NorCal Kayak Anglers

Kayak Fishing Zone => Safety First => Topic started by: Widgeon on May 13, 2017, 11:52:52 AM

Title: Wetsuits....safety vs comfort
Post by: Widgeon on May 13, 2017, 11:52:52 AM
Hello all, I'm looking to buy my first wetsuit/farmer John and have received a lot of conflicting advice. I plan to fish mostly on the north coast and the bay, and originally thought a 5 mil farmer John style would be ok. I've seen other members recommend against the FJ. Was going to pick up my wetsuit today, any advice would be appreciated.  :smt001
Title: Re: Wetsuits....safety vs comfort
Post by: Widgeon on May 13, 2017, 11:58:43 AM
Just saw the sticky....now I feel like an idiot.  :smt003
Title: Re: Wetsuits....safety vs comfort
Post by: AlsHobieOutback on May 13, 2017, 01:03:01 PM
Not sure what your refering too, but i see nothing wrong with a FJ myself.  Even though I have a drysuit, I still use my FJ wetsuit (NRS), especially when it's hot out, because I can dress up in layers (no cotton).
Title: Re: Wetsuits....safety vs comfort
Post by: Da Bruddah on May 13, 2017, 02:24:57 PM
Me too😎
Da Bruddah
Title: Re: Wetsuits....safety vs comfort
Post by: LinesideBountyHunter on May 13, 2017, 03:01:01 PM
I dont know about the farm john but I use a regular full wetsuit and it works great. No chaffing or anything
Title: Re: Wetsuits....safety vs comfort
Post by: Chinclan on May 13, 2017, 05:11:53 PM
I've been using a Farmer John for kayaking for about a year without problems. 

I have a 7mm full wetsuit that I use for abalone diving, but haven't tried it for kayaking.
Title: Re: Wetsuits....safety vs comfort
Post by: Chinclan on May 13, 2017, 05:14:27 PM
I've been using a Farmer John for kayaking for about a year without problems. 

I have a 7mm full wetsuit that I use for abalone diving, but haven't tried it for kayaking.

I should add that I use synthetic layers with a splash jacket on top.
Title: Re: Wetsuits....safety vs comfort
Post by: Tinker on May 14, 2017, 04:06:47 AM
I used a 5mm farmer john up here in Oregon, where we're probably talking similar water temperatures.  If your question was only about how thick the wetsuit needs to be, 5mm is enough.  Look at the surfers - they're using 5-4 or 5-4-3 wetsuits, and they're floating around out there all day, without the extra layers we can add.

I might suggest looking at surfing wetsuits, too.  When doing self-recovery drills, I learned that there's enough of me that's not covered in a farmer john to feel cold shock when I first hit the water - and that's the worst time for cold shock.  Just an opinion.
Title: Re: Wetsuits....safety vs comfort
Post by: Dale L on May 14, 2017, 07:23:23 AM
After seeing another member with one, I added a 2mm top (long sleeve, snug neck) to help slow down hypothermia should I ever find myself in the water, stretchy enough that it doesn't restrict movement, and zippered so it comes off easy even on the water.
Title: Re: Wetsuits....safety vs comfort
Post by: AlexB on May 14, 2017, 09:08:57 AM
Unless you like to marinate in your own pee, get a suit with a "relief zipper". Surf wetsuits don't have relief zippers, but you can have one sewn in.

If you can afford it, I would highly recommend a dry suit over a wetsuit. This is especially true if you plan on doing a lot of trolling, which can cause some wicked wetsuit chaffing...




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Title: Re: Wetsuits....safety vs comfort
Post by: Tinker on May 14, 2017, 01:03:40 PM
If you can afford it, I would highly recommend a dry suit over a wetsuit. This is especially true if you plan on doing a lot of trolling, which can cause some wicked wetsuit chaffing...

I didn't want to fly in the face of the safety sticky, but I agree.  I replaced my neoprene with a dry suit and they are better.  By a lot.  I use the neoprene only in small freshwater, to save wear and tear on the dry suit...
Title: Re: Wetsuits....safety vs comfort
Post by: AnnieAreYouOk on May 14, 2017, 03:07:32 PM
I think it is worth having a farmer john with the wetsuit jacket AND a full surf wetsuit. Hell the more wetsuits you have the better and the best part is they are totally affordable! It's also nice to have a paddling jacket to throw on over the suit on rainy or thick-foggy days. If you get a wetsuit that fits you right there shouldn't be chaffing problems. Try them on. The technology in wetsuits these days is incredible and they are making the inside more and more comfortable they are practically lined with fur. I recommend a 4/3 full wetsuit. I've been wearing a wetsuit kayak fishing for 4 years now and surfing and SUPing for a few years prior to that so naturally I don't feel right being in the ocean without one.

