What if you can't afford a dry suit? Then What?

Hey everyone,
I was reading the above post about preparing to kayak in a bay/ocean water, and wanted to see what people would suggest if getting a dry suit wasn't an option....

You might say to not even try it (going in the bay), but that would be good to know as well. We are thinking about going out to Bodega Bay in January (for the crab fest) and I would love to give it a try...this would be my first time kayaking in a bay/ocean area.

I am not planning on going out on the ocean very often - at most, once a year. I prefer calm. flat water adventures, haha. But I know the water is cold in lakes and rivers as well.

I have been doing some research on dry suits, wet suits, and layering. I tried on a wet suit and didn't like the clinging-feel, so I started looking at dry suits - although this would be the best option, it doesn't even come close to being in my price range.

So...if a wet suit or dry suit was not an option, what would you suggest? How about a pair of splash pants and some merino wool undergarments? What about polyester, nylon, or polypropylene? Neoprene socks/boots?

I appreciate any and all suggestions!

I guess if dry or wet suit is out of the question then a wader with belt & paddler top would be better than nothing.

I was saving to buy a drysuit. But Clavey paddle was having there sale on farmer john wetsuits for 65$. So i decided to spend less money. This way i have extra money for gear. I know you said you didnt like the wetsuit. But i wore mine the first time this weekend in the bay. FJ wetsuit with long sleeve rash guard and wetsuit booties. I felt very comfortable and i was out for 6-7 hours. Im gonna take the extra money and get new rod and reel.

I have never worn a wetsuit before this. It didn't bother me at all. If you cant afford a dry suit, I would just buy a FJ and tuff the clinging feeling out until you can buy a drysuit.

I suggest you get used to that clinging feeling. It beats a bad case of hypothermia every time.

Yeah, you'll get used to the wetsuit, it's part of the uniform.

I suggest you get used to that clinging feeling. It beats a bad case of hypothermia every time.

Yeah, you'll get used to the wetsuit, it's part of the uniform.

That's experience telling you what you need.  Listen up!   

Wearing a wetsuit should never be guaged in how comfortable it feels while you paddle!  It's ALL about whether you'll survive if you go in the water.  Get a wetsuit that will save you if you're in the water for an hour or more - bay, ocean, cold lake, cold river - a wetsuit is THE BEST protection because if you suit up properly for the conditions there's no question whether you'll be OK if you do get stuck in the water for hours.  A drysuit is only as good as the zippers and level of immersion.  I run a drysuit in the ocean now, but I also paddle an X-Factor - way over-stable, and I am loaded with other safety gear.  When I want absolute assurance that I'll be OK if I swim, it's a wetsuit every time.  I've been using my drysuit for just a bit over a year, and it's seen several dozen uses, but the wetsuits are still getting used and will always be looked to for the highest level of protection and all around rough usability.  I've had 1000 or more trips using wetsuits in the past 24 years - its the uniform because it's how you have to learn to be in the water freely.  IMO.   

I wear a fj most of the time.  If only it had a relief zipper

I wear my FJ even on freshwater once winter comes and the lake water temp drops down. Sometimes it gets sweaty......but sweat ain't gonna kill ya. I'm usually so focused on the fishing I don't even notice. I guess this choice, comfort vs safety, will never ever die.

I wear a fj most of the time.  If only it had a relief zipper

They make FJ's with a dual zipper. Makes it real easy to piss.

Thanks for all the responses so far - I know, I get it (LOL).

 
I could die if I don't have one, and really, I should just get a wet suit if I can't afford a dry suit. My husband says that I also need some form of shark protection because those are out there, too! But I don't think I can do the chain-link suit......hehe.

I was looking on a few web sites and trying to get ideas. I will check out that Clavey Paddle...are there any other sites I should take a look at?

Another thing is sizing - I am going to have to find one that is comfortable and doesn't squish the girls (can I say that here??!!). And YES, an appropriate zipper placed strategically is important (women need more options than guys, haha).

Cherie, a wetsuit is your best option. We can order you a farmer Jane which is a woman's cut and give you the NCKA 10% discount. If you are free during lunch on tuesday stop in the shop and we can help you with different options.

Whether for male or female, get one that's thick enough to keep you warm in cold water and also allows movement for paddling.  Hookup with your local dealer. 

Hi Victor!
Thanks so much -  I can't come in on Tuesday, but how about Thursday before the trout clinic? Or on Friday during my lunch?

Can you guys order large sizes? How do you measure for that?

Hi Victor!
Thanks so much -  I can't come in on Tuesday, but how about Thursday before the trout clinic? Or on Friday during my lunch?

Can you guys order large sizes? How do you measure for that?

Sounds good, we are there any of the days. We can order any size and will make sure we get something that works for you. Lets talk more when you come in. Dan or I can help you out. See you at the clinic!

http://shop.clavey.com/womens-farmer-jane-3mm-wetsuit-p981.aspx

use coupon Warm and it will make it 65$ +little more for shipping. unless you can pick it up