Wetsuit or kayak splash pants for cold weather sailing

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MN3

Rank: Master Chief

Registered: Jun 20, 2006

Last visit: Apr 06, 2024

Posts: 7088
Posted: Dec 13, 2012 - 10:34 AM

Pool tested last night at my friend's house who owns the gore-tex version.
Results: I walked in 4.5' of cold pool water. stayed 100% dry (only a brief submersion and walk around the pool). i felt the cold on my bare legs and where the water pooled (there is a flap to marry the bib to a dry top) it felt wet, but wasn't at all.

my friend told me i need wicking socks and some type of under-long-pants to stay warm if in the water.. I knew this but that point was driven home last night in the 55* pool water

MN3i just ordered a kokatat whirlpool bib with socks (Tropos not gortex ) that should keep me 95-98%% dry -$250
my buddy has the gortex version...
MN3

Rank: Master Chief

Registered: Jun 20, 2006

Last visit: Apr 06, 2024

Posts: 7088
Posted: Dec 13, 2012 - 10:46 AM

i just re-read this.
sounds great. can you show me a link, or name a brand, or other so i can see an example of this?

Edchris177
QuoteNo one has mentioned fleece but i have learned (the heard way) ... that they become extremely heavy after a capsize

Andrew, that is very fabric specific. Some of the "thicker" liners that we wear under shells for spring skiing absorb almost no water. When pulled out of the washing machine they are practically dry, they weigh almost the same as off the shelf.
I have fallen off my dock wearing them, & they nearly drop the water as you come out. When in the water they are cumbersome to swim in, but they are neutral buoyant, if thrown overboard they will sit just at the surface, not floating like a chunk of foam, but not sinking either.