For the most part no one plans to fall in the water when kayak fishing. When you fall in unexpectedly cold shock is the real deal, and the more of your body that is exposed to our cold water the more likely you'll experience that initial cold shock. Your body then takes the actions it needs to protect your vital organs etc. Having your arms covered with the 2mm+ wetsuit will make all the difference in the time you will last in the water. The amount of water that will be let in to your core area with a farmer john will be much more threatening than if you were wearing a full wetsuit which would just let a little bit of water in (assuming its properly fitted), and then the wetsuit will then act like insulation and your body heat will warm that water inside up. You get warm sitting high and dry in the kayak, but it's so nice to just take a quick dip to cool  down. On wet days I stay warm by moving, or I'll wear a paddling jacket/ goretex rain jacket shell.

The downside of the wetsuit is that they are not really breathable so what I say is- hydrate, hydrate, hydrate and take advantage of jumping in the water to cool off. Plus getting on and off your kayak is good practice for self rescue. A cool thing about the wetsuit is if you get a hole in it the overall performance will be barely affected. They get hot, but so do drysuits. A lot of people I see just keep their drysuit unzipped or wear it half way to cool down, but what good will that do when they fall in?

Drysuits are a huge investment, require much more care, and there are so many more things that can fail.  When the drysuit fails the consequences can literally be life threatening. You need to wax the zippers, take care of the latex or whatever the gaskets are made of, lube this and that, wash it after each use, be dressed properly underneath so you'll actually be warm when you fall in, actually wear the drysuit all the way even on warm days, store it carefully, be careful around knives, hooks, and pointy fish, and thats on top of spending all that money on one. With all that said I just bought a drysuit lol… BUT I don't trust it like I do my wetsuit. It is for calmer days for me, and when it's rough, I'll happily put on my wetsuit before I go out.

I probably put way too much thought into it, but I also almost died in a car accident when I turned 18. I think of how do I want to go out? Do I want to die in the ocean from hypothermia because I didn't properly dress for immersion? Nope. That's just the way I see it. Safety should always win over comfort in my opinion. But that's based off my experience and a ton of people will disagree with me.  You and I may never ever fall in the water in our whole kayak fishing careers, but the risk if we do (around here) is too high to be testy. That's just my two cents!
Title: Re: Wetsuits....safety vs comfort
Post by: Eric B on May 14, 2017, 03:58:23 PM
Well said!
Title: Re: Wetsuits....safety vs comfort
Post by: ljparton on May 14, 2017, 05:53:49 PM
Annie, awesome advice. Planning to get a fullsuit to compliment my FJ this year.

Last time I was at Ocean Cove I had my FJ on (September).

Nothing on top, and while I was warm paddling once it got a bit foggy I was feeling cold when I wasn't paddling.

Ended up calling it quits early that day and didn't go out the next morning as planned.

I knew I should have had something warmer on, call it intuition I guess..
Title: Re: Wetsuits....safety vs comfort
Post by: Widgeon on May 14, 2017, 07:21:25 PM
Thanks for all the advice guys and gals. Still haven't purchased the wetsuit (or maybe dry suit) yet....but have a lot of food for thought now. I'm leaning toward 5 mm farmer John plus a top. I'd love a dry suit, but could totally see myself doing something dumb and hooking/tearing it....
Title: Re: Wetsuits....safety vs comfort
Post by: FishingAddict on May 15, 2017, 01:18:47 AM
I think it is worth having a farmer john with the wetsuit jacket AND a full surf wetsuit. Hell the more wetsuits you have the better and the best part is they are totally affordable! It's also nice to have a paddling jacket to throw on over the suit on rainy or thick-foggy days. If you get a wetsuit that fits you right there shouldn't be chaffing problems. Try them on. The technology in wetsuits these days is incredible and they are making the inside more and more comfortable they are practically lined with fur. I recommend a 4/3 full wetsuit. I've been wearing a wetsuit kayak fishing for 4 years now and surfing and SUPing for a few years prior to that so naturally I don't feel right being in the ocean without one.

