Wet suits

Hi everybody, I've just started purchasing basic gear for my first kayak. I plan on getting the Hobie Revolution. I'm just waiting for the sportsmans Expo, and hoping there is a show special (not sure I can wait that long.) In the mean time I have to gear up. I have most of my safty gear, and I just bought the Tule Glide and Set racks for my Ford Ranger (it's a four door with cab mounted racks.) I've done a lot of research on this site about gear. It seems most people prefer farmer johns. After I get some experience (and take a few classes) I would like to try spear fishing and ab diving. Sooo, my question is, would a full wet suit be a better purchase? I'm thinking comfort here.

Side note: To gain experience I plan on practicing out of out of the Alviso marina. It's close to where I stay (near down town SJ,) but I'm open to suggestions about gaining experience.

Lastly, I did go out back in February with BMB at New Melones (thanks again for letting me test drive your Adventure Ben,) and I thought it was a great group of people, and reading many of the posts here I see that it is not limited to that group only. I look forward to fishing with you guys.

Joe

I have a cheap FJ that I installed a relief zipper in for fishing only trips.  The relief zipper is a requirement as far as I'm concerned.

Then I have a fairly expensive freedive (full 2 piece) suit.

I wouldn't want a relief zipper in a suit I dove in as it would allow allot of water exchange and I'd get cold.

Allot, of people start ab diving in full 2 piece suits which would give you that farmer john for paddling and then throw on the jacket for any diving you might want to do.  but like I said a relief zipper is a great idea, just not in a suit you're gonna dive in unless you have a pretty high tolerance to cold.

That probaly doesn't help much, but there's my story.

Welcome abroad!  I only fish and don't dive, almost all my fishing buddies wear 3m farmer johns.  I personally prefer the Kokatat brand having also owned a NRS brand farmer john.  The Kokatat has a softer material and is more comfy for me during long days OTW.  The NRS is good brand too but has padding in the knee and butt area which adds weight and feels stiff to me.  NRS is great for kneeling and sitting around rocks which I don't do.  But this is just my preference.

If you check there won't be a Sportsman Expo in San Mateo this year, only in Sacramento.  During the last few months the local kayak dealers have been offering great deals on 2010 models.  If your budget is ready it maybe a good time to make a move.  

I also own the Thule Glide and Set and a Hobie Rovo and love both!

For ocean experience, I would recommend launching in front of Monterey Bay Kayak or Half Moon Bay Kayak.  You can't beat the scenery around the Monterey area and conditions inside Pillar Point Harbor are generally calm since its well protected. Shoreline lake in Mountain View is also a good place to paddle.  Call first about their winter schedule.
http://www.shorelinelake.com/

Make sure you check the NOAA weather forcast.
http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/data/Forecasts/FZUS56.KMTR.html
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/firewx/fwpfm/fwpfm.php?wfo=mtr

I have 2 sets myself and most do also,farmer john is in case you get wet. If your going spear fishing you are going to want a suit that keeps you warm for long periods.If you have the money I think you will see that the guys who spend a lot of time on the water are going to dry suits.

Thanks for the replys guys. Dale your info helped me out quite a bit. I'll just get a set of farmer johns for now and worry about dive suit later. FishingAddict I think I will take your advice and get the Kokatat brand. There are so many different types out there, it's a crap shoot without some input.
Thanks for the email Newfish, I will check out kayak city.


Joe