Hey guys I've already got some good advice on this but I thought I would ask everyone else who may have an opinion. I'm a beginner with no experience as of yet (I have my board a GO 170), but I need to get some neoprene, what should I get?
I would like to just buy one that is as close to all-purpose as possible, is a long sleeved 4/3 wetsuit my best bet?
Thanks for your help!
Andrew
aka new dude
What kind of neoprene to get?
Moderator: MK
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aransavage
- Posts: 23
- Joined: Tue Dec 10, 2002 2:10 pm
- Location: Hopkins, MN
Back in my budget days I wore a steamer. To keep me warmer I added a one piece hood/vest combo (helps lessen the water down the back 
when it's cold), booties and gloves. The polypro and fleece tops they have now also make a huge difference. I was able to use this set up when ice out hit. It's versatile in that you can remove layers as the air/water warm up. Just remember, one of our local wise men one said "Dress for the swim in..."
These days I use a dry suit when it's cold. The biggest difference is that you keep your core temp a lot warmer.
when it's cold), booties and gloves. The polypro and fleece tops they have now also make a huge difference. I was able to use this set up when ice out hit. It's versatile in that you can remove layers as the air/water warm up. Just remember, one of our local wise men one said "Dress for the swim in..." These days I use a dry suit when it's cold. The biggest difference is that you keep your core temp a lot warmer.
It just depends how early you want to get out. The 4/3 option sounds like a good all round suit. You could layer under it with polypro and with a good set of mitts, boots and hood, come out pretty early. It is a wetsuit though, so test the water before going out. Randy had a good test mentioned awhile back. Before you go out, wade into the water and float for a bit. If you are at all cold after 5 minutes, DON"T GO!. An equipment failure could mean you are in the water for a long time.
A steamer will extend your season though might be really warm in late may and September.
good luck
A steamer will extend your season though might be really warm in late may and September.
good luck
Tighe
I'm going to get seriously reprimanded for this but...
The suit I use on the day before ice on or as the ice is breaking up is only a 3/2 standard wetsuit. I have a .5MM neoprene rashguard that I wear under that and I can be in the water with icebergs all around.
I am not saying I could be in the water very long ( Randy's 5 minutes is probably the limit ) and an emergency would require paddling in on my board instead of swimming.
In my opinion ( I am also limited by $$ ) a 4/3 would be a good suit for a wide range of conditions. As a beginner you will be out in conditions that most likely wouldn't cause your board to get away from you too fast anyway. Just wait awhile to practice water-starts.
The suit I use on the day before ice on or as the ice is breaking up is only a 3/2 standard wetsuit. I have a .5MM neoprene rashguard that I wear under that and I can be in the water with icebergs all around.
I am not saying I could be in the water very long ( Randy's 5 minutes is probably the limit ) and an emergency would require paddling in on my board instead of swimming.
In my opinion ( I am also limited by $$ ) a 4/3 would be a good suit for a wide range of conditions. As a beginner you will be out in conditions that most likely wouldn't cause your board to get away from you too fast anyway. Just wait awhile to practice water-starts.
For what it's worth, I love my dry suit. It's a NP 5/4/3. It does get very warm 
on those 60 degree April/May days but the water in my cammel back helps with that.
Look towards the future, this fall...you're gonna be a windsurfing junkie and you'll want to be out on the water up until it freezes. The really crazy/talented sailors like Dave Tate, Mike Doherty, Brian Smith, etc... will be out in their shorties long before many others ever will. Don't skimp, if a dry suit gives you one more day on the water "in comfort" it is worth it.
Pete
Ps. Excellent choice of boards to learn on.
on those 60 degree April/May days but the water in my cammel back helps with that. Look towards the future, this fall...you're gonna be a windsurfing junkie and you'll want to be out on the water up until it freezes. The really crazy/talented sailors like Dave Tate, Mike Doherty, Brian Smith, etc... will be out in their shorties long before many others ever will. Don't skimp, if a dry suit gives you one more day on the water "in comfort" it is worth it.
Pete
Ps. Excellent choice of boards to learn on.
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aransavage
- Posts: 23
- Joined: Tue Dec 10, 2002 2:10 pm
- Location: Hopkins, MN
I have to agree with Pete about the crazy issue, at least for myself. I will add that my 3/2 is all I have and when I need to replace it I will look for something a bit warmer.
