Arkansas Canoe Club Forums

gearing up for cold, and I"ve been reading about merino wwool. Would medium wt smartwool socks be as effective?

how much actual downriver time at ww school ? wondering about the bulk and fit of wetsuits..

my current cw gear-
full 3mil wetsuit
6 mil fj and top. 12 mil is kinda bulky, so I"m shooting for a hydroskin longsleeve top.
drytop
dive boots
lots of fleece

need pants & thermals

"Down river time" at canoe school depends on several variables. Instructors, weather, levels, experience of class, number of groups on that section are just a few. Remember it's a learning experience so you might not make a bunch of miles but will put in a bunch of strokes while experiencing a full weekend.

Per your gear, when you say full wetsuit does this mean that it has sleeves? And I'm outta here.

Hi there,

You may need to experiment a bit to see what combination will work best for you. Often farmer john's are preferred for paddling because the full suits can be too restrictive around your arms. 6mil is on the thick side for paddling, but as a farmer john paired with a hydrokin top, a fleece top or with other synthetic base layers under a dry top, that might be a good combo. Your full 3mil suit might also work well, but might be too restrictive around your arms/shoulders. I would try both of those options out and see which is more comfortable for you. If you look around at the neoprene offered by NRS on their website, you'll see the neoprene for paddlers tends to be thinner. That'll give you a good guide for reference.

Smart wool stuff usually is merino wool - good stuff. This is a good time of year to find some wool baselayers on sale. They are still pricey and there's a lot of synthetic baselayers that do just as well, but god I love the how the wool stuff doesn't stink to high heaven!

On the other hand, nothing seems to keep neoprene from stinking, so maybe that's a losing battle!

Ah, just thinking about foul smelling neoprene makes me think of summer!

Actually, here's something else to consider...

If you already have that 3mil full suit and a 6mil farmer john, and if you decide they both are comfortable enough to paddle in, then bring them BOTH to ww school! Because you will be SO VERY VERY HAPPY to have dry (not cold and wet!) neoprene to put on for Sunday!!!!

thanks lupe, I"m definitely the bring everything type.

thanks for info roger. yes, sleeves.

ACC Canoe School has a history of never sure what the weather will be.

I have been there when it was tee shirt weather.

I have been there when it was dry and rocky in the Mulberry.

I have been there when the Mulberry was over the banks.

And, like last year, when it was raining, sleeting a bit and generally very cold saturday.

And some times it goes from nice weather friday to really nasty saturday and back to nice on sunday.

So, bring a good tent, summer paddling clothing and winter paddling clothing. No matter what the weather, we always have fun. The Fish supper and Pancake Breakfast is worth going for even if you do not get on the river.

I second Lupe on merino wool garments. Smart wool brand being one of the best. I have been a long time fan of synthetics but merino wool is fast replacing most of my paddling synthetics especially the next to the skin layers.

I can vouch for Smartwool / merino wool products,they are great !