Posted by jas on October 18, 2002 at 14:47:34:
In Reply to: Re: Cold weather......Jas posted by duzer on October 18, 2002 at 14:08:01:
: Davey,
: I just do as i would for surfing, full suit and booties, can spend hours in the water very comfortably
I like wetsuits but prefer paddle pants and jackets. The pant legs and sleeves openings (including collar) have adjustable neoprane with velcro. You can tighten the pant legs over the booties and seal the other openings fairly tight. Though if you do go in, you will fill with water; usually through the waist area. Pants and jackets are good for splash protection. If I get dunked in winter, I'm done for the day. The nice thing about the wetsuit is that if you do get dunked, you could probably keep fishing. Plus you can swim in it. You should always where a PFD, but especially when wearing pants and jacket combo. If you did fill up with water fast, it would really limit your mobility (or even worse).
I usually wear a thin thermal longsleeve just under my paddle jacket. I haven't had to use gloves yet, but I may try them out this year. Being a musician, my hands are sometimes cramped from exercises. The cold water cramps them up even more. Gloves might make those long drifts more comfortable.
jas