Dry suit/pant or wetsuit for ocean launching

Hey all,
I know this topic has been discussed and I searched but didn't find much recent info. I'm a noob and want to see what coverage y'all recommend for ocean surf launching. I've got a 2016 hobie outback with AMA sidekicks and I'm wondering if neoprene farmer johns are restrictive or if kicking all day causes chaffing. Are dry pants a better option for comfort? I feel like there is a lot of nuance in gear selection and wanted to get your thoughts given my platform. Thanks for the input.

Hi OaklandJoel,

I have the same kayak and I use a farmer John wetsuit.  I thought that I would fish more during the winter months but that's not the case.  I believe people tend to wear dry suits during winter months. No chaffing at all in a wetsuit in the kayak.

I also use a farmer John wetsuit all year round. I wear compression shorts to prevent chaffing:

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PCNGVM7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I use a Kokatat drysuit (technically, a paddling suit, since it has a neck gasket that doesn't cut off the blood supply to my brain) and used to use a farmer john wetsuit. I have a Hobie and pedal pretty much all the time.

For me, there is no comparison wrt comfort, with the paddling suit winning, hands down. If you are on a tight budget, go with the wetsuit, but that's the only reason to do so, IMHO.

This video is a great help:

Thanks for the input. Are dry-pants with attached socks sufficient? Seems like it's a happy medium btwn dry-suit and wet-suit farmer johns. I may go with a wetsuit farmer for the lower cost to figure things out. Is there a brand that is particularly comfortable and should I stick to paddling specific wetsuits?

This video is a great help:

“That swampy feeling”—Perfect description of a wetsuit. And without a relief zipper, it can get a whole lot swampier...

That video was helpful. Thank you.
I’m kinda leaning toward a dry bib.

Does anyone know of a dry bib or dry pant with a relief zipper?  I have been shopping for winter gear, and would prefer to go the 2 piece route, but I gotta have a zipper.  I have not been able to find that option in anything but a dry suit.

If its for fishing the ocean, I personally would not trust two piece paddle suits. You have to assume that at some point you are going to flip and be in the water a mile or more from shore. Between wave action and struggling to get back on your boat the mid-sections could shift allowing water in. On a lake with shore closer and conditions calmer, you have a better chance of making it to shore quicker. So, if you only do freshwater, a two piece might work.

If you fish on a morning where the temperatures are in the 40's or even 30's, do you want to strip down to your underwear, to put on a wetsuit, or do you want to put on a dry suit over your already warm clothing?

Do you mind changing out of wet undies in public or the in the confines of your drivers seat?

How active, etc,  are you. Will you put on weight as you age? I have and my wetsuits are now too tight. A drysuit gives you a lot more room.

I found wetsuits to be comfortable on the water pedaling or paddling.  If I were just starting kayak fishing without being sure I would keep doing it on a regular basis,  $150 dollars for a 3mm Farmer John would feel a lot better than $600 plus for a drysuit.

The standard for most who take this sport seriously is to "dress for immersion".

I wear a 6 mill FJ under my drysuit.

In my opinion, too many people come into this sport basically disregarding the idea that a gear failure, weather, a wild animal or a personal physical issue will lead to them being in the water.

Regarding drysuits, you can easily get hypothermia in a drysuit if you don't have the right layers under it, and, this is a big one - drysuits don't keep all the water out unless they're in pristine condition.

Kayaking on the ocean or other cold waters can turn deadly very quickly.  Best of luck.

Does anyone know of a dry bib or dry pant with a relief zipper?  I have been shopping for winter gear, and would prefer to go the 2 piece route, but I gotta have a zipper.  I have not been able to find that option in anything but a dry suit.

I have 2 bibs, Kokatat and Level Six. Kokatat is my favorite. I only use bibs for fishing local bay area lakes.  Keeping my feet and butt dry makes them worth it.
For the ocean, I only wear my Goretex drysuit and layer accordingly.  I never went back wearing a FJ wetsuit which is how I started.  These garments are pricey but the comfort you get makes a long day OTW more enjoyable.

Thanks for all the input! Although it’s not making my decision any easier!

Thanks for all the input! Although it’s not making my decision any easier!

Based on your first post and depending on your budget, a FJ wetsuit and paddling jacket should work.

Thanks for all the input! Although it’s not making my decision any easier!

Based on your first post and depending on your budget, a FJ wetsuit and paddling jacket should work.

I think you're right. I'm not quite ready to pull the trigger on a drysuit at such a price point. I'll give it a season with the farmer john and reassess. Thanks again!