For the most part no one plans to fall in the water when kayak fishing. When you fall in unexpectedly cold shock is the real deal, and the more of your body that is exposed to our cold water the more likely you'll experience that initial cold shock. Your body then takes the actions it needs to protect your vital organs etc. Having your arms covered with the 2mm+ wetsuit will make all the difference in the time you will last in the water. The amount of water that will be let in to your core area with a farmer john will be much more threatening than if you were wearing a full wetsuit which would just let a little bit of water in (assuming its properly fitted), and then the wetsuit will then act like insulation and your body heat will warm that water inside up. You get warm sitting high and dry in the kayak, but it's so nice to just take a quick dip to cool  down. On wet days I stay warm by moving, or I'll wear a paddling jacket/ goretex rain jacket shell.

The downside of the wetsuit is that they are not really breathable so what I say is- hydrate, hydrate, hydrate and take advantage of jumping in the water to cool off. Plus getting on and off your kayak is good practice for self rescue. A cool thing about the wetsuit is if you get a hole in it the overall performance will be barely affected. They get hot, but so do drysuits. A lot of people I see just keep their drysuit unzipped or wear it half way to cool down, but what good will that do when they fall in?

Drysuits are a huge investment, require much more care, and there are so many more things that can fail.  When the drysuit fails the consequences can literally be life threatening. You need to wax the zippers, take care of the latex or whatever the gaskets are made of, lube this and that, wash it after each use, be dressed properly underneath so you'll actually be warm when you fall in, actually wear the drysuit all the way even on warm days, store it carefully, be careful around knives, hooks, and pointy fish, and thats on top of spending all that money on one. With all that said I just bought a drysuit lol… BUT I don't trust it like I do my wetsuit. It is for calmer days for me, and when it's rough, I'll happily put on my wetsuit before I go out.

I probably put way too much thought into it, but I also almost died in a car accident when I turned 18. I think of how do I want to go out? Do I want to die in the ocean from hypothermia because I didn't properly dress for immersion? Nope. That's just the way I see it. Safety should always win over comfort in my opinion. But that's based off my experience and a ton of people will disagree with me.  You and I may never ever fall in the water in our whole kayak fishing careers, but the risk if we do (around here) is too high to be testy. That's just my two cents!

Annie - I don't have the same experience as you mentioned with my drysuit.  I fish 2 to 3 times a month.  I recently upgraded to a Kokatat Goretex Angler suit, it's my 3rd drysuit having owned 2 Hydrus 3L suits. I sold my Hydrus drysuits because I wanted a new color that comes out.  I pulled the trigger on the Goretex suit because of its lifetime guaranty and excellent repair service Kokatat offers.  The maintance required that you mentioned is not the case.  They are very designed and can take the rigors and abuse of kayak fishing. I have never seen or experienced any of the potential failures you mentioned.

I use mine mainly for saltwater fishing.  The suit does not need to washed after every trip, just rinse with cold water, hang it dry and that's it.  Usually after several months when the smell is getting a bit too much then I wash it.  Lubricating the zippers and latex wrist gasket are suppose to be done monthly.  This takes seconds to perform and super easy.

My  3 closest fishing buddies all wear drysuits because of the superior comfort it provides.   None of then will ever go back to wetsuits.  We've been there and are not going back.  Perhaps when you've worn your new drysuit more, you will appreciate its merits.

Here is a review of happy drysuit owners and check out quality and customer service Kokatat offers: 

http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=18832.msg201275#msg201275

"The Kokatat Goretex Drysuits have a lifetime warrantee and they absolutely stand behind it. I purchased a Kokatat Goretex suit in 2008.  In 2016, I sent it in for repairs (I do this every couple years because I use it a lot).  Kokatat will patch all your little hook, scute, and tooth holes for $25 then pressure test it to be sure it no longer leaks.  They also inspect the Goretex for any other issues. Kokatat found the Goretex was delaminating so they sent me a brand new comparable dry suit for free.  Actually, they let me pay the difference and for $75 they upgraded the suit to the Meridian.  I know a few people that are on their second or third "cheaper" drysuit in the same time period. Cheaper isn't always better.

Unless you really screw up and fall out of a moving vehicle, or get run over by a boat, your drysuit should never end up in tatters if you get a quality one. Rinse off the salt and sand when you get home."
Title: Re: Wetsuits....safety vs comfort
Post by: Tinker on May 15, 2017, 03:57:00 AM
I'm sorry, but I disagree with the dry suit v. wetsuit comparison, too.

