What to wear, cold Southern Lake Michigan Months

I have to get some cold water gear together, and wonder what I will need for my new cat.
I am thinking I need a full wetsuit and booties, and maybe gloves for May. In June and October I think shorty wetsuits with booties are probably required.
I can't really swing drysuits for the whole family.
Any tips?


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Kenny Gatesman
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If you really want to get max protection from your wetsuits, make sure you get suits that fit correctly. If you try to go a one-size fits all route or get oversized suits (so your kids can grow into them for example), you'll be missing out on a lot of the warmth a good wetsuit can provide. A wetsuit should be snug to your body so it doesn't leak, but not tight and restrictive.

Also, your going to want a suit with built-in knee pads (most have this) and minimal smooth skin so that the suit is more durable when crawling around the boat.

Otherwise, there is a huge range in quality and price of wetsuits. You can spend anywhere from $50 at sports authority for a very basic 2mm spring suit, all the way up to $500+ for a top of the line 5mm hooded steamer. It all depends on how nicely you want the suit to fit and how cold the water is you're going into.

sm

Kenny,

Southern LM water temps can still be pretty cold in May. If you can't do drysuits then wetsuits will have to do. I'd recommend a 3mm sail-john (farmer john) style wetsuit, 3 to 5mm booties and a waterproof spray top (better than a "full" wetsuit)...less restrictive and warmer IMHO. You can add/subtract top layers as the temperature dictates. A knit hat and gloves can also be worn...remember...80% of your body heat escapes through your head. It all depends on your tolerance for cold. Be aware of hypothermia and don't forget your PFD's. When it's cold drysuits are preferred but this is the next best thing.

Another side benefit of wetsuits is that they provide "body armour" for your lower extremities...helps prevent cuts/bruises in rougher conditions.

Good luck with your new cat.

John Bauldry
Hobie Tiger #1704

I sail off of Lake St. in Gary LOL....I use a 3mm wetsuit, seems to work OK.