Need gear advice

So im just getting started here...

First off i need a wet suit, eveyone seems to wear the NRS Ultra John 3mm Wetsuit, right?

Is there somehwere in santa cruz i can buy this?

also, i need a life vest, any sugegstion or links?

and my top layer, what are you guys wearing? Links?

If you're in SC O'neill may still be having their Mem. Wknd sale.  They make a pretty nice short john that I've surfed in quite a bit

http://www.oneill.com/#/men/americacanada/collection/men/wetsuits/surf/wetsuit_collection/original_long_john_1/yellow/

I don't think wetsuit brand is that important but you certainly should get one with a relief zipper. Get a PFD with some pockets and attachment points for radio etc. Some people wear paddling dry tops. I prefer my goretex parka shell if it's cold and a long sleeve tshirt when it's hot.

thanks for the input guys....

lots of stuff to buy!

Advice on the PFD. Don't go crazy with pockets. You will end up just taking more crap which will make getting back in the boat (should you dump) harder. Also get one that works with a 'high back' seat. My first one was a PITA and I would unzip it so it wouldn't ride up. Kinda defeated the purpose of having one. Not trying to sell you on a specific make/model but this (see below) is what I have now an love it. OH AND MAKE SURE IT FITS TIGHT with all your layers on. Spend what you have to on this item. Go cheap on a rod and reel. This purchase will save your life!

http://www.kokatat.com/product_detail.asp?code=bht

EWB,

Thanks for the info on the vest and the link, I appreciate it... Yeah this looks pretty good, and good point about getting a nice PFD..   

Spend what you have to on this item. Go cheap on a rod and reel. This purchase will save your life!

I agree, a PFD isn't a good place to scrimp. Like everything, try one on before buying it. Different manufacturers have different tailoring. I like ExtraSport myself. Get a PFD that is comfortable & looks good to your eye, so that you'll be sure to wear it.

no worries. there are plenty of good ones out there.

  Santa Cruz is a surf town.  If you can't find a wet suit here, Your not looking,  Having said that, I wasn't about to pay Santa Cruz prices for one, so I looked at REI and ordered my NRS 3mil online and had it shipped to the Saratoga store for pickup. (Saved shipping costs) I did get my wetsuit booties at Oneill's
  Top layer, I'm just using a "Spray jacket" it's nothing more than a fancy rain coat made for kayaking. Sorry I don't remember the brand.  I do think I ordered it from kayakfishing stuff.com though.
 

CGN-38,

Thanks for your input, yeah prices are high here from what ive seen.

Ive gone ahead and did the same, found the one i want online!

THANKS

I've noticed a few REIs have had the NRS wetsuits on their clearance racks.  Probably just last year's model, not real sure as I wasn't really looking for one, but may be worth checking your local REI and see what they have.

Here's the PFD I just picked-up from Eric at Fisherman's Warehouse in Fresno for $85... Not too many pockets, a place to clip your VHF and a back that works with yak seat. Good luck, Jeff (a.k.a. Steelerhead)

http://www.extrasport.com/product/pfds/fishing/striper.aspx

Jeff, great price, looks perfect, im gonna check one out, thanks for the info and links/pics!!!