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Title: Best conditions for use for 1/0.5mm wetsuit tops - fall/winter paddling? Post by: What_the? on August 22, 2010, 11:19:09 PM So I recently picked up a couple Xcel 1/0.5mm wetsuit (neoprene) type tshirt tops and a sleeveless one as well... Been trying to figure out how best to use these in my paddling gear for dragonboat and OC1...
from reading more about wetsuit tops online, I realize that I may have a bit of a dilemma in that the tops worn in the summer/warm fall may lead me to overheat... but worn in the winter, if I fall into the water during OC1 practice, it may not provide me with enough warmth as opposed to a thicker 3-5mm suit? I'm just learning about all this, and any advice would be appreciated... I would like to continue practicing on the OC1's during the colder fall/winter season, but I just don't want to be caught thinking I have enough warmth protection in the fall/winter, then falling in and freezing to death... Note: I cannot return these as I bought them in Hawaii, and I won't be buying any thicker wetsuit tops for the time being... Title: Re: Best conditions for use for 1/0.5mm wetsuit tops - fall/winter paddling? Post by: dogpaddle on August 23, 2010, 05:46:38 AM I love mine! I use them primarily in fall and winter. On really cold days, I will layer with a dri-fit shirt or light jacket. I've used it for dragonboating and OC. I huli'd in November with one on and I was fine. You just have to get back in the OC quickly! :shock:
Title: Re: Best conditions for use for 1/0.5mm wetsuit tops - fall/winter paddling? Post by: paddlecwazy on August 23, 2010, 03:53:20 PM I don't have any experience with the neoprene tops you're asking about, but there is one invaluable piece of safety equipment everyone should take with them when paddling in the fall/winter/spring/summer, and that's a buddy.
Never paddle alone and ideally at least one person should have a cell phone or VHF marine radio with them (well protected from the elements) to call for help if it is ever needed. Title: Re: Best conditions for use for 1/0.5mm wetsuit tops - fall/winter paddling? Post by: rtsdhvy on August 23, 2010, 05:37:29 PM One thing you should consider is the weight of a water-logged neoprene wetsuit top.
Depending on your upper body strength, how tired you are after whatever distance you have just paddled(I'm assuming you're in an OC-1) and how rough the water is, the last thing you need is an extra 10 to 20 lbs of water-logged wetsuit that you have to haul out of the water as well as your own body weight. Also, I've never know neoprene to be all that wind resistant. My suggestion is that you try a couple of layers of LIFA wear, available at Helly Hansen. It is 100% polypropylene and absorbs almost no water should you huli. You can get lifa longsleeve shirts and long johns and wear them underneath your summer paddling gear, as well as your life jacket. If you do huli in the winter recover as quickly as you can and start paddling. Your life jacket and the lifawear will help keep you insulated and before you know it you'll be toasty warm again. In the winter it is best to always go out with a buddy, and ALWAYS wear you PFD. |