Wet suits?

Opinions vary. I hear Moulton Avery was wearing two wetsuits layered over each other just a few weekends ago. He prolly knows better than me, eh? I am probably the least willing to paddle in the cold of all the organizers one could ask this question of. But I also pay attention in class and read a lot. I have no lack of equipment. I just don't paddle in the cold much. I prefer cold weather biking myself.

Question via email: Hi Lorax's Wife,
Where would I go to buy a wetsuit in the Northern VA area? Any suggestions? Thanks. Peggy

Answer:
Hi Peggy,

I am CERTAIN that a drysuit would be most appropriate for paddling with the Wash Kayak "Cold Water Crew." It's a good and timely question. But if you are just making sure you are equipped for the spring paddling that will arrive oh-so-soon then I think my advice below is sound.

Check out the different "splash tops" and "dry tops," when looking into wetsuits. I prefer the wetsuit and splash top combo, but some people will prefer the dry top.

Of course REI, at Bailey Crossroads or the one near Fair Lakes will have them. And I love REI, so you can't go wrong there.

However, having done this a few times, here's my advice, since you asked:

You'll need AT LEAST a 3 mil farmer jane and a splash top. You will also need some really good booties and gloves. And the neoprene hoodie/balaclava/noose. You must wear a skirt and be comfortable wet-exiting in it. MUST, there is no valid argument against the skirt UNLESS you aren't comfortable wet-exiting, in which case wait until it's warm and you don't need all this gear to be safe on the water.

Go to REI and try on different suits and combos. Also Potomac Paddlesports in Rockville has a nice selection. Other paddlers will weigh in on their favorite stores and websites.

Because my bottom and my top aren't the same standard size I have found a farmer jane really doesn't work for me. I have one and hate it. Instead, I ordered 3 mil (man) bottoms from Outdoor Play ( http://www.outdoorpla... ) and bought a 4.5 mil jacket when it went on deep discount at REI. This works, and fits me better than the farmer jane. With this, I still wear a splash top over the jacket. Also several years ago I bought a Quick Silver "paddle board" jacket that is neoprene bonded to fleece on the body and thick Lycra material on the arms. This is my go-to jacket in May and June. I pair it with Hydroskin pants. It's a winning late spring/early fall combo. Lastly I have a pair of 3 mil shorts that go all the way to my knees that I can wear with the Hydroskin when water temps are "in between."

Neoprene gives me an itchy reaction on my bare skin. I solve this by always wearing a layer of exercise top/tights between me and the wetsuit.

NRS has their own website as well ( www.nrsweb.com/ ) but Outdoor Play is often cheaper.

Outdoor Play has an awesome selection of booties. Don't forget to order some neoprene socks to go inside the booties. They really add to the warmth and comfort of the booties. My favorite booties are the NRS Caveman, but I can't find them now. However Outdoor Play has a lot of other styles. Whether you are wearing the neoprene socks or not, the booties should be pretty snug but stretchy. Baggy foot gear is wrong on so many levels, but especially bad if you are trying to get out of your boat when you are hanging upside down.

Get some insulated gloves if you are going out now. If you are just gearing up for spring I like the Warmer gloves and wear glove liners with them when it is cooler, and without when it warms up a bit.

Bet you didn't expect a dissertation, did you? :-D



Lorax's Wife