Drysuit ordered!

The drysuit goes on easy but coming off it takes me about 3-4 minutes to get my arms out. I didnt, lube the zipper the first time i went out and it probable took 15 to get off.
doug

Ahhhh, so somebody else knows the secret fish dance!

You might want to try that lack of insulation underneath in a bathtub though. 40 degree air is waaaaaay different than 40 degree water.

You'll love it----it is SO NICE to have dry feet in this cold weather!!! But those latex neck gaskets are like being strangled for hours by someone with weak hands----you can trim it down some, a LITTLE at a time, until it is snug but doesn't turn your face purple...

Somewhere I picked up using a stainless bowl a bit bigger than my neck and inserting it into the neck hole for a day or two prior to going on the trip.  Have done this a few different times and the neck pressure has become much easier.
holt

That & trimming are good as a last resort for people with extremely large necks, but the gasket will stretch on it's own over time, and it's easy to ruin it. I've been lubing the gaskets with a product called "seal saver" from McNett. all it is is silicone lube.

When you massage the lube into the gasket, it makes it stretch easier, and helps ease the constriction. The gaskets & zippers are at there worst when new. They sit and dry while on the shelf. Seal Saver also keeps the gasket from drying out, which makes them last longer.

I also use Zip Tech from McNett on the zippers, always after rinsing in fresh water after salt use. Nothing worse than pulling out for an emergency pee and finding your zipper is stuck.

I'll bet that zip tech stuff is good on all your outdoor gear zippers.
"I also use Zip Tech from McNett on the zippers, always after rinsing in fresh water after salt use. Nothing worse than pulling out for an emergency pee and finding your zipper is stuck.
[/quote] Nanook

Done that in waders. Tried to strip 'em down without removing my wading belt. The notorious "fish out of water dance."


Thanks for all the replies. I'm working a drysuit into my budget. Might not get it until next Fall, though, although I could use one now. I'm hoping that maybe "priority creep" will somehow push it to the top of the list.

I'm new at kayak fishing.  Pinks last August were my first outing. 
The drysuit thread caught my eye, while it sounds nice, what about neoprene chest waders?  I assume this has been discussed (which is why I put the newbie disclaimer above) but I'm new here as well.  Are drysuits preferable from a comfort, safety, or warmth standpoint?  I've paddled a bit in my bootfoot neoprene waders while duck hunting and it seemed okay, what am I missing?
Thanks

I'm new at kayak fishing.  Pinks last August were my first outing. 
The drysuit thread caught my eye, while it sounds nice, what about neoprene chest waders?  I assume this has been discussed (which is why I put the newbie disclaimer above) but I'm new here as well.  Are drysuits preferable from a comfort, safety, or warmth standpoint?  I've paddled a bit in my bootfoot neoprene waders while duck hunting and it seemed okay, what am I missing?
Thanks

Welcome aboard k,
As you might guess, this topic generates a lot of opinions based on personal experience, rumor, fear and internet-fueled hype. Most of us have used a variety of clothing options at different times. The constant factor, especially in the PNW, is to dress for the water temp, not the air temp.

Although I'm picking up a drysuit, I'll continue to use my breathable waders and splash top when I feel I'd rather go with that option (personal preference). For me, the one situation up here that I'll always choose the drysuit is in the ocean. I've jumped overboard in the ocean to save a drowning rod in the salt water and climbed back in with only a drop or two of water getting past my top. I'm ok with that but I think it is worth it to me to have that extra bit of insurance when out on the ocean. On lakes, streams and rivers, it's a day to day, location and conditions based decision. I've even seen a crazy yakker down near Coo* Ba* wearing rain pants and a paddle top on the ocean. But I'll keep his name a secret. 

Others with wetsuit experience will offer their perspectives on using wetsuits. Every option has benefits and drawbacks. What risks and limitations are you willing to assume? How comfortable are you in the situations you are likely to come across while fishing? Small local lakes, big rivers and the ocean all present different sets of variables only you can decide on.

Good Luck...
Jay

Thanks Jay,
At this stage of the game, I'm more likely to paddle Puget Sound on calm days than the ocean.  A drysuit is probably the ideal but in moderate conditions it sounds like some other options are adequete.
Kev

Thanks Jay,
At this stage of the game, I'm more likely to paddle Puget Sound on calm days than the ocean.  A drysuit is probably the ideal but in moderate conditions it sounds like some other options are adequete.
Kev

Welcome Kev. If you want to hear the back and forth about pro's and con's, use the search function and there's plenty of talk about it.

Z

Welcome aboard k,

Jay

"Thanks Jay,"

    Men in black III???