Clothing help

[notime]

Time to upgrade my clothing and I need help. I have a SINK and fish from a kayak 95% of the time in April through November. I was thinking of buying a wetsuit to protect me from the cold water in case I fall in or get hit by a wave. I also want to be able beach the kayak and wade without wetwading in cold water or bringing my waders. In a perfect world I'd have a wetsuit that would protect me from cold water, not heat up when air temps rise or during a long paddle, two peices so I could take the top off when wading, and could be used in a pinch if I wanted to snorkel or swim in cold water. Any thoughts or comments? Also, if you mention specific products feel free to let me know where can I get them (either in Framingham, MA area or online) and what is the approx. cost. As a reference point, I was hoping to spend $250 or less. Thanks in advance.

[FLYRODER]

notime heres a link for a dry top for a reasonable price:
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/xq/asp/base_no.24268/str_base_no.24267,24268,24271,24272,24302,24340,24 341,24342,24344,24345,24346,24347,24349,24350,2435 2,24354,24355,42581,42582,42583,/header_title./page_name.prod_list_display.asp/search_type.L2~330/size1./size2./gender.0/ShowImages.yes/sq.20/cont.1/intPgNo.2/special_type./qx/product.asp

I have this top and I use it wearing neoprene stocking foot waders. It completely seals all water out if you happen to fall in. I also plan on buying the dry pants made by the same people that made the top from the same site.

You can also look at the Black Rock Top at:
WWW.KAYAKFISHINGSTUFF.COM
I know a few kayakers that use this top and they are happy with it.

[rockfisherman]

I use the RapidStyle Farmer John fuzzy rubber wetsuit which is more designed for kayakers than divers. It is advertised as being for users more out of the water than in it. $159.

I also have a set of stocking foot neoprene waders bought on sale thru one of the mail order catalogs. Depends on the situation which one I use. Got these for $60 or so.

Cold water protection is imperative. It is getting cold out there. Be prepared.

Just got a card in the mail. RapidStyle.com is having an end of season sale. 1/2 price on some stuff. They have a fuzzy rubber shorty for $29. Only in small, tho.

[SamRiley]

Garth,
Check out REI. They have an on-line outlet with some good prices on close out paddling gear. Two options for cold weather clothing.... dry and wet. Wet suits work as you know but I do not like the clammy material next to my skin. Dry suits or tops and bottoms are a great option too but may be out of your range right now. Can't help you with the snorkel part but check with ruge13 since he does both as well.

Why do you put your yak away in December.... Walden Trout are on the move--127-3-

[Bob Parsons]

The advantages of the dry suit is that you can vary the layers of clothing underneath the suit to match the temperature that you are paddling in.

The dry suit would not be ideal for snorkling unless you had no intention of going below the surface. Important to burp the air out.

Neoprene suits (wetsuits) get warmer as they get thicker but then you are working against the stretch of the rubber as you paddle.

[ruge13]

The beggining of this season I was using a 7mm Neoprene ful body wetsuit in cold water...hated it. Was definately warm but for paddling it was less than comfortable. Too much rubber to tire you out fast! Also, tough to clean when it got all fishy. Neoprene in salt water requires alot of washing and drying so it doesn;t smell, tough if you paddle alot. I didn;t use anything all summer and started to freeze during outings in late august september when the evenings and mornings are cool. I switched to some apddle gear from NRS. For about 250 I got a full Black Rock suit. Jacket and pants. Now, even on cold windy mornings I can wear just the pants and a light longsleve shirt under the jacket. I stay warm and dry all day. The only dissadvantage to the black rock stuff is its not breathable. So I sweat to death on longer paddles in warmer weather. By warm I mean air temps common in October/November. But I always stay warm, but soemtimes soggy. They require no maintanence. I rinse mine after every paddle on the outside just to get the salt off but no soap. Dries fast. I like them but if I were going to get new ones I would spend the extra money and get breathable stuff. I would rule out the dry suit for that reason as well. A good breathable dry suit will cost you alot of money and unless yuo are paddling in icebergs I don't think you really need that kind of protection but I see what you mean as far as versatility. I have not been able to find a middle ground either and finally just got both a wetsuit and some paddle wear. If I know I am going to be playing in surf and rooling around or snorkling I will wear the wetsuit but its not nearly as cmfortable for paddling and fishing as the paddle jacket and pants...

[rockfisherman]

Yesterday I had on polypro long johns under the fuzzy rubber RapidStyle farmer john. Had it on for 9 hours from the time I left home to return. Not clammy or damp at all and very comfortable.

[notime]

Thanks for all your help, you guys saved me a lot of time & effort. I think what I'm going to do is order a Paddling Jacket or Drytop for the chest, wetsuit pants for wading, and paddling pants for non-wading trips.

Any thoughts or comments regarding buying a Paddling Jacket vs. a Drytop. My understanding of the difference is the Drytop is waterproof if you fall in while the Paddling Jacket is designed to keep you dry from rain and spray, not dips. My concern with the Drytop is breathability and being overkill. Assuming the difference in price is not a major issue, which would you buy and why?

Thanks again.

[Bob Parsons]

I use paddle jackets for white water canoeing and due to my size have to due self rescues.

Wearing polypro underneath makes a big difference since it wicks the moisture away from your body.

I took a swim in january and still was able to continue to paddle. When I took the jacket off, the outside of the arms of the polypro were frost.

[Wes]

Paddling tops will keep most of the water out for a little while. I want to swim test breathables with a paddle top and 2 belts for myself and confirm it, but others tell me the combination is safe. A pair of waders and a top would be under $200 and would cover a lot of condtions if layered underneath properly. Need to find a good sale on breathables and sturdy booties about size 15 to fit over them. This would be a great set up for the SOT. I have 3mm FJs, a paddle top, polypro underwear, fleece tops, flleece pants, nylon pants, neo waders, several types of booties, gloves and use them all in various combinations. Can't say I really like any of them. I will probably keep using the FJs in the SINK, legs are out of the wind and if (when) I dump I'll be in the water longer. Feet are a problem, wet neo booties don't cut it on frosty mornings. May have that problem licked with mukluks, not sure how well they swim either.

[FLYRODER]

notime most splash tops like the Black Rock Top have an adjustable neoprene neck that has to be secured around the neck in order to keep any water out if you happen to fall in the water. The top also has neoprene wrists and waist. If you fall in with this top on and get right back in your kayak you will not get wet. But if you don't secure the neoprene neck the water will just flow right in. 1 thing I don't like about these type of tops is most kayakers will not secure the neoprene neck the way it should be.
As for Dry Tops they have rubber type gaskets around the neck and wrists and a neoprene waist that is adjustable. If you fall in the water with a dry top no water at all can get in and you will not get wet no matter how long it takes you to get back in the kayak.
With both tops if its 50+degrees out all you need is a T shirt under the top. If its under 50degrees wear a fleece top under the slash or dry top.