Water Temps

[Matt G]

Has anyone been out in a wetsuit yet this year and lived to post about it?

[BBAddict]

Yep, I was out on Waconia last week and just wore a wetsuit and was really warm. That being said it was a little warmer wetsuit. It was a 5/4/3 Hyperflex wetsuit that I got from http://www.velocitykiting.com . Very impressed with the flexibility, warmth and comfort of the suit. I think I might have been OK with a 3/2 but it would have been chilly and I might have had issues if I had a long swim in.

Seth

[kenais]

Been out with a 4/3, booties and gloves on the warmer air temp days. The water is warm enough now I wouldn't hesitate to go out in the not so warm air days too.

[wings]

It's a go with any wetsuit.

[jerlane]

Calhoun wasn't bad yesterday. I was in the water a bit, too, when the wind kicked up while still on my 8.5. I didn't have gloves on and my hands were fine.

[Tighe]

Be careful and keep and eye on eachother. It's hard for me to believe that just any suit will be adequate for a 30-60minute float in if needed.

be careful

[Reds]

Still around 50 degrees at White Bear. I'm golden in my drysuit. But a wetsuit? If your windsurfing at least you have something to stand on and stay out of the water. Kiting: if the wind dies you are in for a soaking. Have fun and live to fly another day!

[wings]

It's hard for me to believe that just any suit will be adequate

Ok, I concur; I've had some ridiculously shitty wetsuits in my day. And now I am little cocky with a psycho 2 4/3...

Let me put it this way, my feet and hands have been chilly (and yes I've done a little floating) but my core was always warm.

I will say that if someone goes out in anything thinner than a 4/3, they should probably have a hood, etc.

[scottman]

Seth, so you really like the Hyperflex, i was really thinking about one of those because I would really like something more flexible that what I have, how is the neck seal is it really tight around your neck?

[BBAddict]

Scott,
You really should feel the Hyperflex material if you haven't already. It's phenomenal. I guess it's the only way you can get away with making a thicker suit like my 5/4/3 without it being uncomfortable. I don't notice any difference in the mobility between this and my old 3/2. I didn't notice any discomfort at the neck, unlike my drysuits where I'm always bothered by the neck seal. I did get the one with the built in hood though, so the neck design might be different.
I've been careful not to be contradictory in this thread because I know all wetsuits are not created equally, but I could have floated in Waconia for hours in this thing--although that sounds pretty boring and I wouldn't ever choose to!

[Tighe]

I'm with you Seth. A good quality, windsport specific thicker wetsuit is the way to go. There are also Steamers and neoprene drysuits that cross into this category as well. I don't the neoprene versions are quite as warm as the baggy suits with layers underneath in the absolute coldest waters or wind (like sub 40 degrees) but they are just so much more comfy in these warm day, cold water days. Lot easier to get on and off as well.

I bought an ION and love it. Hyperflex, NeillPride, Mystic, Promotion, etc all make good models in this category. Unfortunately the key to neoprene suits is the fit. If the fit isn't right it won't be as warm or as comfortable. If at all possible try some suits on first. If not make sure there is a good return policy.

oh yeah, and if you just gotta go...you have an option.

stay warm.

[Tom L]

Almost 60° now. I started a plot last year for a milfoil program. Warms up pretty fast. Peaks in late July.