Wetsuits

[Gust User]

Thinking of saving some coinage and getting a wetsuit instead of a drysuit...7mm are rated for 40 degrees and above. Any suggestions on brands? And there's a term for suits that are 'wind resistant' I believe it's 'skinned' is this right? Pros, cons to this idea?

[Tighe]

Never known of anyone to ride in anything thicker than a 5mm. I think above that they get too restricting. I've had a 5/4 drysuit (looks like a wetsuit but with a dry zipper) for a few years and have never been cold. A quality steamer wetsuit can take you out in some pretty cold stuff. Don't forget, dress for the swim in, not the air temp.

A common set up is a Drysuit and a 3/2 wetsuit (or similar)

If you're going for just one wetsuit I'd try and find a 4/3 convertible. Sleaves on, w/hood, gloves and booties, that's a pretty warm set up, without the sleaves and other parts, you've got a suit that will work into June. Seems like the most versatile single suit.

It's just not safe to ride without a drysuit though till probably the end of the month.

Good brands are Bare, O'Neil, Mystic, Promotion, And ProLimit

[Pete]

Chad, get a Drysuit. When fall rolls around you will be tempted to go kite in November, even December.

Pete

[Dave Z]

Go Dry. With windsurfing if you break down and your in a 5/3 steamer you can at least get on your board and paddle in. If you break a line or lose your board kiting that would spell trouble. Also, a drysuit keeps your core much warmer. As a result your extremities will stay warmer as well. When I rode in a steamer my hands would get colder a lot sooner.

[Rick R]

I still have a 7m wetsuit from Bare that I have used in the past, I didnt find it all to restrictive, with that being said I upgraded to a drysuit and have never looked back. the comfort factor in (and standing around out of) the water is night and day in favor of a drysuit.
Rick

[Gust User]

Well this decided it for me. I have been looking at suits and getting good feedback both from this site and from another site I am on and everyone says the same thing. Go dry. So, I have been searching the web and it appears that the Ocean Rodeo Lite is the hands down winner for kiters and it won't break the bank either. Thanks for all the input guys! Now the irony is that by the time I can afford one, I won't need it! The good part is that I will be able to extend my summer after I get it. I just won't be able to start the season early.

[pongratz]

Does anyone know if there is a big difference
between the “Pyro Pro” and “Pyro Lite” drysuits besides the additional $$

Better construction?

Thanks,

Troy

[Tighe]

If you want to ride in April and October, dry (any type) is the only way to go. Assume you'll need another wetsuit though. You can go from Drysuit to shorts but you'll have some uncomfortable days in there for sure. 3/2 wetsuits aren't that spendy though.

The differences in the Lite and the Pro are Front zipper on the Pro (easier self closure), breathable panels on the Pro (highly valued, specially if you want to ride this during the spring (cold water/ warm-hot air temps), stylin looks on the Pro.

ride on

[dtownkiter]

i just picked up a 5mm (full) and was wondering what kind of water temps i can use it in? maybe may?

[Tighe]

5mm wetsuit, steamer, or drysuit? Skinned?

[dtownkiter]

I suppose that would help...my bad

Here is the des. from where I bought it.

Made with 5mm neoprene, this one-piece full wetsuit features semi dry seals at the wrists and ankles, a durable YKK back zipper and tough rubber knee pads.
http://www.diveprodivegear.com/m8_view_ ... m=50204PKG

I was going to get a dry but I found this on EBAY for under $50 (gotta love the no reserve!).

THANKS!

[Tighe]

I hate to say this but that's a dive suit, which are not the best for windsports. The outer layer is typically lycra, which cools as the water evaporates in the wind. With windsport wetsuits you'll have a slick outer surface that doesn't hold water and is a good wind barrier. Also you typically get more water flushing through the suit with a dive wetsuit. If you're in and out of the water a lot, you'll loose a lot of heat.

The good news is that if you're in the water for a period of time, eg in an emergency, you'll get the best performance out of the suit. And during the spring time when you are above water in the warm temps you should be fine. The fall will be your tough season since the air temp is cold.

You're probably right about when you can get out. Early May should be fine.

Always a good idea to do a test. Wade into the water and hang out for 5 min. to see how that feels then with this suit, stand in the wind for a few minutes and see how you feel.

sorry if this comes across as negative, I just wanted to make sure this point got out there.

[dtownkiter]

No its all good! THANKS for the info because i never considered many of those factors and didnt know much prior. I really just needed something cheap to get me out earlier and hopefully last a little longer in the fall.

Thanks for the input!

Adam T.