wetsuit vs. drysuit

As we all know, the wind is better in the spring. And we all know the water can be quite COLD . I'll be sailing in about 50-60 degree waters, with 10-20 mph wind. I know that I will flip my cat and spend some time in the water getting back over (I'm just that good) . This being the case, would a wetsuit serve me better or a drysuit? I've been told that a wetsuit is great in the water, but out of the water, the wind would cut right through it and freeze you. With this being said, would a dry suit be better? Will a dry suit stand the abuse of sailing?

Thanks in advance,

hopsing

If you can find a good one, I'd get a drysuit.

I've got both a wet suit and drysuit and like em both. As for the wind cutting through a wetsuit, it can be a problem if you get a cheap one. If you spend the extra money on a good one that has windstopper in it as well as welded seams like the o'neill psycho 2, you should be all right. I would either go with a 6/4 or a 5/3 for the conditions you are describing. As for the drysuit, they're good and tough. I have a Ocean Rodeo pyro that i've used for kiteboarding since the spring of 2004 and it works very well and have had no problems with it taking the abuse. The one complaint I do have is it's like wearing a bag, no ventilation, so it can get pretty gamey after a sweaty session. A few friends of mine have the gill breathable drysuit and love it.
Hope this helps

Cory

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82 named SeaBass

Do dry suits have flys or do you warm them up the same way you do a wetsuit?

Not that I have ever worn a dry suite, but the main difference is that with a wet suit, there is some moisture to wash the warming fluid away. In a dry suite, the water does not get in, so... it cant get out either!

some of the more expensive ones will have flys.

I am looking at a 2 piece suite from Kotatat.

http://www.kokatat.com/product_drytops.asp

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Sail Like you Have a Pair
Bluish gray 73 - 83 H16
Super Nice Yellow 84 H18

I have used both and prefer the dry suit. I never wear the wet suit anymore. I have a Kokatat Swift Entry suit with the added relief zipper and socks. I will add the relief zipper is an $80.00 option. The suit is said to be breatable but I do get pretty sweaty at times. I always wear something under to absorb the moisture and when finished for the day I will turn it inside out and store it on a hangar untill the next use. After about 3 or 4 uses I throw it in the bathtub and give it a wash. I have hit the cold water while using the dry suit and could feel the cold through the suit but really not an issue as I had fleece longjohns under. My only complaint is the neck seal is a bit uncomfortable even with it trimmed, but when the sailing is hot and heavy I do not notice it at all. Hope this helps with your decision as in my opinion for cold water the wet suit is not an option period.

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07 H16
Sail No. 110387

Thread Highjack

Speedawg,

Curious what the water and air temperature peak at in the summertime up there at your BEAUTIFUL lake? How long is your sailing season?

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HCANA Class Member

I too wear both a wetsuit or my spray suit (see the link below), depending on conditions. I prefer to wear the spray suit.

http://www.bombergear.com/5345.html

I've found the money invested has been well worth it. The spray suit is lighter weight, not bulky and allows enough room for multiple layers inside. The seals at the wrist, ankles and neck also help keep me dry. I highly recommend them.

Hope this helps,
Eric

Hi Big Jim. We have had an great summer with some wind this year!Usually when the summer high pressure builds in we will have temps avg high 80's and even into triple digits but no wind unless a weather system moves through. The last half of May, June, July and August are pretty nice. The water temp this year according to my son's PWC (yes I know) has reached mid 70's. My sailing season started this year mid-March and I usually take the boat off the beach late Oct. July, August and hopefully the first 10 days of Sept will be without dry-suit. You should come on up and have a sail. It is glorious here in the summer.

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07 H16
Sail No. 110387

Hey Speedawg,
You sail CDA? Do you beach at NIC's area? I usually launch from Mica Bay. The Wolf Lodge bay dock can be too narrow to beat westward. I doubt we've been on the water at the same time. I think I'm the only H16 out there with a full orange main and a white/orange jib. The pic below has my and the spraysuit I mentioned earlier.



Hope to see you out there sometime. Drop me an email at skipper08022000 at yahoo dot com.

regards,
Eric

Eric I have been looking for you all summer! For whatever reason the email addy I have in my Blackberry for you is not accurate. We should get together before the season ends.

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07 H16
Sail No. 110387