Re: [Paddlewise] Whoa Nellie!!

> I just wanted to hear
> some opinion as to the proper wearing of layering garments in conjunction
> with a Farmer John style wetsuit; over or under? 

   I think a few folks have already addressed this, before going off on their 
rambling rants. But here's my take on it;
   Wetsiuts are designed to be worn tight, and to trap a thin layer of water 
against the skin. A million years ago when I used to sell diving equipment I 
used to tell people who were shopping for their first wetsuit that "the first 
wetsuit you buy will always be too tight! The next wet suit you buy will be 
even tighter!" That's because a tighter suit is more efficient when used 
properly. What this means is that by buying a larger, looser suit because 
it's more comfortable, or wearing some insulation underneath your suit will 
reduce the suits efficiency in the water. 
   Some folks are perfectly willing to sacrifice some efficiency for comfort. 
That's your choice. It should be noted however, that wetsuits are designed to 
be worn in the water. I have seen people become somewhat hypothermic while 
wearing a wet suit on land. When you are vertical the water in the suit runs 
out and the evaporation can make the suit fairly chilly, particularly if the 
person wearing it is no longer active. Wearing an insulating layer and a 
windbreaker on the outside of the suit will help eliminate this.

Scott
So.Cal.

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