Re: [Paddlewise] advice to public jan 21, 2011

I think that trying to convince a canoist to wear a wet suit might be a tad
difficult. I've started to recommend the NRS "HydroSkin" products to people
who don't seem likely to wear thermal protection apparel. I'm not sure if
anyone else is making it but I bought one of their long-sleeve HydroSkin
shirts at their "bargain loft" in Moscow last year and I find it comfortable
for Fall/Spring days (or a Summer day on Puget Sound). This is the NRS band
name for a very thin neoprene-like material with a fleece lining. The fleece
takes away most of the "clammy" feel of neoprene and the material is so thin
that it's not objectionable (at least not to me). They make "pants" in this
material too as well as short-sleeve and vest tops. The prices are low
enough to attract canoists and kayak-fishermen.

These won't offer anything close to what a farmer-john and a dry-top (or a
drysuit) will in terms of thermal protection in cold water but they beat the
heck out of cotton shirts and jeans. I'd love to see Chuck (or anyone) do a
test on outerwear  like this in order to get a good feel for what protection
they do offer.


Craig Jungers
Moses Lake, WA
www.nwkayaking.net

On Wed, Jan 26, 2011 at 9:16 PM, Doug Lloyd <douglloyd_at_shaw.ca> wrote:

> Minimal info at best, though at least the article makes a connection
> between
> wearing a PFD and cold-shock breathing difficulties. As well, a wet suit IS
> mentioned. And I liked the part about practicing canoe recovery drills in a
> warm pool in Winter.
>
> Chuck Sutherland - a voice in the wilderness...the cold wilderness!
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