Drysuit ordered!

Well my financier authorized the purchase and yesterday I ordered my drysuit from Andy and Bax. I got the OS SystemsSpirit in bright orange with a neoprene neck instead of latex. It is made in Scappoose and the owner lives in West Linn or Lake Oswego (I believe) and regularly works with the local dealers when there is a warrany issue. The newer orange material feels a bit more durable and pliable than other suits I've looked at. Now I have to just sit and wait.....maybe I'll finally fish this weekend while I'm waiting.

Jay

I was feeling good that my recently acquired Kokatat dry suit was made in Northern California, but you have me beat on the whole "locavore" thing with this one.  Good jump supporting a local company!

So you guys need some dancin' lessons?

Thanks Wali, but I already took some notes and reference photos the last time you showed it to me.

Brian

Thanks Wali, but I already took some notes and reference photos the last time you showed it to me.

Brian

I think we need to see the video again.  It's refreshing.   

Thanks Wali, but I already took some notes and reference photos the last time you showed it to me.

Brian

I think we need to see the video again.  It's refreshing.   

 

Please, please, please

 

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...

Speaking of drysuits, today is my birthday & fishnut1 pulled a complete surprise and bought me a drysuit ! He told me we were jusy going to see an old friend of his in Issaquah, and I swallowed it Hook,Line & Sinker.

So now I'm have my new Kokatat T3 with latex neck gaskets. Apparently he doesn't want the insurance money that bad, because last time we were out I capsized, lost pole etc, and I was only in chest waders. It was not a fun trip back to the launch site which is where we were headed anyway. So with all new gear I will be attempting a simple lake run tommorrow if the wind stays down. :laugh:Wish me luck.

So Kali I am happy for you, I hope you get as much fun out of your new gear as I plan to with mine. lol

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

Supporting local business is the way to go. Found this whole in the wall/in
home yak business called the Kayak Academy in Issaquah on line awhile ago. They sell new/used seayaks and gear and have quite the selection PLUS
they live & breathe what they sell. Their entire house was strewn about with dry suits,footwear, etc that they use for their classes and they also have rentals and sea yak trips. Awesome homespun business out of the garage/house. Drove out there while Yakchik was at the Md's and then picked her up for the surprise trip out to "my friends house". Bought Kokatat
because it's top notch and I know the owner from my years living in
Humboldt County. Her suit is not green like most of that county if ya know what I mean.

OK, I think I need one final bit of info, and I'm over the edge with the rest of you and getting a drysuit.

Does it make it easier to decide to go out on a cold winter day, knowing you'll stay dry and toasty?
Some days here in the low-to-mid-30's warming only into the mid-40's with water temps in the mid-high 40's look pretty good, other than being a bit on the chilly side. I'm beginning to think that a drysuit would get me out more.

What's the verdict?

I have not yet gotten graceful at wiggling in thru the neckhole of my O'Neil Mutant wetsuit, yet, but somehow I manage to crawl in feet first. It ain't a pretty sight. Looks like I'm doin' the "frug."

So you guys need some dancin' lessons?

Does it make it easier to decide to go out on a cold winter day, knowing you'll stay dry and toasty?

Nah.. I just want to look cool!

With regard to wet suit vs dry suit.. I think it isn't so much how warm you are on the kayak or even in the water as it is how warm you are getting in to and out of your suit.  I dread stripping down to get into my damp wet suit on a cold morning.

Brian

my suit definitely helps me motivate on colder days. I put my liner on under street clothes before I ever leave the house, then peel my suit off & leave the liner on until I get back someplace warm to change. Is very nice....

OK, I think I need one final bit of info, and I'm over the edge with the rest of you and getting a drysuit.

Does it make it easier to decide to go out on a cold winter day, knowing you'll stay dry and toasty?
Some days here in the low-to-mid-30's warming only into the mid-40's with water temps in the mid-high 40's look pretty good, other than being a bit on the chilly side. I'm beginning to think that a drysuit would get me out more.

What's the verdict?

I am new to drysuits but wore wetsuits surfing winters in so cal for many years. I can definately say that the dry suit is a warmer situation. It was about 40 the other day and under it i just wore a long sleeve t shirt, jeans and normal socks.  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. I have found that the neoprene neck seal seems tight when first putting it on but i don't notice it after i get going. I also did the thing with a tupperwear bowl to stretch it. It did make a little difference. I also don't feel that the dry suit is very restrictive. I got a stohlquist and it has been fine. The other difference is that the drysuits really do breathe. You don't get humid/sticky inside. doug