ones and love them. They have kept my feet
dry and warm for several years now. I don't have to wear the neoprine socks, I
use fuzzy socks in case I have walk somewhere or have to stand for any length
of time. I found that the lining got a bit wet and took some time to dry out
when I sawm for about 15 minutes of rescue practice. I think they may do
better with my wet suit than with my dry suit but either way they hold more
heat and even the water warms up to help. 


    I was so glad to get rid of the short Chota in cold water. I think my
mukluks are one of the best buys I ever made.





Joan





<<i'm looking for information from those of you who have used both chota


boots and rubber boots in COLD ocean water. has anyone found a clear


advantage/disadvantage w/ one v. other?>>





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From: Michael Daly <michaeldaly_at_rogers.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] rubber boots/chotas
Date: Tue, 18 Feb 2003 08:42:49 -0500
From: "al.m" <al.m_at_3web.net>

> > One thing there came to my mind: Could a pair of latex neck-gasket be
> > fitted to the bootleg,
> 
> Aquaseal glue (used for neoprene) should be able to do the job.  

I wouldn't bother.  The Swellies don't let more than a trickle of water
in, since the uncoated neoprene band around the top does a good job.
OTOH, if you've got really skinny legs, this might not work, so a latex 
seal might be better.

I've been told that some BC area paddlers get a GoreTex top added to 
them to allow them to stand in water well over the knee.  The GoreTex
can be slid down to the boot top or raised up to the thigh and held with
a bungie and cordlock.  Didn' impress me at all.

The only modification I made to my Swellies was to sew a hem into the
end of the strap at the top.  That way the strap doesn't fall out of
the ladderlock when I take them off.

Mike
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