1st layer for wet suits?

A few more cents worth of my view,  

And then the disclaimer, this is just my opinion.


A) Do not get any type of full suit long or short sleeve for yaking, even in the ocean, on any but the coldest days you'll over heat the minute you start paddling, That's one of the reasons why almost all here wear either a farmer john or waders, you gotta be able to shed some heat from you upper body as needed. I actually get cold pretty easy which is why I went with a 5 mil. The 2.5 or 3 mil NRS FJ with relief zipper seems to be the fav for most.

Relief zippers are not watertight at all, they might slow it down a bit. The one I put in doesn't even slow it down, but that area is usually dry in my yak unless I go for a swim, then it's not an issue as you have other things on your mind. To have a relief zipper installed would probably be expensive.

After trying allot of stuff I wear the 5 mil FJ, 5 mil booties, a longsleeve Hydroskin shirt over the FJ, that keeps me OK most of the time  then if needed for wind/cold I add lightweight waterproof paddle pants, and a cheapo waterproof nylon windbreaker with hood. I have shed the shirt a few times even on the ocean, the first time I did end up with quite a sunburn on the shoulders, good sunblock is part of my carry on gear 365 days a year.

For cold weather sturgeon this year I may add some lightweight fleece under the windware, that leaves my feet, still looking at options there.

As for safety in the ocean, I have the same problem as you do with GF and fam, I also have 25 or so years of experience diving off our coast, which only barely slows their worry when I go alone.  If you lack experience then don't go alone except maybe to the most protected areas,

I feel like my outfit, with PFD and VHF will keep me OK no matter what, I may end up with a really bad, really long day but I'll get in one way or another.  That and I just don't go when swells are above 6 ft which is pretty conservative for some.  There could of course be a situation where things wouldn't turn out OK, but those chances are pretty slim.



Dale L

Lastly, what/how do you guys deal with a wife that thinks fishing on the ocean is really dangerous?

Fish with a buddy. You'll both feel better about it.

Amen to what littoral said.  And think about taking a class, any class.  It doesn't necessarily have to be through SBD like I mentioned before, it's just that he knows his stuff.  Learn about weather, swells, etc.  I know that GB2 has offered to take me under his wing and the timing didn't work out but I hope to be able to fish with him more this year.

And if it makes the lady feel better, let her tag along and watch.  I'm sure that she will get bored real quick and won't want to come on the second trip - provided the first goes smoothly.

Do not get any type of full suit long or short sleeve for yaking, even in the ocean, on any but the coldest days you'll over heat the minute you start paddling

I also second what Dale said even though you really don't paddle, I think you'll still want a farmer john style wetsuit.  At the very least, you should try one on.

Michael

dude, definately go for the farmer-john. then wear a long-sleeve hydro-skin underneath and a dry-top for wind and sun protection. i reccomend a fj that has zippers at the ankles. it makes it a lot easier to get on and off. i dont think the relief zipper is necessary. i just pee in my wetsuit and let it be. after a while you get used to it.

Hydroskin Vs Mysterioso?  I have the mysterioso. Are they pretty much the same thing?

The description below is from the NRS website. NRS also has something they call a Mystery Shirt but I don't think Mysterioso is the same thing. 


The HydroSkin™ shirt is warm by itself on moderately cool days, and makes an ideal mid-weight addition between a thermal inner layer and a windproof outer shell. The perfect addition to your gear bag.

0.5-mm neoprene keeps you insulated and stretches easily.
ThermalPlush™ inner lining increases insulation, repels moisture and dries quickly.
4-way stretch PowerSpan™ outer layer allows easy, unrestricted mobility.
Lycra underarms eliminate binding, adding to this top's superior function either as a single outer layer or as a base layer.
Titanium laminate adhesive aids in body heat retention.
DWR coating forces water to "bead" and roll off the material.



Mystery Shirt description from NRS
For days when HydroSkin™ is not quite enough, consider the Mystery. The Mystery combines the warmth of neoprene with a smooth exterior that effectively eliminates evaporative cooling.

GlideSkin exterior sheds water, eliminating evaporation's chilling effect for total wind-proof protection.
1-mm neoprene traps your body heat protecting you from cold water and inclement weather.
Titanium laminate adhesive helps retain body heat.
ThermalPlush™ lining keeps you comfortable and dries quickly.

See the www.nrsweb.com

Dale L

 


 

I dont use a base layer and never really feel cold.  The few times my 3 mil farmer john felt cold, it was the wind not the temp.  So I would add windproof outerwear before adding stuff underneath.

To the MRS: All of life is a calculated risk.  The ocean is dangerous.  So is a swimming pool.  The freeway should scare all of us to death.  Avoiding the ocean but embracing the freeway doesnt really make sense.  Living a safe life on shore in an easy chair reading of the adventures of others scares me more than any risk, real or perceived that the ocean can produce.  As long we prepare wisely and use good sense, risk can be reduced. 

jprtroy

I just ordered the 2.5mm from NRS $90    If it's the same as my old one it's a killer deal


You know your wife's right about the ocean, right?     

Max out your life insurance and she won't worry about it as much

You know your wife's right about the ocean, right?     

Max out your life insurance and she won't worry about it as much

So that why my wife keeps wanting me to try Ano Nuevo after painting a seal on my hull...dragging a bucket of blood

Mooch told me these are the Bomb, I was going to try some but my Wife laughs at me enough.
He might model them at ISE
http://www.e-mancipate.net/
http://www.e-mancipate.net/pantyhose_for_men.htm

I've worn just about everything you can think of under my suit at one time or another, But I didn't know about the E-Mancipate brand, I just got the Queen size.

Of course now I just wear babypowder and a speedo,,,,,,,,,,,,(really)

Dale L

  I have a "Spray" top and pants I use currently, over my chest waders.   I think the 3 mil FJ will work for me as it has for many of you.  I got a long sleeve shirt from BPS that dries real quick, it's vented on the back & pits, and has many pockets, and straps to hold the rolled up sleeves,  I use it now just for fishing, and it keep me from getting sunburned.  I think it'll do fine with the the FJ

UPS just dropped the 2.5 mm on the doorstep   Nice deal for $90

Well, I decided to listen to the masses who, have more experience with wet suits than me and ordered this:
http://www.rei.com/product/722192
 with this:
http://www.rei.com/product/707389

 just now.  Last time I looked at it it was listed at $135.  so I got the sale price. Plus I had dividends to help out with the overall cost!  Not to sure about the booties yet, but for $25 I'll give them a try.

Troy


 

that's a sweet deal    In 3mm I overheat but I might get one for cold days and lazier kinds of fishing like rockies etc


I'll just have to hide one pair from the jeffe 

You'll be fine with that setup, Troy.  Only thing I'd add is socks for the booties...  and make sure the boots aren't too tight!

I wear a farmer john with a cotton long sleeved Tshirt, and with a spray jacket over the top I stay pretty dry and warm enough for most days.

A mysterioso or whatever that quick-dry stuff is top will be my next upgrade.