My dry suit hasn't proven to require more care or maintenance than my wetsuits, since you should be rinsing both of them off each time you use them, and you should be lubricating the zippers on both of them, too.  Maintaining the latex gaskets is the real difference and it's a 20-second task.  I takes at least 20 more seconds to thoroughly rinse a wetsuit compared to rinsing a dry suit.

Neither are prone to catastrophic failures - although I've seen a couple of recent posts on NWKA about a dry suit latex wrist cuff having ripped while either putting it on or taking it off (the reports weren't clear about that).  I'd have said that's exceptional if two folks hadn't posted about it having happened to them.  One suit was a Gul sailing dry suit, the other was a Chinese knock off of a Stohlquist Amp.

You cool yourself off the same way.  And if you don't double-check the zippers on either of them, you're being foolish.

I've seen folks with their wetsuits open and peeled down but I haven't (yet) seen anyone with their dry suits open (who weren't taking a break, so-to-speak).

A lot has been said about the value of a relief zipper, but it seems to me that if you tumble off while doing that - and you're in an unstable position when taking advantage of that feature - you have more trouble than needing to pee.  A relief zipper is a fine idea, if you're in conditions where you can use it.

It's not easy to poke a hole through a Kokatat angler's dry suit with a fish hook because of the heavy reinforcements built into it.  Other brands?  Dunno.

My wetsuit isn't uncomfortable, but my dry suit is much more comfortable.

That said, I don't dislike my wetsuit and I don't like my dry suit significantly more than the wetsuit.  Each has it's own strengths and weaknesses.

It's possible that if I had used a wetsuit as extensively as AnnieAreYouOk I may never have made the switch.  I think it's a matter of preference more than performance.

The only important thing to take away is that if you don't want to invest in a dry suit, investing in a wetsuit will also keep you safe, and safe is what's important.

Happy shopping!
Title: Re: Wetsuits....safety vs comfort
Post by: Eric B on May 15, 2017, 07:48:43 AM
You don't have to look very hard to find stories on here about gasket failures, but I have yet to read about a wetsuit failure.  That being said, I would very much enjoy adding a dry suit to my gear.
Title: Re: Wetsuits....safety vs comfort
Post by: AnnieAreYouOk on May 15, 2017, 07:53:34 AM
I'll admit my paragraph on drysuits comes off way more harsh than I intended. I know drysuits save lives- I mean the coast guard wears them. And I have only one experience wearing a drysuit on top of the kayak so I am by no means an expert on them. All my care stuff is based off the care instruction booklet and wax and patches I got with the drysuit but now I've learned from you guys that there's not much to it.

I've been in the water wearing a wetsuit many times so I mentally feel safe in it. I definitely think drysuits are a great tool but are also often abused because people don't dress properly underneath, and don't practice self rescue wearing their drysuits. I'm not saying you guys don't so don't take it personally but I have eyes and spend enough time on the ocean to see shit like unzipped drysuits and people wearing jeans and a t shirt underneath their suits. I see wetsuits abused too don't get me wrong.  I'm obviously no drysuit hater since I bought one myself . I guess since I spent so much money on it I do care more about how I treat it vs my wetsuit which I've never done anything to the zippers and i don't always rinse it after each use. Should it be better cared for- probably but the lack of care doesn't affect it's overall performance. And I still do believe that there is more margin of error with a drysuit.

Thank you for opening my eyes to a few things and I want to make it clear that drysuits are an amazing tool. They work and a wetsuit works. I wasn't trying to make it a drysuit vs wetsuit. I just condensed the drysuit too much and didn't focus much on its strengths like I should have. If anything its a FJ vs full wetsuit thing.
Title: Re: Wetsuits....safety vs comfort
Post by: crash on May 15, 2017, 07:58:20 AM
This is another one of those times where the answer is both.  Get both. 

No matter what gear you have, you need to take care of it.  Especially for ocean fishing, our sport is very unforgiving on gear if you don't care for it.  That goes for immersion gear, rods, reels, electronics, and everything else you take out on the water including the kayak itself.  Take care of your shit.
Title: Re: Wetsuits....safety vs comfort
Post by: DG on May 15, 2017, 08:34:41 AM
I have yet to read about a wetsuit failure.
Ok, it is now written.  I have had an epic wetsuit failure.  Self caused by jumping in my kayak and snagging the suit on something.  But still a failure.


I have many wetsuits and a dry suit.  I like having options. It's so hard for me to not wear a wetsuit but it's because I always seem to be jumping in the water. 

