Purchasing a drysuit for paddling is a systematic process if you want the best fit and the most appropriate suit for your paddling adventures.
Dressing for immersion is not a black and white topic and involves many variables. So if you have determined that a drysuit is the best choice of immersion wear for your paddling this article will to share some sound advice about purchasing that drysuit.
If you remember just one thing as you finish this article, remember this –
Purchasing a drysuit is a process and it involves paddling in the suit you plan to purchase.
Some sound advice:
· Take the suit home and try it with different layering systems – Try it with lightweight thermal bottoms and tops, try it with various layering systems and different weights/thickness fleece. Try the suit with layers you would wear in the summer, spring, winter and fall.
· Take the suit out for a paddle and see how it feels with your different layers and in a seated paddling position. Most shops will let you take the suit out for a paddle, there may be a small rental fee but a portion if not all is usually credited towards your purchase of a suit.
· Try to decide on your budget based on the number of actual paddling days and when you plan to paddle. The price range in drysuits and semi-drysuits ranges from $399 - $1000, the main factors that drive the cost of the suit are zipper quality, fabric and gaskets.
· Drysuits will not rescue you. They will increase the exposure time or duration that one can withstand the cold water if the appropriate thermal layers are worn underneath. Most shops that let you demo drysuits also give lessons – so you get safety skills to decrease your exposure time and you get to see how the drysuit functions, hard to beat.
In the end, the process of purchasing a drysuit will not only get you out in/on the water more but when you finally spend your hard earned money you can rest assured that the suit fits properly, is appropriate for goals, and you will probably have picked up a new set of life saving skills.
For more articles or advice sign up to our email List http://lists.inreach.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/seakayakshop , guaranteed that we would never sell or share your information.
