Re: [Paddlewise] Cold Water Clothing (also Legal Liability)

Wetsuit or Drysuit? Why not both. That's what I used back when I was surfing
the WA coast in January at least after I bought the drysuit. I thought the
Farmer John was the ideal undergarment. Even if my dry suit developed a
serious leak and let in that 45 to 50 degree water and I was facing one of
those long swims in the surf that can happen at LaPush, I'd still have some
hypothermia protection from the Farmer John. All in all though I'm in full
agreement with what one of my old surfing buddies from back in the 80's,
Robert Livingston, just wrote on the subject in Paddlewise.

Anything you say, write or do can be used, twisted, distorted and
misrepresented against you, by some slimy weasel, in a court of law. One of
my best friends, a lawyer, says if stopped by the police don't answer any
questions beyond identifying yourself. Ralph, it wasn't my lawyer but a
lawyer talking to the trade association that warned against providing any
guidance in safety matters. The choice was write it and potentially have it
used against you or not write it and potentially have more customers whose
families wanted to sue you. I chose the later potentially more risky (in the
judgment of the lawyer) option.

Doug
I bought the UVIC designed Mustang Float coat, you described, back then to
test it out. It was way too bulky, stiff and heavy for paddling in. I used
it for walking the beach at night but not paddling. I still have it and
would probably wear it if I were sailing in rough weather and cold water.
Matt Broze
http://www.marinerkayaks.com

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