A nice query, though the closing line sparked my interest. "What's a thriftily challenged - to do?" We're planning on several days kayaking in Alaska in July and being from the hotter climes of Oz the high cost of 'cold water gear' for a weeks paddling is breaking the bank! So any suggestions of gear that is advisable, safe and user friendly for warmer climes is desperately needed Lee email: wilt_at_4orty2.seventseven.com web: http://www.4orty2.com/ tel: 1441 516 1331 Time zone: (GMT-04:00) Bermuda *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Talk to Tom Pogson of Alaska Kayak School, he might be able to rent you dry suits plus all the gear you may need. I'm not affiliated with Tom in any way other then I once bought a boat from him. He has a web site and runs the Alaska Kayak School the links follow. http://www.wetdawg.com/pages/ask_display.php?p=9 http://www.alaskakayakschool.com/ Gordin Warner > We're planning on several days kayaking in Alaska in July and being from > the > hotter climes of Oz the high cost of 'cold water gear' for a weeks > paddling > is breaking the bank! > > So any suggestions of gear that is advisable, safe and user friendly for > warmer climes is desperately needed > > > > Lee *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Boy, tough call. Reed Chillcheater makes an inexpensive (to me) drysuit. Cheaper still would be a 3 mil wetsuit farmer john and a drytop. Reed tops are inexpensive and effective. The gaping neck versions are pretty good for venting heat and may retain some utility in Oz. My buddy spent 20 something days with an FJ/drytop combo from Craig to Glacier Bay, but he hated the clammy FJ in the morning scenario. I used a Chillcheater on my last 2 week tour in AK. Bring layers and practice rescues to minimize water time exposure. Where in Alaska? lots of places in SE Alaska have water temps in the 50's in summer, not bad for a place synonymous with the igloo. The closer you are to a tidal glacier the quicker the water drops to the 30's. Unsolicited advice: tarps and Alaskan paddling are mutually interchangeable concepts. Cheers, Rob G -----Original Message----- From: wilt_at_4orty2.seventseven.com A nice query, though the closing line sparked my interest. "What's a thriftily challenged - to do?" We're planning on several days kayaking in Alaska in July and being from the hotter climes of Oz the high cost of 'cold water gear' for a weeks paddling is breaking the bank! So any suggestions of gear that is advisable, safe and user friendly for warmer climes is desperately needed *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Where in Alaska do you plan to paddle? If you are talking Glacier Bay or any where near glaciers then expect it at some point to get very cold. Around the glaciers the waters tempts are usually just above freezing. If the wind is blowing off the glaciers (as it usually is) then be prepared for bone chilling cold. Away from the glaciers then hydro skin type materials work well but if you flip near glaciers they only prolong the agony! Be safe! Spending a little extra $$ now may save your life. happy paddling Bob enduring a cold spring here in Alaska > We're planning on several days kayaking in Alaska in July and being from > the > hotter climes of Oz the high cost of 'cold water gear' for a weeks > paddling > is breaking the bank! > > So any suggestions of gear that is advisable, safe and user friendly for > warmer climes is desperately needed *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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