This is my first year windsurfing and am wondering when does it get too cold to go out? I have a 4/3 full wetsuit and I'm dying to head out today but is a 50 degree air temp too cold now for a 4/3? When I started in the spring I think it was at least 60. Anyway just don't want to end up with hypothermia, but it's so windy! Thanks for the help!
Andrew
when is it too cold?
Moderator: MK
-
aransavage
- Posts: 23
- Joined: Tue Dec 10, 2002 2:10 pm
- Location: Hopkins, MN
I might be a freak or stupid or both but all I've ever used is a 3/2 wetsuit mits, booties and a hood. My hands always give out way before I'm cold.
I sail from ice out to ice on. I've walked out through slush and had ice freeze on my suit.
I did just get a new 5/3 steamer and will feel better about sailing the big winds this fall on Pepin, Superior or Mille Lacs.
The advice of dress for the swim in is wise though and you need to think about your launch and what it would take to get to shore in the worst case.
Example: side shore on a big lake could mean trouble but onshore and staying a few hundred yards out is pretty safe.
Right now the water is still relatively warm so when your hands freeze up you can bring them back with a dunk in the lake.
My advise is to get out there and sail. As soon as you start to feel cold you need to get off the water though because it will get worse quick.
I sail from ice out to ice on. I've walked out through slush and had ice freeze on my suit.
I did just get a new 5/3 steamer and will feel better about sailing the big winds this fall on Pepin, Superior or Mille Lacs.
The advice of dress for the swim in is wise though and you need to think about your launch and what it would take to get to shore in the worst case.
Example: side shore on a big lake could mean trouble but onshore and staying a few hundred yards out is pretty safe.
Right now the water is still relatively warm so when your hands freeze up you can bring them back with a dunk in the lake.
My advise is to get out there and sail. As soon as you start to feel cold you need to get off the water though because it will get worse quick.
If it is a slick skin 4/3 designed for windy sports, you should be fine for a bit yet. If you can wear polypro underneath, try another layer. Dave suggestion of gloves, hood and booties goes along way. We loose most of our heat through our heads.
Having said that I wouldn't suggest sailing 4 miles off shore at Superior. Sail with others and keep an eye one eachother, double check all your gear (lines, universals, etc) before going out and stay close to shore.
I was in my 3/2 with sleeves and a lycra rashgaurd underneath on Weds and was fine. I put a shell on as soon as I got off the water.
If you want to sail the best winds we have around here, invest in a drysuit. It will keep you warm, and safe.
Having said that I wouldn't suggest sailing 4 miles off shore at Superior. Sail with others and keep an eye one eachother, double check all your gear (lines, universals, etc) before going out and stay close to shore.
I was in my 3/2 with sleeves and a lycra rashgaurd underneath on Weds and was fine. I put a shell on as soon as I got off the water.
If you want to sail the best winds we have around here, invest in a drysuit. It will keep you warm, and safe.
Last edited by Tighe on Sun Sep 28, 2003 11:47 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Tighe
-
aransavage
- Posts: 23
- Joined: Tue Dec 10, 2002 2:10 pm
- Location: Hopkins, MN
thanks
Thanks for the help guys. I was out Saturday in my 4/3 and was fine but I'll definitely have to look into the dry suit. I felt like a real Minnesota windsurfer (I'm originally from NJ), 50 degrees, light rain but nice wind! Take it easy!
Andrew
Andrew