Wetsuit Recommendation?

  Wetsuit recommendation?

Not for diving.   Just trying to avoid the cold in Mendocino Bay and Van Damme on calm days, when I get dumped.   Suggestions?   Thanks.

(I'm now modifying this message a few weeks later after much thought and discussion below)

The wetsuit I've decided on is an NRS 3-mm Farmer John and NRS Hydroskin .5-mm longsleeve shirt, with Mysterioso undergarments and wind/spash top and bottom options, because conditions in Mendocino change so fast I want the thermal versatility.   I don't want to freeze but I don't want to cook either.   Comfort and safety are king.

Thanks for all the help everyone with my decision.    -Matt

NRS http://www.nrsweb.com/

   Thanks Mickfish.  I like NRS products a lot too.   I'll look there first.  Friday a buddy is loaning me a wetsuit that might fit.  Boating buddies are my favorite species of fish.    -Matt

This may be the site you're looking for in Spain, I ordered one item from them about 18 months ago, seems like a good company to do business with, we bounced a few emails back and forth while I was asking for more info. their translations were a bit rough, but still worth looking at.  Beware the return shipping if you need to return something,

www.subprof.com

   Thanks D,

Great website at Subprof, but was overwhelmed by all the wetsuit choices.  I guess the  title of this thread should have been "What is Your Favorite Kayaking Wetsuit?"  -Matt

Matt what is the wetsuit for? Kayaking, freediving,or scuba? I have a NRS with the relief zipper for kayak and short time diving (3mm). For diving specific with a thin frame I would recommend a 7mm free dive suit.

This is probably the link Mooch mentioned

http://www.scubastore.com/product.asp?pais=United%20States%20Of%20America&idioma=eng&id_familia=12&id_subfamilia=52&id_modelo=5117&id=52&marca=PICASSO&desde=1&fromhbx=subfamilia#

It's a freediving wet suit.  I was going to buy one but decided that I wanted to buy local.  I ended up buying an Omer and got a pretty good deal.

For kayaking I went with an NRS 3MM suit like just about everyone else.

Sounds like an NRS 3-mm Farmer John with NRS Hydroskin top might be perfect for me.  I also don't want to get too hot while pedaling/paddling the Hobie.  Just comfortable and flexible and so I don't freeze.   I just emailed NRS about this.  Here was their quick (edited) response:

"I would recommend a 3mm wetsuit for your application.  A two-piece combination would allow great versatility for different weather conditions and seasons.  A good option would be a 3mm Farmer John with a long sleeved HydroSkin shirt.  Also, we do make a wetsuit with full sleeves, the NRS Steamer.  This suit will work great if you just want one piece of gear.  It has a 3mm neoprene torso and legs and 2mm neoprene arms and shoulders to increase mobility.   -Kurtis at NRS"

I'm choosing the more versatile two piece idea since conditions can change so fast in Mendocino.   -Matt

I need a wet suit also. What is special about NRS?

 The relief zipper opens up your crotch area  kind of handy when you are a long ways from shore. Peeling a dive suit can be done but its a job.

For my farmer john I use the camero brand wetsuit. Sierra Trading Post gets them in pretty cheap from time to time.

-Brian G

Fishshim,

Good point about the NRS zipper.     -Matt

Matt,

Sorry I missed you at Van Damme last Thursday.  South swell was breaking over the reef near the Keyhole so I dived on the south side of the big rock near shore.  Good day, great vis, OK abs.

Regarding a wetsuit, I just picked up a 3mm NRS Farmer John with a "Relief" zipper from Sean at GWKC in Ukiah.  I plan on using this suit for fishing and kayaking.  I am also going to try ab diving with this suit under the step-thru tops of my 7mm Dive suit.  The step thru comes down to mid thigh, so I am not sacraficing much insulation.  It has a front zipper and can be put on or taken off on the yak. 

You might try the NRS farmer john and try picking up a used 7mm step thru top at Sub Surface in Fort Bragg.  I think they are selling there rental gear now.  That set up might cover about 90 % of your cold water needs and save some bucks.

Good luck,

Doug

Thanks Doug,

Sorry I missed you at Van Damme that Thursday too, at least just to meet and watch you dive from shore.   I wouldn't have been able to take my kayak out yet without a wetsuit.   Let me know next time you're here.

I'll do what you suggested and see what used wetsuits they have at Sub Surface in Fort Bragg first.  Then I'll try Sean in Ukiah.   If not there, Sonoma Outfitters in Santa Rosa.  If I buy new I think it will be a 2.5 or 3-mm NRS Farmer John with an NRS longsleeve Hydroskin top.
 
Since I won't be diving at all that might be enough.   If I need more warmth later I'll get what I need.   Thanks again, -Matt

I also ended up with the NRS Ultra John 3mm Wetsuit, not because it came recommended, but rather because I knew REI carried it.  Not being a diver, I didn't know where else to get one.  I had no knowledge of NRS, so basically I bought it hoping it would do the trick. 

Every so often, REI members get a 20% off coupon and I applied mine towards the wetsuit.

Michael