Paddle wear ---what do you use?

Insayn----I got a 20% off deal on the Gore-tex, only $15 more than the Tropos with pee zipper and boots.  The zipper/boot combo is an option, $150 for the zipper, 60 for the boots, making them cost approximately the same.  The consensus is, the Goretex breathes significantly better in warmer conditions, according to Gronseth and the cat at California Kayak. It is being shipped today.

    I am presently using the NRS Farmer John size L with dry top, the NRS is fine except for the cold feet....I think it is 3mm.  NRS is well reviewed on various paddling sites.  I use wet suit booties or ragg sox with teva sandals or Crocs, all 3 result in cold feet!  The booties are the warmest, but 4-5 hours of pedalling with boots full of water sucks.
I am a short 5'10 or tall 5'9, 175 pounds, and it's pretty tight around the belly/chest.  a XL, or a Grizzly L, would be perfect.  They run tight.  NRS makes a newer model that has Velcro shoulders so you can adjust the fit for height, very nice.  Here's a review on NRS site:

Anonymous - 2004-06-24
Great equipment for kayakers in cold water

I wore the Farmer John on a very rough paddling trip through the Apostle Islands in Lake Superior. With 5 foot waves, a small craft advisory in effect, 20 mph headwinds, 70 air temp, 39 water temp, I found myself totally warm. A later immersion (on purpose) proved to me that the neoprene would keep me warm in the 39 degree water long enough to remount my kayak, even in waves. The suit is comfortable, even on hot days (for me anyway). I am glad I followed Altrec's sizing advice regarding the Farmer John running small. I am 6', 200 pounds, and am glad I ordered the XXXL - it fit perfectly. NRS charts say I should have ordered a size smaller. (My brother, 6'3", 230 lbs. tried it on, found the legs too tight and chest constricting, so he ordered the Grizzly version, and was happy with that.) The two-way zipper saves time and comfort when nature calls. Conclusion: Sturdy, warm, well made, comfortable, functionable, and affordable. Perfect in my book.

Sort of OK.  I don't think their scale goes cold enough.  I would add PFD to all categories.  It does provide a level of core body insulation.

-Allen

Sort of OK.  I don't think their scale goes cold enough.  I would add PFD to all categories.  It does provide a level of core body insulation.

-Allen

Good point! 

PFD is a given, an absolute must in the PNW.  I even wear mine in the Arima (PB) all the time, either my float coat or regular vest.  I only know one other guy besides my regular boat buddy Rob who always wears a life vest, he fishes out of a 14ft Highlaker.  Cheap insurance!

PFD's are also another layer of insulation while atop the yak.  I wear a PFD in my PB as well, especially when I am underway, in the salt, or bad weather.  Ya never know when you could be knocked out of the boat, and get bonked on the way overboard.  The PFD is your first line of defence at keeping your nose out of the water when your lights are out. 

Dis is funny! 

Wali does a similar thing every time he goes to get out of his drysuit.  Man, I wish I had  video of that!!! 

-Allen

I don't have video, but I did manage to take a series of photos of Wali trying to get out of his drysuit last month.

Fun times at Oaks Bottom!!!!

BTW, another admin trick to flip your screen name?

Fun times at Oaks Bottom!!!!

BTW, another admin trick to flip your screen name?

¿ʇnoqɐ ƃuıʞlɐʇ noʎ ǝɹɐ ʇɐɥʍ

˙ǝɯɐu uǝǝɹɔs ʎɯ ɥʇıʍ ƃuoɹʍ ƃuıɥʇou ǝǝs ɥɔʇoɔs ɟo ssɐlƃ ƃıq ʎɯ puɐ ǝɯ

Well done comrade 

Even funnier clip on paddle wear.   

I was about to commend you Brian on not showing off those pictures of last secret fish dance. Guess that's off the table.
Be glad its not a video so you can't see the hopping around in circles and cursing. I'm surprised those came out so clear as you where rolling around laughing so hard.

Getting back to the business of the thread, paddlewear?
Pair of shorts and a fishing shirt.

Oh! You mean in winter?
I'll add long pants and sometimes a little jacket if there is a bit of a breeze.

Oh, you mean up there!?!?!
For anything short of really cold water, I really like neoprene stocking foot waders with a breathable splash top (neoprene seals vs. drytops rubber seals). That's kept me toasty playing in the surf at PC while the surfers all had on steamers and you can vary the amount of insulation underneath (and its a HECK of a lot easier to get in and out of )
Note: If you do go with the drysuit, make sure you get it with enuf room for insulating layers as breathables don't have any (also be careful that you don't add too much internal "insulation" (fat) that you can't get the external insulation inside the suit)

And frankly, your stupid if you don't have at least an inflatable PFD on.

Dis is funny! 

On (with help) is easy!

Off (alone) is another matter.

Speaking of inflatable PFD---anybody use em??  Ever HAD to use one in an upset or accidental swim??  Are they absolutely reliable?
  My Hobie PFD is a PITA, rides up and is not particularly comfortable.  I have a Lotus Designs vest that I wore in my sit-in yaks, will have to give it a try with the Revolution and see if it;s more comfy.