Time to decide on winter paddle apparel-wetsuit/drysuit

[lbaker]

Ok I know it's 105 degrees outside, but since I've been prompted to wear a wetsuit to the upcoming River Safety class, I guess it's time to get off my duff and buy something. I have been going back and forth on this issue for a couple of months wetsuit? drysuit? First, I'm really not sure I can stand latex/neoprene tight around my neck, so as wonderful as a drysuit is I'm just not sure it's right for me. Also, my cold water paddling will be limited to close to shore, with others. I've read many posts near and far on the attributes of both. But what's really right for me and my paddling? I am not (do I dare say it) a WW paddler. I prefer to view nature slowly, as opposed to shooting past it while trying to avoid rocks, holes, etc. OK I do confess I love watching you guys do it.
I'm more of a Buffalo river canoeist (yes, I know there are some of you out there) but I digress....Are female paddlers happy with their wetsuit? Temp wise, what's the difference in 3mm and 2.5mm? Am I maligning the drysuit unfairly, are the neck gaskets really that bad? Anything wrong with starting out with a wetsuit and going to a dry later? And if I go with a wetsuit will I have to go with a neck choking drytop?
Confused in Texas,
Leigh

[DMG]

I think you'd roast in a drysuit in August, even if you're spending lots of time in the water with the rescue class. I bought a thigh-length Little John wetsuit for warm weather paddling but discovered I was allergic to it and went back to using my drysuit with a very light base layer. By early May it was almost too hot to wear so I switched to shorts and a fast-drying synthetic T-shirt. I'm probably not going to be able to make it to the rescue class at Rockport, but if I did, I'd probably eat some benedryl just wear the wetsuit. After that, I'd give my wife some benedryl and take her to Red Lobster for some grilled shellfish. Oh, why is it that the things we love light our skin on fire?

Go for the wetsuit. They're cheaper! Hope this helps.

~Dave

[Steve S]

Leigh, I don't think you need a dry suit for the type of paddling that you will be doing. I recommend that you look at one of the lighter wetsuits such as the Farmer Jane HydroSkin. http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.asp? ... eptid=1163" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Another alternative would be to pair a set of HydroSkin shorts (http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.asp?pfid=2240" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;) with a HydroSkin vest (http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.asp?pfid=2619" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;). If the weather is a bit cooler than you thank the vest and shorts can handle, you could put a paddling jacket and paddling pants over them.

You may also want to consider a HydroSkin Long Sleeve shirt (http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.asp?pfid=2623" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;). I have the men's version and use it quite frequently in early Spring or late Fall trips.

You could buy all of these items and still not have spent as much as you would for a good dry suit.

[jermdog]

I've got a full wetsuit I'd sell pretty cheap if you want it. I never use it, used it one season then went for the dry business.
I should probably add that I'm 6'4" so you should be at least 6' if you want it.

[Cowper]

In cool to cold weather, wetsuits and drysuits just aren't in the same category. There's a night and day difference on how much more comfortable the drysuit can be. And the drysuit can be OK even in 70+ weather, if the water is cold. BUUUUTTTTT....

As much as I love drysuits, it also depends on what you will be paddling in colder weather. If you're sticking to stuff where you have a 99%+ chance of NOT swimming, then yes, those gaskets will be less comfortable than something less restrictive. So a wetsuit can do the trick, while still providing some safety for that 1% chance you might swim anyway. And a wetsuit provides some padding (good for rescue classes), and is more durable and won't be ruined if you get a little bit of sunscreen on it.

A farmer jane, plus a capilene or polypro top, plus a spashtop, is a pretty good combo. Something made out of the "mystery" material might feel warmer than the hydro skin - anything that "wets out" is going to transfer a lot more heat than something that has a slick surface that sheds all water.

[Richard]

I may just be fortunate but I don't own a dry or wet suit. I go with quick drying layers and I have gone swimming in the winter. They work just fine for me. And it is far more comfortable than either wet or dry suits when you are dry which is 99% of the time when canoe camping on the Buffalo. If I was paddling the TOT I am sure I would have a completely different outlook.

[okieboater]

Drysuit equals a lot more comfort than a wet suit most of the time (if you can handle the latex gaskets)

During a swim, wetsuit offers a lot more protection from the rocks than a dry suit. Also helps you float. If a drysuit gets torn during a swim, you have a big time problem.

If you do swim in cold weather, a dry suit will keep you much warmer both in the water and after you get out, a wet suit will leave you pretty cold and miserable after a swim since the cold water will most likely flush out the inside of your wet suit. Dry suit swims in cold deep water are not much of a issue for most of us.

Wetsuits do not take much care, dry suits do take a lot of care in transit, in storage and keeping the latex lubed up with 303

If I was doing a rocky creek in moderate cold weather and thought I was gonna swim I would wear a wetsuit over a dry suit.

Otherwise, in spite of the cost, a dry suit with the appropriate liner layer is by far the most comfortable choice for me.

[Karla]

Cowper can attest to this one. I took a swim on New Years day this year in my wetsuit layered with fleece and I was warm on a cold day in cold water. Initial shock of a swim is cold but I quickly warmed up in the wetsuit. I have a farmer Jane type suit. I was in the water though up to my waist after initially in the water but I was wet from neck to feet in my fleece and did not feel cold at all.
I was in the water for about 20 minutes or so.

Karla

[Bob Stout]

Remember, about 5 miles above your class site, the water is released through a dam and can be a bit cool. I took the class a bunch of years ago, and assisted instructors the next. I wore a wet-suit and had no problems. I now have both wet & dry suits -- if I were to make a choice for this class, I would probably still use the wet suit for "bump" protection.

[sugarmtngal]

.............I was going to purchase dry pants for my dry top; however, much controversial feedback has been received! A good friend advised me that Dry pants are a hazard when they fill up if you swim, then of course another friend whom has purchased dry pants says they suffice, Lewis & Clark advised me the dry pants are sufficient........................but after wearing Kim's drysuit during a course and after wearing Zach's wetsuit on the Paris Spillway...................well, I'm going for a full dry suit! The water temp's can be very COLD and that ruins a fun session on the river if you end up shivering.. ..........not to mention life threatening!

Now when I paddle the Buffalo River, I love my wetsuit pants and top! Totally different rivers! This weekend I'll be on the SanJuan in Utah in a bathing suit and lifejacket WARM WATER! OH yes....and of course a potty! I've learned so much from Richard, GutIt, David R, and others on that thread regarding the LNT toilet systems. Thanks guys.

Good luck in your purchase!