Getting too cold!

This sounds silly, but even though it is the middle of summer and over 35 C most days, I find I'm getting way too cold when sailing my AI (recently named "Aqua Romeo " ) mainly due to the spray and wind combination. Anyone else have this problem? I have worn wetsuit pants but still seem to be getting cold!

I believe that the wetsuit material can suffer from windchill. You might want to look at other types of clothing which contains a windproof layer as well.

These get good reviews-

http://www.sharkskin.com.au/company/testimonials.php/1/5

http://www.zhik.com/Home.aspx?element=1&category=1

I mainly wear a windproof/waterproof breathable jacket from the local boating place and wetsuit booties although I've got a pair of sharkskin pants just in case.

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Even on a fine day wet clothes and wind will strip the body heat right out of you.
I tried Nylon sun pants, (stinger suit type), plus a kayak-jacket but on sunny days the dacron jacket stopped the wind but got too hot.
Then I tried a total wetsuit, too hot most of the time and very movement-restricting.

Finally I bought a Kokatat, breathing semi-dry suit and problem solved.



http://www.altrec.com/kokatat/supernova-paddling-suit

The fabric allows excess heat and moisture out without letting water in, the neoprene collar is much more comfy for all day wear than Latex full dry suit types.
Plus, if your boat is upturned at sea and you cant right it, or otherwise unplanned immersion this pup will protect you from exposure longer than anything else.
Easier to don than a wetsuit and if you are 'tween sizes get the larger as when sitting with knees bent and arms in paddle position extra material is needed to prevent tightening of the torso area.

"New York Kayak Company" gave great service.

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Fair Skies, Max.

Max,

Do you have any issues with water penetration if you are sitting in a puddle? I have the dry pants from same company and I seem to have an issue of water getting through if I forget to open the seat scuppers on the Revo. I'd like to get the full suit, but not until I'm sure it actually is water tight.

joe

I have the same dry suit and heartedly recommend it. I went through the same sequence
from GoreTex rain gear, wet suit, etc. to dry suit. I love my dry suit with accompanying dry suit booties. If the weather is mild I can dress in light clothing. I think it is the 'wind chill' factor of water evaporating off or through other coverings that causes the cold feeling in most so-called protective outer wear.

Thanks, all good info. So with the drysuit do you wear it even on really hot days, and then for colder days put layers on underneath? Can you purchase these in Oz?

Probably - but you'll pay heaps.
Ordered mine over the net from Murrays Sports online store
STOHLQUIST DRYSUIT bPOD was on special at the time - cost $425.00 + Shipping: Intl FedEx Air (3-5 days): $106.25 Total: $531.25 Very prompt service!!!

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Mickey
2016 AI Hibiscus
purchased NEW Nov 2021 - My 5th
Adventure Island Sailing since 2008

I love my Kokatat.. It never fails me..

Here is a picture of my wife wearing a Kokotat jacket (current version is Kokotat Tempest Jacket--$190 at NRS in USA.)


It is breathable, latex gaskets at wrists, neoprene collar. It is less restrictive, more versatile than a full dry suit. It is my jacket (fits tight on me), but fits my wife fine. We don't have much use for it here in south Florida, although this year has been very cool and she/I have used it several times. It is very good for cool weather AI use. It definitely keeps your upper body dry. You can wear whatever is necessary under it to keep you warm. We wear it w/ a pair of paddling pants.

Keith

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2015 AI 2, 2014 Tandem

"Any intelligent fool can make things bigger and more complex ... It takes a touch of genius and a lot of courage to move in the opposite direction." A. Einstein

"Less is more" Anon