I need to get a new wetsuit for the winter. Lowest water temp will be in the low 60s. I would choose freedom of movement over being slightly colder. To that end, I am looking at various "shorties" (suit ends at elbows and knees). Am I oversimplifying things or are lower legs and forearms that critical for warmth?
Thanks
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Bill
Nacra 5.5 SL
Redondo Beach, CA
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Wetsuit question
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Posted: Oct 06, 2013 - 06:53 PM
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Posted: Oct 06, 2013 - 08:20 PM
Here is a basic guide on the water temp protection. As you can see, using a shorties for a 60F would be a grouse miscalculation...
http://360guide.info/wets…r-temperature-chart.html
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Jack B
Hobie 17
BC, Canada
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Posted: Oct 06, 2013 - 08:23 PM
In my opinion, plan for a warm enough suit you can stay in the water comfortably when you flp. I like a farmer John suit (full leg, overall style top. Then add a spray top. Add spray pants if the wind is up and air temp down. The sleeveless wetsuit gives great range of motion, but if water is cold a full suit would be better.
I got my farmer John from NRS, they make nice stuff at reasonable prices. I also have a 3mm full wetsuit but don't wear it much.
A wind proof layer makes a but difference for sailing comfort. Just make sure you are covered incase you go swimming.
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Scott,
‘92 H18 w/SX wings
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Posted: Oct 07, 2013 - 06:42 AM
I would not use a shortie in 60F water. Where I sail the water is down to 17C now.(63F).
IF it is a bright sunny day, with air temps in the 70's, AND the water is fairly smooth, so you don't get much splash, AND the lake is pretty small so you are never far from houses/shore, a shortie MIGHT suffice.
In my opinion you need to be prepared for a serious event, such as demasting, or turtling the boat. In that case you may be in the water for 5-10 minutes.
Even the spray on a good day, especially when combined with the sun going behind the clouds can quickly lead to shivering,(early hypothermia) in 60F water.
I don't notice a need for gloves or booties in those conditions. I do find that a 2 pc or full suit is required. I use a farmer john bottom, & a longsleeve top.
We just did a 40 mile run last Wed, water was 65F. The full 3mm suit was fine, but as the sun got low we realized we didn't want to be out much longer.
I think it is a mistake to to trade freedom of movement for "a little colder". Hypothermia is an insidious killer. Most victims are claimed in above freezing weather. It sneaks up on you.
Also depends on your sailing area. If you have a chase boat, OK, we only saw 2 other boats of any kind on Wed. & the lee shore was 25 miles away. Even with a radio I dress in case I'm wet for hours.
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Posted: Oct 07, 2013 - 06:43 AM
where do you sail?
here in the gulf of mehico, it gets in the lower 60's too
a few of us have Kokatat drypants (the whirlpool bibs (with socks) ) -
100% dry - very comfortable and easy to slip out of if it gets warm out -
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Posted: Oct 07, 2013 - 09:55 AM
This past August found us sailing 20 miles back to shore in five foot waves that smacked us every 20 seconds (following sea, 8 second intervals). Water temp 67F.
My son had a shortie wetsuit and shivered all the way back, even though air temp was just under 80F.
I was toasty in my overkill drysuit.
You don't have to go into the water to be cold in a shorty.
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Sheet In!
Bob
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Posted: Oct 07, 2013 - 10:20 AM
MN3, I'm sailing in California, in the water seen in my avatar.
I could see the writing on the wall. I went with a full wetsuit. If I go in the water, I won't regret it. And if I get too hot sailing, I'll splash some water on me.
Thanks all.
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Bill
Nacra 5.5 SL
Redondo Beach, CA
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Posted: Oct 07, 2013 - 11:13 AM
I think the 2 pc is the most versatile. You can wear just the farmer john bottoms, & if it gets too warm take the top off.
Early & late in the season I tie a Helly Hansen hooded shell to the tramp. If you don't need the wetsuit jacket, but the spray is cold, the HH shell keeps you dry, & warm.
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Posted: Oct 07, 2013 - 03:19 PM
Be sure to find a wet suit with a long front zipper to relieve your self.....
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Bill 404 21SE
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Posted: Oct 07, 2013 - 05:37 PM
When I used to sail off of Belmont Shores in California winters I used a full, by Body Glove. It was 3 - 4 mm with rubber panels built into the knees so it didn't get shredded on the mesh tramp. It had plenty of mobility and was warm. What I found for me was if I kept my feet warm in wetsuit boots and my hands warm, my body felt right and I didn't get cold. IMO a full with booties the only way to go.
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New Orleans
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Posted: Oct 07, 2013 - 05:48 PM
I second Chris's thought. I have a 3-4 mm stohlquist paddling longjohn with reinforced knees and butt paired with a o'neil longsleeve top. Also full boots are a must and a pair of decent thin neoprene gloves are good to have. Water was about 60 last weekend when I took in my cat, dock and boat rail. Spent an hour in the water with no issues. That is what you want if you are in the cold (you never know how long you will end up in the drink), and believe me I know how to deal with cold!
If I was buying now I would go to NRS, their 'grizzly' sizing looks awesome for my bodyshape. Would make me feel a little less like a sausage in all the rubber.
D.
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Dave Bonin
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Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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