As it is, I loose control of my fingers long before I feel cold. I have seen things that make me think a warmer suit may keep the extremities warmer too. Any one have an answer for that?
As it is, I loose control of my fingers long before I feel cold. I have seen things that make me think a warmer suit may keep the extremities warmer too. Any one have an answer for that?
This might be a bit off-topic but a just got my Kokotat drysuit in the mail.
As "Everybody Loves Raymond"'s dad says,
HOLY CRAP!
I put this thing on over my street clothes (bandana, vintage sports jersey, pants with one leg hiked up, expensive sneakers, etc...) and it FIT!
Wow. It feels like a pair of pajamas (except for the neck seal, to tight for my fat head). One of the things I like about it that makes so much sense is the 'suit material' extends over the latex gaskets. This will prolong their life from UV infiltration and degradation.
I have not got in the water with this suit. I have put it on on dry land. It seems that when you are wearing it (difficult to explain, not like being dressed in a water-tight bag) it just feels like normal clothes except the latex gaskets around your neck, ankles and wrists.
It's hard to belive that you will not get wet with this one. It feels just like you are feeling now, sitting infront of your computer screen except for the slight preasure on your neck, wrists and ankles.
Last year I used a BARE Polarheat. Great Suit and it's a bit more than half the cost of a Kokatat. The BARE uses the same latex gaskets on the neck and wrists. The bottom half of the suit is constructed of heavy neo. Works freekin' great and is easy to swim in. It's a super choice.
I think you are on the right track with a heavy wetsuit. You might want to consider somting like the BARE if you are serious about windsurfing.
The BARE I bought from Randy at the house let me sail from ice out to ice in. You might need some other stuff in cold weather but I was able to go from BARE drysuit to Shorty/Tunks in late May.
Your mileage may vary...
good luck,
As "Everybody Loves Raymond"'s dad says,
HOLY CRAP!
I put this thing on over my street clothes (bandana, vintage sports jersey, pants with one leg hiked up, expensive sneakers, etc...) and it FIT!
Wow. It feels like a pair of pajamas (except for the neck seal, to tight for my fat head). One of the things I like about it that makes so much sense is the 'suit material' extends over the latex gaskets. This will prolong their life from UV infiltration and degradation.
I have not got in the water with this suit. I have put it on on dry land. It seems that when you are wearing it (difficult to explain, not like being dressed in a water-tight bag) it just feels like normal clothes except the latex gaskets around your neck, ankles and wrists.
It's hard to belive that you will not get wet with this one. It feels just like you are feeling now, sitting infront of your computer screen except for the slight preasure on your neck, wrists and ankles.
Last year I used a BARE Polarheat. Great Suit and it's a bit more than half the cost of a Kokatat. The BARE uses the same latex gaskets on the neck and wrists. The bottom half of the suit is constructed of heavy neo. Works freekin' great and is easy to swim in. It's a super choice.
I think you are on the right track with a heavy wetsuit. You might want to consider somting like the BARE if you are serious about windsurfing.
The BARE I bought from Randy at the house let me sail from ice out to ice in. You might need some other stuff in cold weather but I was able to go from BARE drysuit to Shorty/Tunks in late May.
Your mileage may vary...
good luck,
Those Drysuits have always been real attractive. Did you get the Gortex version and include the "relief zipper". When I decide to drop the big bucks that is the version I want.
I have a similar suit from Barefoot International. The reason the fabric covers the seals is to protect them from UV. Very good idea! The cool thing about these loose ones is the you can layer to your hearts content underneath. You'll love it. The only problem I have is that I have a serious concave ridge that runs down the back of my leg, from my ankle to the rear tendon. No matter how tight the leg seal is, it just can't close that trough completely. So I usually get a small amount of water in my lower leg. The rest stays dry though....Looking at my leg now...thinking maybe I'll move the seal up higher on my leg for a better seal.
Now if we would only get some days to get out.
I have a similar suit from Barefoot International. The reason the fabric covers the seals is to protect them from UV. Very good idea! The cool thing about these loose ones is the you can layer to your hearts content underneath. You'll love it. The only problem I have is that I have a serious concave ridge that runs down the back of my leg, from my ankle to the rear tendon. No matter how tight the leg seal is, it just can't close that trough completely. So I usually get a small amount of water in my lower leg. The rest stays dry though....Looking at my leg now...thinking maybe I'll move the seal up higher on my leg for a better seal.
Now if we would only get some days to get out.
Tighe