I guess the main thing folks will learn from this thread is it just depends.  If cost is not an issue get multiple configurations for different locations and conditions.  Either option is better than the folks I see kayaking out of Noyo with shorts and a T-shirt when the water is 48 degrees. 
Title: Re: Wetsuits....safety vs comfort
Post by: Crayon on May 15, 2017, 09:58:19 AM
I have the Hydrus 3L suit and I have not had a problem other than the wrist gaskets are so tight. But all a drysuit does is keep your insulation layers dry. It is so easy to not layer up and all you need to do is go in the water without layers and you are just as cold as not having anything,
your just dry and cold.

I wear cold gear base layer, merino wool socks to the knee then Fleece wader pants then cold gear top and a fleece vest as a minimum. on cold days I use under wader jump suit also. I do get hot but not uncomfortable but it beats going into the water and not being able to get out before the cold sets in.
Title: Re: Wetsuits....safety vs comfort
Post by: ryang85 on May 15, 2017, 10:04:33 AM
I have yet to read about a wetsuit failure.
Ok, it is now written.  I have had an epic wetsuit failure.  Self caused by jumping in my kayak and snagging the suit on something.  But still a failure.


I have many wetsuits and a dry suit.  I like having options. It's so hard for me to not wear a wetsuit but it's because I always seem to be jumping in the water. 

I guess the main thing folks will learn from this thread is it just depends.  If cost is not an issue get multiple configurations for different locations and conditions.  Either option is better than the folks I see kayaking out of Noyo with shorts and a T-shirt when the water is 48 degrees.
I kayak tomales in shorts all the time, you make it sound like its not normal. Haha
Title: Re: Wetsuits....safety vs comfort
Post by: scottymeboy on May 15, 2017, 10:17:02 AM
It's simple for me, 
I can't afford a drysuit!!!!


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Title: Re: Wetsuits....safety vs comfort
Post by: Fisherman X on May 15, 2017, 10:30:39 AM
Darwinism is a theory of biological evolution, stating that all species of organisms arise and develop through the natural selection of small, inherited variations that increase the individual's ability to compete, survive, and reproduce.
Title: Re: Wetsuits....safety vs comfort
Post by: crash on May 15, 2017, 10:36:12 AM
Darwinism is a theory of biological evolution, stating that all species of organisms arise and develop through the natural selection of small, inherited variations that increase the individual's ability to compete, survive, and reproduce.

That's a pretty low bar and most of these people have long ago reached sexual maturity. I'm not impressed.
Title: Re: Wetsuits....safety vs comfort
Post by: Fisherman X on May 15, 2017, 12:31:28 PM
Darwinism is a theory of biological evolution, stating that all species of organisms arise and develop through the natural selection of small, inherited variations that increase the individual's ability to compete, survive, and reproduce.

That's a pretty low bar and most of these people have long ago reached sexual maturity. I'm not impressed.

"tomales in shorts all the time".  :smt009
Title: Re: Wetsuits....safety vs comfort
Post by: Tinker on May 15, 2017, 03:47:41 PM
Annie, I wasn't the least bit alarmed about your comparison of wet- and dry-suits.  You were telling us about your real-life experience and stating the opinion you've based on that experience.

I'm definitely in favor of folks doing that!
Title: Re: Wetsuits....safety vs comfort
Post by: AnnieAreYouOk on May 15, 2017, 05:37:02 PM
Annie, I wasn't the least bit alarmed about your comparison of wet- and dry-suits.  You were telling us about your real-life experience and stating the opinion you've based on that experience.

I'm definitely in favor of folks doing that!

I appreciate that Tinker! And thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences. Hope to report on my drysuit experience after this weekend at shelter cove.

Thanks for all the advice guys and gals. Still haven't purchased the wetsuit (or maybe dry suit) yet....but have a lot of food for thought now. I'm leaning toward 5 mm farmer John plus a top. I'd love a dry suit, but could totally see myself doing something dumb and hooking/tearing it....


Where are you planning on shopping??
Title: Re: Wetsuits....safety vs comfort
Post by: Widgeon on May 15, 2017, 06:16:13 PM
Annie, I'm in the Sacramento area so probably from one of the kayak shops in the area...apparently there's also a scuba shop here in town that sells wetsuits. But if you have any recommendations on a good shop, I'm all ears...
Title: Re: Wetsuits....safety vs comfort
Post by: ljparton on May 15, 2017, 09:05:28 PM
Annie, I'm in the Sacramento area so probably from one of the kayak shops in the area...apparently there's also a scuba shop here in town that sells wetsuits. But if you have any recommendations on a good shop, I'm all ears...

