Wetsuits

[stringalong]

Anybody have any comments on wetsuits? I've never used one. But, I usually wait until it warms up a bit to get in the water. This year I would like to get in early and want to get a wetsuit. Should I get a full suit? Two pieces or one piece? Brands? Material? Price range for a decent one? Short sleeves, sleeveless or long sleeve. Should I get a size larger than the tables suggest? Any other thoughts? Pros or Cons?

Thanks for any wisdom out there.

[fzburk]

A few thoughts on wetsuits.

A common type that is used is a 'Farmer John/Jane' that has legs but is sleeveless. The thickness is in millimeters (mm}. A common one for paddling is a 3/2, 3mm thick in places and 2mm thick in places that need to stretch.

Most people will add a rash guard and possibly thermal pants underneath the wetsuit to add warmth. Then you can add extra layers over, including windstopper pants, capilene, drytops, etc. to allow for colder days.

Most Farmer John wetsuit have a padding in the knees, as well as a relief zipper so you don't have to take it all the way off. The padding in the knees is good to help you get good, comfortable contact inside a kayak. They also give you some protection if you happen to swim in a rapid.

The thicker the wetsuit the warmer it will keep you when wet, but if it is too thick it is uncomfortable when not wet.

I prefer the Farmer John type over full wetsuits because of freedom of movement as well as allowing more options to add layers under and over. Sometimes in the warmer days I'll use a shorty suit, it is a Farmer John without full legs. Your knees are exposed somewhat if you don't wear another layer.

Most wetsuits stretch pretty well, so you can put a layer underneath without much trouble. They also will fit you if you gain a few pounds.

I've got a number of 3/2 farmer john wetsuits if you want to purchase a used one. These are about a year old, I used them for classes that I taught. I priced them between $30 and $50, depending on the model and condition.

[Deuce]

Mark, I'll take an XL Famer John if you have one. Let me know how you want to handle logistics please. Thanks.

[Mike_P]

Can't agree more with Mark's comments. I would add:

Unlike many paddlers, I like wetsuits over drysuits because of a) cost, b) range of options to wear as Mark posted, c) my weight tends to fluctuate around so I'm always leery I won't fit a dry suit from year to year, & d) I'm cold natured so I tend to wear wetsuits (especially thin ones like NRS HydroSkin) even when others only are wearing swim suits in the spring & fall & sometimes even summer. I also tend to wear NRS semi-dry tops over them instead of drytops b/c I find the neoprene necks are much more comfortable (than the latex neck of a dry top or drysuit) and I stay warm. However, I tend not to paddle when it's very cold out, which to me is <40 degrees F.

NRS this year has added technology called "Vaporloft" that I don't know much about but I've heard some like this full wetsuit as much as a dry suit (and much cheaper) but I've not worn one kayaking & so can't speak to how restrictive it feels when paddling:
http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.asp? ... eptid=1162" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. It was designed for SUP.

Mike P.
Rogers, AR

[darkaly]

I'll add a "me too" to Mark's comment about wetsuits with sleeves. They're awful. They heat up quickly, they restrict freedom of movement quite a bit, and I've found that when I'm already tired, the extra effort required to move around in a sleeved wetsuit is a real negative.

[AR-Nimrod]

I have an NRS Ultra John, Farmer John. The NRS version is designed for paddling i.e. reinforced in places that will wear quicker for paddlers; seat and legs where thigh braces will rub as well as the knees for them open boater types. Like mine a lot. Very versatile.

[stringalong]

Thanks for all the comments....very helpful. I think I can make a much more educated decision now.