Wet suit recommendations?

Thanks for listening, as usual you are our hero!

_________________

Frank, sailing '02 Getaway in Wichita KS. Lake Cheney
(Hobie 17 RIP, storm of '05)

zzcoreyzz,
You may want to try Small Craft Advisory they are located in Seal Beach. Last time I was there the had some Ronstan farmer John suits on sale

What about women's suits?

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Sail Revolution
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What size? 14 On a serious note, I would definitely go to place to try them on before buying. Everyones bodies are different and if it doesn't fit well you won't wear it. Every type of wetsuit out there is comfortable if it fits right. The problem is everybodys body is not right for every wetsuit makers.

Thanks for the tip, MRL! I will check it out.

Where do you launch from up there?

I was at Dog Beach in Long Beach last weekend and thought that that area looked like a fun place to sail. Open ocean, but protected by breakwaters, and lots of cool places to sail around.

_________________

"HOBIE....
Say it LOUD and there's music playing...
Say it SOFT and it's almost like praying.....
I just sailed my WAVE out the Marina !"
West Coast Story

i am currently using an xxl from WARMER which I bekieve just got bought up by stolquist 3mm farmer john and i wear a spray top it works great for sf bay area sailing they used to make a xxxl rental suit

PS. thanks for listening MATT as always

The wetsuits arrived!! The lycra stuff is still due in October.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

The number of items (SKUs) sizes, styles and colors is daunting as a startup of a product. We may expand as this stuff gets moving.

The products look great. These are built by Neil Pryde.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

zzcoreyzz
Normaly from ABYC , Clarmont landing or from Cabrillo Beach Yacht Club in San Pedro

I just purchased gear from http://www.nrsweb.com/. They are focused on kyaking folks, but the gear is well made and comfortable. I got the rodeo wet pants which have padded knees and ankle zips. they are 3mm. I have a hydroskin shirt but it hasn't been cold enough to use. Also their rodeo wet shoes give you great traction and protection.

Speaking of old guys (Im 52), Ive been using a dry suit for the last few years (after 20 years of wet suits windsurfing in Colorado) and really like the dry suit. Its got a wide range of comfort depending on what is worn underneath but the main thing I like about it is that I dont feel like Im trying to get out of a straight jacket to take it off. Not as limber as I used to be.

And yes, I understand dry suits have some safety risk if they get torn..

I got a full body 3mm torso 2mm arms wetsuit with a 5mm vest and hood and 7mm non slip boots. The suit is perfect. i spent almost an hour in the water in Washington state and all I had to do was wiggle around a little if I felt cold. I could have swam laps I was so comfortable. I also have the lycra rashguard which works as a fleece to keep you warm. I am very skinny and this setup keeps me toasty. By the way the reason it is called a steamer is because when you take it off your body will give off steam.

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Tree nuts are not acceptable for hull buoyancy.

Kyle,

Glad you had a good time. What's the water temperature? (59 here) The thicker boots sound like a great idea, do you have to dump the water out? Do you have winter sailing gloves?

John

_________________
Sheet In...Max Out
www.fleet297.org
sailflatlands at gmail dot com

There is a hardcore group of Great Lakes surfers who surf well into January/February in arctic conditions (we stop when the lakes freeze over). We use a standard 6/5/4mm with hoods, 7mm gloves and 7mm booties to keep warm...even on the coldest of days. We'll be in the water for a good couple of hours with no issues (except for the icicle dreadlocks that form on our hood visors ) But now wetsuit technology has now evolved to this point:

http://www.ripcurl.com/index.php?hbomb

It is the first electrically heated wetsuit. There is no need to be cold again .

I want to thank everyone for the great tips and advice.

I opted for a "Farmer John" 3 mil plus a 2 mil jacket. Both pieces are NRS but I got them free shipping from Altrade plus a 20% off sale price. They fit well and my wife says I look sexy in them. Just order a size larger than the charts say on the John and jacket and s size smaller on the booties.

Zippers on the ankles. wrists and up the front. Easy on/off plus it makes it convenient to "open" up to keep my body temperature cool or warm, depending on conditions. Also picked up booties and gloves. I like the styling of the Hobie wetsuits, Matt, but alas, I am a poor boy and my story's seldom told....

_________________

"HOBIE....
Say it LOUD and there's music playing...
Say it SOFT and it's almost like praying.....
I just sailed my WAVE out the Marina !"
West Coast Story