I grabbed my Stolquist Farmer John from Cal Kayak on Folsom Blvd. Good group of folks there.

I like it, but I got the Storm John variant and it's not as stretchy as I'd like. The slightly pricier Rapid John has more flex to it, and now I wish I had gone that route.
Title: Re: Wetsuits....safety vs comfort
Post by: Eddie on May 16, 2017, 07:50:06 AM
Tough decisions...found this and sprung...thanks ya'all for the debate...info...experiences... :smt006

//www.austinkayak.com/products/17439/Bomber-Gear-Oneida-Paddle-Suit-Discontinued.html
Title: Re: Wetsuits....safety vs comfort
Post by: FishingAddict on May 16, 2017, 01:21:14 PM
Tough decisions...found this and sprung...thanks ya'all for the debate...info...experiences... :smt006

//www.austinkayak.com/products/17439/Bomber-Gear-Oneida-Paddle-Suit-Discontinued.html

No relief zipper, good luck.
Title: Re: Wetsuits....safety vs comfort
Post by: Eddie on May 16, 2017, 01:25:24 PM
Tough decisions...found this and sprung...thanks ya'all for the debate...info...experiences... :smt006

//www.austinkayak.com/products/17439/Bomber-Gear-Oneida-Paddle-Suit-Discontinued.html

No relief zipper, good luck.
something in the description about a crotch zipper for entry that allows for relief, hope its true or it gets returned.
Title: Re: Wetsuits....safety vs comfort
Post by: Eddie on May 16, 2017, 01:39:41 PM
Tough decisions...found this and sprung...thanks ya'all for the debate...info...experiences... :smt006

//www.austinkayak.com/products/17439/Bomber-Gear-Oneida-Paddle-Suit-Discontinued.html

No relief zipper, good luck.
something in the description about a crotch zipper for entry that allows for relief, hope its true or it gets returned.
supposedly gonna be an awkward experience so I hope I don't get a cramp and plan well before I'm desperate to take care of business.
Title: Re: Wetsuits....safety vs comfort
Post by: NowhereMan on May 16, 2017, 04:24:46 PM
Tough decisions...found this and sprung...thanks ya'all for the debate...info...experiences... :smt006

//www.austinkayak.com/products/17439/Bomber-Gear-Oneida-Paddle-Suit-Discontinued.html

No relief zipper, good luck.
something in the description about a crotch zipper for entry that allows for relief, hope its true or it gets returned.
supposedly gonna be an awkward experience so I hope I don't get a cramp and plan well before I'm desperate to take care of business.

Sounds like a pain in the crotch...
Title: Re: Wetsuits....safety vs comfort
Post by: SmokeOnTheWater on May 23, 2017, 02:56:30 PM
Tough decisions...found this and sprung...thanks ya'all for the debate...info...experiences... :smt006

//www.austinkayak.com/products/17439/Bomber-Gear-Oneida-Paddle-Suit-Discontinued.html

No relief zipper, good luck.
something in the description about a crotch zipper for entry that allows for relief, hope its true or it gets returned.

Sounds like the zipper for your entry is located by the legs and that is also your relief zipper.  Seems like it would be odd to use the zipper on the side of the leg for that purpose but it looks like they didn't make a separate relief zipper. 
Title: Re: Wetsuits....safety vs comfort
Post by: SmokeOnTheWater on May 23, 2017, 02:58:40 PM
Annie, I'm in the Sacramento area so probably from one of the kayak shops in the area...apparently there's also a scuba shop here in town that sells wetsuits. But if you have any recommendations on a good shop, I'm all ears...

I grabbed my Stolquist Farmer John from Cal Kayak on Folsom Blvd. Good group of folks there.

I like it, but I got the Storm John variant and it's not as stretchy as I'd like. The slightly pricier Rapid John has more flex to it, and now I wish I had gone that route.

I used to have the Rapid John.  Although it is softer and has more stretch to it, it tears easily.  Super comfy but it will only last you about a year before you start noticing tears in places that you tend to stretch often. 
Title: Re: Wetsuits....safety vs comfort
Post by: Eddie on May 23, 2017, 05:11:08 PM
Tough decisions...found this and sprung...thanks ya'all for the debate...info...experiences... :smt006

//www.austinkayak.com/products/17439/Bomber-Gear-Oneida-Paddle-Suit-Discontinued.html

No relief zipper, good luck.
something in the description about a crotch zipper for entry that allows for relief, hope its true or it gets returned.

