Unintended Dunking/Cold Shock

[SteveGabbard]

Not sure about prices now but I have a stohlquist drysuit that has served me well. It was about $600 brand new from ooo a couple of years ago.

[Canoe_Codger]

Not sure what you are looking for but I find the Kokatat Men's Tropos T3 Swift Entry Kayak Drysuit for $325.00 with free shipping online. And a similar lightly used one on that auction site for the same. Of course that still leaves you needing insulating undergarments. The same site has the Kokatat Men's Power Dry Drysuit Liner (L) for $156.95. I don't have one either, but I sure do miss a lot of cold and cool water paddling because of it. And I know better than to try a wetsuit.

I would post the source but I am not sure about the site policy. I am not affiliated.
Michael

[SteveGabbard]

http://www.outdoorplay.com/Mens-Kayak-Dry-Suits" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

This one? It's a heck of a deal if you can wear a Medium. Better hurry! Keep in mind when you get into or onto a boat the positions you get into might justify a larger size than if you were just standing up.

[Mark or Hayden]

I wear Nike Combat Gear leggings, a Farmer John wetsuit, 3-4 fleece layers under a good dry top.
Best I can do short of getting a dry suit. Watch for sales in the spring

[Yarbrough]

Here in Arkansas the drysuit doesn't have to be the most expensive. Being that we are rain dependent we are paddling in the rain or just after the rain. Meaning that the humidity level is 100% or there abouts. The more expensive "breathable" materials like Gortex aren't really working anyway. If you over layer and sweat inside the suit the breathable material is not going to wick away the moisture in the suit when outside moisture is 98%. If it were Colorado or California and you are running snow melt in the sun with a humidity level of say 30% it would be different. Staying away from the newest most high tech material saves hundreds. Storm hoods work and the bunny suit keeps the kidneys warm. Once you have the right equipment more days open up to paddle.

Just my thoughts
Yarbrough

[Al Donaldson]

http://coldwaterbootcampusa.org/dvds.shtml" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[tomOzarkVideo]

Sounds like I just need to keep my peepers open for a screamin' deal on a suit. Great advice as usual everyone. Many thanks.

Look around.. Lots of companies are getting rid of last years stock.

Dry top/pants combo works very well BTW. I would rather have a suit though.

[Deuce]

Thanks Al. I'm about to order that. Looks very useful.

[Al Donaldson]

Luke and all:

The "Cold Water Boot Camp" video is perhaps the best source I've ever found for real, documented information regarding cold shock, survivability times, cold water immersion techniques and cold water gear that I've ever seen. I bought 7 copies and gave 6 of them away to Iowa cold weather paddlers.

It is really good to be able to get documented research and experimental data ( as in the video,) as so much of what we hear from paddlers (while often great experiential information) is usually limited by the specifics of the particular incident.

Stay safe.

al

[Canoe_Codger]

There is some good generalized information on the website as well. Quite worth a few minutes to explore and read.

Michael

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1xohI3B4Uc" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;