Wet vs Dry Suit (?)

[Kevin]

So anyone want to explain the differences (pros and cons?).

[Dick]

Kevin,

I can't explain the difference (only wore a wet suit, and only once), so I did an internet search (you may have also) and found this conversation summary:

http://www.sailingproshop.com/drywet.html

I have no idea how accurate this info is, but hope it helps.

Dick

[Kevin]

Thanks Dick. Some of that is indeed useful. Guess I was also looking for the 'trusted' folks here at ADK Forum to confirm some of these statements...

DRYSUIT- when you're in salt water, it's freezing, or polluted....

WETSUIT when it's great outside, for example lake sailing on a down canyon thermal in the morning with warm water temperatures, coool air, it's great.
on a nice summer day, sailing on cold lake waters, and a breeze.... when you're going to need to pee, and it's easier to get the wetsuit pulled down rather than those confounded gaskets of the drysuit.....
sometimes it's just important to have that water to body contact, it keeps you fresh and alive....

[Johnnycakes]

Kevin,

I can offer some insight here. Your intended pursuit would help me offer more relevant advice.

Wetsuits are typically made of neoprene. The material is similar to a closed cell foam pad (like the one's you sleep on), except that it is stretchier and will absorb some water. The neoprene works to insulate becuase it is made up rubber and many air pockets. Wetsuits should fit tight, so as to minimize the water that can flow between you and the wetsuit. Any water that can move between you and your body relatively unimpeded will result in a significantly higher heat loss. Wetsuits will absorb some water, but once the water is absorbed the same water will tend to stay trapped in the pores of the neoprene, so heat loss via convection is minimized.

Drysuits are designed to keep all water out. They do not provide any insulation. Instead you wear insulative layers underneath. Drysuits are designed so they will not take in water even if submerged. They typically have latex neck, ankle, and wrist gaskets. These gaskets can be uncomfortable and difficult to get on and off. Depending on your intended pursuit, you may want to seriously consider getting a drysuit with built in water proof booties. This will eliminate having to get you feet in and out of the latex ankle gaskets. In very frigid water, a drysuit will no doubt be more comfortable. They are also more expensive. Although significantly costlier, I would recommend a waterproof/breathable drysuit if you will be active in the suit at all. Otherwise, you are likely to sweat ridiculously and may even develop a sweat rash. Drysuits can also be hazardous in certain situations because if they rip, and subsequently fill with water, they act as an anchor of sorts and can make getting to the surface more difficult. This risk would not keep me from rafting the Hudson in a drysuit, but if I was kayaking some really extreme rapids with jagged rocks, and thought there was a good chance I might end up swimming, I might reconsider.

John

[Kevin]

Thanks John, good information. I have a wetsuit (neoprene) that I bought at adirondack paddle today and it looks like the 'right choice'. I'm not counting on getting wet, it's only in case I do. Although my prior kayak experience was on whitewater, I will be using the Carolina on slow moving or standing water (no rapids in a 14.5 footer ;p ).

What sort of layers should I use above the neoprene suit? I'm thinking common warm-clothes would apply (fleece, wool, etc). I read that some people use a spray layer, like a waterproof shell.

[redhawk]

I just ordered a Farmer John from llbean. It's the NRS that sells at their online store for $109 with $12.00 shipping.

Bean has it for $99.00 and $9.00 shipping.

I like the Farmer John for paddling as opposed to the full wetsuit so there is no restriction on the arms for paddling. I figure the wetsuit, wool pants if the air temp is low, My wicking base layer shirt over the top,, Gore Tex Jacket, I should be fine.

BTW, The river is Just perfect for paddling. Clear all the way to Northville, only a couple of short classII type runs, the rest being fast water but the flow is well over the rocks. from the Alpine down it's all pretty "flat".

[Rick]

Kevin,
Double Dittoes on JohnnyCakes!!!

I used to wear both a wet and a drysuit back in the early 80's when I used to do a lot of spring and fall waterskiing on the Niagara River and Lake Alice (Waterport NY). We wore drysuits when it was bitter cold out and we always wore a layer of thermal underwear and sometimes sweatsuits beneath them. I never liked the gasket around my neck, but they do seal well. In fact, I would usually sweat inside the Drysuit.

The wetsuits were more for when it was a bit warmer but the water was still cold - You can get them in different styles and weights - I usually wore a 3/8" farmerjohn with articulated knees.


Now, 20+ years later, I only paddle and in spring and fall, I wear a farmer John "Shorty". I don't usually get wet, nor do I plan on it, but it is as necessary as a PFD.

I have been keeping an eye on my local lakes for ice-outs and it appears this its the weekend YIPPEE!!! (Though I will still have some floes to paddle around and play with.

[Johnnycakes]

Kevin,

Some sort of spray layer will make things more comfortable in colder water/temps. You shouldn't need anything special for flatwater boating. You're rain jacket/parka should work just fine. They pack up so small, there's really no reason not to carry one.

John

[Kevin]

Kevin,

Some sort of spray layer will make things more comfortable in colder water/temps. You shouldn't need anything special for flatwater boating. You're rain jacket/parka should work just fine. They pack up so small, there's really no reason not to carry one.

John

Thanks everyone for the advice. I'm going to bring a variety of clothing Saturday and will pick/choose with some guidance from the more experienced folks there.

[redhawk]

The one thing I wish I had was a paddle harness. Might be something for you to think about Kevin if you don't have one. I don't really think we'll end up dumping but its a good little security blanket.

[Kevin]

The one thing I wish I had was a paddle harness. Might be something for you to think about Kevin if you don't have one. I don't really think we'll end up dumping but its a good little security blanket.

I thought they floated?

I dumped 3 times last time whitewater kayaking. I have a weird knack for holding onto the paddle and keeping toes/nose up .