StephL:
Still trying to educate myself on all the Kayaking gear. Noticed that Dry Suits are the way to go, especially if going into the Bay on a cold day. But I also noticed they are more expensive then a wetsuit. I don't like the idea of a wetsuit because you have to dunk yourself in the water. Are there any other options? I'm not trying to spend 200 on a dry suit , I've seen them go up to $1000, thats close to getting a Hobie or other Kayak. Yikes!
Salty.:
You don't need to dunk yourself in the water to be wearing a wetsuit. Probably the cheapest & safest piece of kayak outer wear to start out with is a 3ml farmer john with relief zipper. Unless you're primarily going to be kayak fishing in fresh water lakes in the summer in which case you can wear board shorts and a t-shirt or rash guard if the water temp is 70+.
NicksYak:
I agree with Salty. My 3ml FJ, rash guard, fleece vest, and splash jacket served me well during the colder months out past the jetty and on inland waters. I will never venture out in the salt without, at least, the FJs. Inland, during these summer months, I might wear cammy pants and my long sleeve rash guard to avoid sunburn. I would get other essential gear first and put the dry suit a little further down on the list of priorities. But that's just me.
FishingAddict:
Common guys, Its called Farmer Jane for the ladies :smt002 REI carries them. I recently opened an REI VISA and got a $100 gift card. You can use that for your wetsuit or other goodies you need. You get the gift card 4 to 6 weeks after your first purchase.
agarcia:
--- Quote from: StephL on June 12, 2012, 08:16:39 PM --- Noticed that Dry Suits are the way to go --- End quote ---
Thats debateable. I rotate between a open cell 5mm farmer john (bottoms to my dive suit) and full 4/3 wetsuit for the salt depending on the conditions. I've never owned a dry suit but I have spent an entire day surfing in my wetsuit...which to me speaks volumes on immersion safety. In either suit I get in up to my waist and keep the top rolled down. I cover up with a rash guard/moisture wicking shirt covered by a splash top. I also wear splash pants to block wind and hide the chicken leg effect. I've never really been too hot, or cold and I can get fully into the wetsuit in the water if I need to.
Valley lakes are usually boardies and a longsleeve to prevent sunburn. :smt001
This is one area I wouldn't skimp on though, when you find the right system, buy it (save up or get it piece by piece if you have to). When you're yak is going down or you suddenly find yourself in for a very long swim you're not gonna be happy about that extra yak that's hangin in the garage, or the $400 dollar rod n reel thats now at the bottom of the ocean.