Welcome, Guest. Please login or register.
May 16, 2025, 12:36:58 PM

Login with username, password and session length

Recent Topics

[Today at 12:34:49 PM]

[Today at 09:23:40 AM]

[Today at 09:04:14 AM]

[Today at 07:42:58 AM]

[Today at 07:26:07 AM]

[May 15, 2025, 11:27:57 PM]

[May 15, 2025, 08:14:08 PM]

[May 15, 2025, 03:15:22 PM]

[May 15, 2025, 03:04:23 PM]

[May 15, 2025, 01:20:15 PM]

[May 15, 2025, 01:03:52 PM]

[May 15, 2025, 12:05:52 PM]

[May 15, 2025, 09:50:07 AM]

[May 15, 2025, 09:24:16 AM]

[May 14, 2025, 10:05:37 PM]

[May 14, 2025, 04:22:26 PM]

[May 14, 2025, 01:40:56 PM]

by Clb
[May 14, 2025, 11:16:09 AM]

[May 13, 2025, 08:37:33 PM]

[May 13, 2025, 07:22:48 PM]

[May 13, 2025, 12:17:52 PM]

[May 13, 2025, 10:48:08 AM]

Support NCKA

Support the site by making a donation.

Topic: Local place to try on wetsuit/drysuit for ocean?  (Read 2839 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

eksblenny

  • Salmon
  • ***
  • View Profile
  • Location: El Cerrito
  • Date Registered: Jul 2018
  • Posts: 192
Hi guys! I'd like to try going out in the ocean for the first time this year. I normally use a 3mm wetsuit for the bay and so far that's been good for me (I've never been dunked but I've been waist high sometimes when launching and it's never been a problem). From what I've read, that seems too thin for the ocean. It took me a while to find something that actually fits me and the one I wear doesn't come in anything thicker. I was wondering if there's a local place (preferably in the East Bay) that might let me try stuff on!


bdon

  • Salmon
  • ***
  • View Profile
  • Location: San Francisco
  • Date Registered: Jun 2016
  • Posts: 334
I use a NRS Farmer John 3/2 and it's prefect for the SF Bay Area ocean.  Some like to go thicker but for me it's no problem.  Any thicker and I overheat. 

I got mine through REI and was able to try it on there before I bought it.  You could probably find what you are looking for on amazon and they have free returns.


Martianfish

  • Sea Lion
  • ****
  • SEMPER PARATUS
  • View Profile
  • Location: Alameda
  • Date Registered: Mar 2009
  • Posts: 1064
I have been using a 3 mil farmer john for the last 9 years from Stillwater south - SF bay - all the way up to Shelter Cove. No problems.
Yakhopper's  Alameda Rock Wall  1st Place  June 13, 2010
2016 Hobie Outback
ARW Godfather


tehpenguins

  • Sea Lion
  • ****
  • View Profile
  • Location: Santa Clara
  • Date Registered: Mar 2019
  • Posts: 1163
I've also got the NRS Farmer John 3/2 and I've taken a dunk on a cold but sunny day and I was fine, I also had gloves, socks, booties, and I get cold really easily.

I also bought/tried on mine at REI.  they had basically the same prices I could find online.

and on these 89+ degree days it's not too hot.

I've not had an extended stay in the water on a cold day, but a good dunk and self rescue.  so take from it what you can.
« Last Edit: June 12, 2019, 03:41:42 PM by tehpenguins »
- Shane

2015 Papaya Hobie Revolution 13
2014 Hibiscus Revolution 13
2011 Blue F150 with Camper Shell


LilRiverMan

  • Sea Lion
  • ****
  • View Profile
  • Date Registered: May 2009
  • Posts: 2126
If you are a bigger guy NRS has a Farmer John called the Grizzly which is for us guys who..... Um... have put on Daddy weight.
3mm Farmer John with a water resistant windbreaker is fine in Norcal. I would go with 5mm booties - with thick soles (for warmth when you hang your feet over the sides)  and because beach launches can be rocky
Winner, 2012 Fisherman's Warehouse, Tiki Lagoon - Stripers.

Proud paddler - Pay it Forward Paddle 2010 / 2011 / 2012 / 2013 / 2014 / 2015 / 2016 / 2017 / 2018

In the game of biggest fish, if you can't enjoy routinely gettin' your ass handed to you, by great fishermen, then you don't belong in the NCKA.

Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after. ~Henry David Thoreau


charles

  • Sea Lion
  • ****
  • turn em. pedals mtb or ocean
  • View Profile
  • Location: occidental
  • Date Registered: Mar 2013
  • Posts: 1026

quote
 You could probably find what you are looking for on amazon and they have free returns.

I picked up a three mm from Amazon that had been re-packaged. Full double front zipper. $34.00. Really pleased so far. Good flexibility and very easy in and out.
Charles


eksblenny

  • Salmon
  • ***
  • View Profile
  • Location: El Cerrito
  • Date Registered: Jul 2018
  • Posts: 192
Thanks guys! The 3mm Farmer John I have fits me perfectly! I guess I'll try that first before I look into something thicker. I'll pick up some thick booties (right now mines are 2mm). Now I just have to find someone who's willing to accompany me on my first ocean trip!