RE: [Paddlewise] Custom wetsuits

From: Steve Brown <steve_at_brown-web.net>
Date: Thu, 22 Jan 2004 15:13:01 -0800
I never use Farmer John's anymore. If I need to wear a wet suit, I use a
full surf wet suit (I think from body glove). I have a 3/2 for local winter,
and northern summer paddling, and a 4/3 for northern winter paddling. Both
are extremely comfortable and flexible, but for the 3/2 I got their most
stretchy (and expensive) version. Well worth it. No impediment to paddling
whatsoever.
Surf shops have a very wide range of sizes and styles that all seem to be of
much higher quality then kayaking counterparts. The only down side is that
they tug on the neck a little when seated. Really not a problem, unless you
get one that is too short in the torso. Lean toward a longer one and it
won't be an issue. I was amazed and a little embarrassed about how large a
size I needed (for someone my height), but since there were so many sizes
available it wasn't an issue.
I have a local wet suit shop install a custom relief zipper. FYI, my zippers
cover a range that looks more like a relief zipper for a woman. That way
they work standing on shore or sitting in the boat. All the farmer johns
with relief zippers I have seen don't seem to comprehend male hardware
position when seated in a kayak.

Steve Brown

-----Original Message-----
 I'm in the market for a new farmer john.  I've been looking around a farm
john sized for a "medium tall" and I haven't had any luck finding
something that would  fit, so I'm contemplating a custom suit.

..........

The thought of a farmer john/jacket that actually fits, and is
comfortable, is starting to overcome this cheapskate's reaction to the
cost of going custom.

Kirk
-- 
  Kirk Olsen
  kork4_at_cluemail.com
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Received on Thu Jan 22 2004 - 15:17:27 PST

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