Wetsuit Recommendation?

Oh, goody, more toys to buy!   I some questions.  At the NRS website, they talk about a base layer (such as polypropylene), insulating layer (neoprene wetsuit) and an outer layer (wind and waterproof garments).  For kayaking in cold weather (not intending on entering the water), do you wear all three layers, or do modern wetsuits have a built in base layer?  Do you still need a windbreaker in bay area winter conditions without rain?  What do you guys do? 

HobieSport,

If I am hijacking your thread, I apologize.   Let me know, I’ll start another.

   No Grizz, you are not hijacking "my" thread at all.    I had the same questions a couple of weeks ago, but not on the forum, so I look forward to hearing the responses.

When I kayak our local rivers, (Mendocino) which are calm and not too cold,  I just wear regular layers of comfortable clothes, NRS water booties, splash-pants and top and gloves if it's really cold, and always of course a PDF.  This is because if I ever got dumped here I could very quickly get right back on the yak and to shore to change into dry cloths (carried in a dry bag, 'natch) before hypothermia, and I'm always with a good partner. When the sun comes out I can easily strip layers at will.  So I don't know about all these expensive undergarment layers, but would like to learn, as I have no experience using them.

The wetsuit is for whenever we go on the ocean, because it's cold, and though I stay close to shore and only go out on calm days, I could very easily get hypothermia if (when) I get dumped, especially since I'm really skinny, and also for the extra flotation.  I also wear a helmet because of all the rocks here.  So that's how I do it, but I'm new to the sport, and haven't had a wetsuit since I was a wee lad of 13.
-Matt

HobieSport

I have always been a fair weather kayaker, shorts and sandals, because it would be difficult to get the kayak through all the ice in the mountains.   Now that I’m down here, no need to put the kayak away in cold weather.  I just do lakes.  I don’t go in salt water in anything smaller than an LCVP, bad experience with a shark in Hawaii in the 60’s.  So if I’m going to fish in the cold and rain, I need to find out about keeping warm.

HobbieSport,

The more I research, the more I think a wetsuit on overkill on a lake even in the rain.  It looks like  wind/rain gear should be worn over the wetsuit when it is wet and windy, since wet neoprene won’t keep out the wind.  I think wearing my chest high stocking foot waders (with belt) and hooded rain jacket would keep me warm and dry.  The only problem would be if I capsize and I will solve that problem when I install outriggers.  I have been using a small digital camera that doesn’t do justice with wildlife pictures, but before I take my Nikon D100 and telephoto lens out, I want to install outriggers to insure I won’t go over.   

What lakes to you fish?   -Matt

Right now while learning, I’m just fishing Del Valle since it is 30 minutes from home.  Ten years ago, I canoed Lafayette Reservoir and Lake Chabot and liked them, so will probably branch out to them since they are close also.   

Hi Grizz, 

I've modified my post here after a little more experience.   We were both wondering about layering.

I got dumped at Van Damme in November, wearing a 3mil farmer john and (as always) PFD.  By the time I got home (three miles away) I was shaking so hard I could barely strip off and crawl into a warm bed, as I'm a skinny guy.   

You implied that you're more of a warmer lakes kayaker but I see you signed up for the trout derby on New Melones Dec. 8.   I wonder how cold that will be.  I hope you have your outriggers installed.

I know that wet suits are too hot on warmer days, so I'm doing a layering thing now in whatever appropriate combinations: 

1. Mysterioso underlayer always.  So comfortable.

2. Wetsuit on cold river days and always on the ocean.   Wet suit is NRS 3mil FJ plus .5mil "Hydroskin" long sleeve top from NRS.  If too warm can remove Hydroskin top and open zipper on FJ.

3. On warm river days can wear Mysterioso with regular clothes or splash/wind top and bottom if windy.

Naturally this ads up to some expense, but I take care of these clothes and they should last for years, and I'm safer and very comfortable.

Anyways, stay warm, or stay cool, and have a great time at the Trout Derby!     -Matt