Sounds like the zipper for your entry is located by the legs and that is also your relief zipper.  Seems like it would be odd to use the zipper on the side of the leg for that purpose but it looks like they didn't make a separate relief zipper.
They sold out that deal so I was spared the trouble, ended up with a tropos supernova from outdoor play for 403$,
Title: Re: Wetsuits....safety vs comfort
Post by: ljparton on May 23, 2017, 05:23:39 PM
Annie, I'm in the Sacramento area so probably from one of the kayak shops in the area...apparently there's also a scuba shop here in town that sells wetsuits. But if you have any recommendations on a good shop, I'm all ears...

I grabbed my Stolquist Farmer John from Cal Kayak on Folsom Blvd. Good group of folks there.

I like it, but I got the Storm John variant and it's not as stretchy as I'd like. The slightly pricier Rapid John has more flex to it, and now I wish I had gone that route.

I used to have the Rapid John.  Although it is softer and has more stretch to it, it tears easily.  Super comfy but it will only last you about a year before you start noticing tears in places that you tend to stretch often.


Thanks for the heads up.

What would you recommend that is more comfortable, but doesn't tear as easily?

Thanks,
Logan
Title: Re: Wetsuits....safety vs comfort
Post by: FishingAddict on May 23, 2017, 06:44:27 PM
Tough decisions...found this and sprung...thanks ya'all for the debate...info...experiences... :smt006

//www.austinkayak.com/products/17439/Bomber-Gear-Oneida-Paddle-Suit-Discontinued.html

No relief zipper, good luck.
something in the description about a crotch zipper for entry that allows for relief, hope its true or it gets returned.

Sounds like the zipper for your entry is located by the legs and that is also your relief zipper.  Seems like it would be odd to use the zipper on the side of the leg for that purpose but it looks like they didn't make a separate relief zipper.
They sold out that deal so I was spared the trouble, ended up with a tropos supernova from outdoor play for 403$,

You should have gone with the Hydrus 3L Angler Suit.  Its 3 layers and has cordura on the lower high wear areas.  The Supernova is only 2 layer and has less cordura, that means its less durable.  Just sayin.
Title: Re: Wetsuits....safety vs comfort
Post by: Eddie on May 23, 2017, 09:07:50 PM
Tough decisions...found this and sprung...thanks ya'all for the debate...info...experiences... :smt006

//www.austinkayak.com/products/17439/Bomber-Gear-Oneida-Paddle-Suit-Discontinued.html

No relief zipper, good luck.
something in the description about a crotch zipper for entry that allows for relief, hope its true or it gets returned.

Sounds like the zipper for your entry is located by the legs and that is also your relief zipper.  Seems like it would be odd to use the zipper on the side of the leg for that purpose but it looks like they didn't make a separate relief zipper.
They sold out that deal so I was spared the trouble, ended up with a tropos supernova from outdoor play for 403$,

You should have gone with the Hydrus 3L Angler Suit.  Its 3 layers and has cordura on the lower high wear areas.  The Supernova is only 2 layer and has less cordura, that means its less durable.  Just sayin.
budget stuff
Title: Re: Wetsuits....safety vs comfort
Post by: Tinker on May 24, 2017, 05:21:13 AM
budget stuff

Budget is always a consideration, and you did good with what you had to work with.
Title: Re: Wetsuits....safety vs comfort
Post by: krusty on May 24, 2017, 06:43:35 AM
Dry suits definitely require more care. Even with rinsing and hang dry after every use, i had to send in my kokatat hydrus 3l supernova angler paddling suit for warranty replacement within 2 years. The hydrus layers delaminated, resulting in bubbles between the layers all over the suit. To their credit, kokatat replaced it with no question asked. I upgraded to the gore tex version of the same suit. Hopfully this one will last longer.
Title: Re: Wetsuits....safety vs comfort
Post by: Eddie on May 24, 2017, 08:03:42 AM
budget stuff

Budget is always a consideration, and you did good with what you had to work with.
Sweet, I'm wearing it now in the house while the kids are serving up their breakfast, little tight on the neck which I read is a getting used to kind of feeling, along with wrist tightness.  I hope to take great care of it and live the dream!
Title: Re: Wetsuits....safety vs comfort
Post by: Eddie on May 24, 2017, 11:02:27 AM
My Hydrus Supernova still feels snug around the neck.

