Posted by byron on February 14, 2002 at 22:11:53:
In Reply to: Re: paddle clothes posted by jas on February 10, 2002 at 08:18:17:
: This topic is one that is discussed many times a year on all of the message boards. There are distinct advantages each one you listed have.
: Paddle pants and jacket are a very comfortable and warm way to go. You can peel layers off if need be as it warms up. Pockets come in handy sometimes too. But don't fall in the water if you can help it. They can fill up w/ water even w/ the velcroe ankle seals tight. I would recommend a mandatory PFD (you should always wear one regardless) to insure boyancy. Paddle pants w/ a paddle jacket or nylon shell(wind breaker) is a nice combo.
: Wet suits are "usually" not as comfortable. Unless you like something tight and snug hugging every inch of your body like food wrap. Generally, it's tougher to relieve yourself when you're out on the water. I know what I do when I'm surfing, but I aint doin' it on top of a kayak. A good wet suit may be more practical for California ocean launches. There are good chanced of getting dunked when launching or landing. A wet suit allows you to still swim and maneuver in the water. The paddle pants/jacket is hard to handle when it comes to swimming, if not impossible. Of course, the few times I've piled, it was close enough to shore where I didn't really struggle. Without the PFD, I would have been struggling. If you get too hot wearing a wet suit, you can peel your wet suit off of your thshoulders/arms/body, down to your waist.
: Idealy, it's good to have both. For me, on the days the surf is over 3 feet, the wet suit would be a better way to go. On the days it's totally glassy(weather can change w/ out notice), I would wear the paddle pants.
: This oppinion is based soley from my experience. Other yakers will tell you what has worked for them and why. This has worked for me.