On the wrist gaskets, Kokatat recommended that I shove a can or bottle in them, a bit larger than my wrists, to let them stretch out a bit.  It took several days, but it worked.  Still snug, but not too tight.
Thanks Tinker, roger that... :smt006
Title: Re: Wetsuits....safety vs comfort
Post by: benuntu on May 24, 2017, 11:41:02 AM
I've been looking at the 3mm wetsuits, mostly for comfort.  It's mainly a safety consideration for me, for the worst case scenario of losing/sinking my boat and being far from shore.  I'm a strong swimmer and ab dive from time to time, but how much warmth is 3mm going to provide in terms of minutes?  After diving for 30 minutes in my 7mm ab wetsuit, I'm burning up and have to unzip the neck to let some water in!

The only times I've been on the ocean on a kayak was in Trinidad, and I wore shorts.  The first day was rough enough that it was almost pointless trying to paddle around the head, but I would have tried if I'd been in a wetsuit.  The second day it was glass in the morning and stayed that way for most of the afternoon...and in shorts I was HOT.  I want to be safe, but also comfortable.  Is that possible, or do I have to choose just one?
Title: Re: Wetsuits....safety vs comfort
Post by: FishingAddict on May 24, 2017, 11:43:36 AM
I've been looking at the 3mm wetsuits, mostly for comfort.  It's mainly a safety consideration for me, for the worst case scenario of losing/sinking my boat and being far from shore.  I'm a strong swimmer and ab dive from time to time, but how much warmth is 3mm going to provide in terms of minutes?  After diving for 30 minutes in my 7mm ab wetsuit, I'm burning up and have to unzip the neck to let some water in!

The only times I've been on the ocean on a kayak was in Trinidad, and I wore shorts.  The first day was rough enough that it was almost pointless trying to paddle around the head, but I would have tried if I'd been in a wetsuit.  The second day it was glass in the morning and stayed that way for most of the afternoon...and in shorts I was HOT.  I want to be safe, but also comfortable.  Is that possible, or do I have to choose just one?

Whats your budget?
Title: Re: Wetsuits....safety vs comfort
Post by: Der_Huntsman on May 24, 2017, 11:47:08 AM
I've been looking at the 3mm wetsuits, mostly for comfort.  It's mainly a safety consideration for me, for the worst case scenario of losing/sinking my boat and being far from shore.  I'm a strong swimmer and ab dive from time to time, but how much warmth is 3mm going to provide in terms of minutes?  After diving for 30 minutes in my 7mm ab wetsuit, I'm burning up and have to unzip the neck to let some water in!

The only times I've been on the ocean on a kayak was in Trinidad, and I wore shorts.  The first day was rough enough that it was almost pointless trying to paddle around the head, but I would have tried if I'd been in a wetsuit.  The second day it was glass in the morning and stayed that way for most of the afternoon...and in shorts I was HOT.  I want to be safe, but also comfortable.  Is that possible, or do I have to choose just one?

I have a 5mm farmer john style suit I use for fishing. Lots of guys will probably give you better advice than me, but I have gone in the drink and was in it upwards of 20 minutes and felt completely fine. I don't know how long I will last ab diving, but the top that goes over the bottoms doubles up, so it is 10mm from mid thigh to my neck. Only my arms and legs are 5mm. I don't wear the top while fishing and just wear a base layer and a waterproof windbreaker to keep dry. Like I said, I went in the drink with just the bottoms on and was sitting in it for 20 minutes without a single concern for my temperature. I think after an hour and a half to two hours you might start to get cold though.
Title: Re: Wetsuits....safety vs comfort
Post by: benuntu on May 24, 2017, 11:56:05 AM

Whats your budget?

Around $300.
Title: Re: Wetsuits....safety vs comfort
Post by: Tinker on May 24, 2017, 01:27:47 PM
People always want to be comfortable, but you need to be safe in the water.  If you get hot in your immersion gear, pour some of that cold seawater on you - that'll cool you down.

Get something appropriate for the water temperature!
Title: Re: Wetsuits....safety vs comfort
Post by: Sin Coast on June 01, 2017, 02:29:43 PM
My Hydrus Supernova still feels snug around the neck.
On the wrist gaskets, Kokatat recommended that I shove a can or bottle in them, a bit larger than my wrists, to let them stretch out a bit.  It took several days, but it worked.  Still snug, but not too tight.
The night before going fishing, I stuff a plastic Foldgers coffee can in the neck and Nerf footballs in the wrists. Feels much better in the morning.