Hydroskin for this time of year?

[alcoons]

It is about that time when trips start requiring wet suites. Tell me if I am wrong, but many paddlers will have wet suits without sleeves and most likely wear a good paddle jacket on top.

Would a reasonable substitute for this combo be full length hydroskin pants and top (to the ankles and wrists) and a paddle jacket?

Thinking of the Gerrish Island trip this weekend.

Thanks,

Al

Al Coons

Eddyline Nighthawk

Red/White

[ccarlson]

Whether or not hydroskin will keep you warm enough depends upon a number of factors including your personal cold tolerance, how long you are immersed, etc. The water temps are just above 60 degrees. Personally, in 60 deg water, I find the hydroskin to be not warm enough for actual full-body immersion. For just rolling back up, probably not a problem. If you get a chance, try it out and see how it works for you. If you have a neo vest or similar, adding that will improve the effectiveness of the hydroskin-based outfit.

[bob budd]

I have a neoprene shirt I wear when the temperatures begin to fall, it is usually good into the fall. I started wearing it last weekend and sometimes have it on in June. The shirt would flush if I didn't wear another layer underneath, so the fit is key, and it loses alot as the wind blows. That is when the paddle jacket is more appropriate, it provides little insulation but cuts down alot on evaporative cooling. So it depends if I am in open water and/or if the winds are higher. My paddle jacket fits over the PFD so I can easily switch back and forth even if I'm on the water.

[subaruguru]

Hi Al,

FWIW I'm a faithful user of the NRS Hydroskin GLOVES, predominantly because their semi-sticky grip on my carbon shaft is just right. However, they're NO substitute for 3 or even 2mm neo for warmth. Hence I've stopped looking for a deal on NRS HS tops (list is $87!) as 1/2 mm is just too little insulation. There's cheaper fuzzy rubber around. See ya Tuesday?

[Dee Hall]

A word of warning. Bob has a very large comfortable temperature range. He wears t-shirts and shorts through October and switches to t-shirts and jeans for the winter.

That said, the water temps are still in the sixties, so in theory hydroskin is probably ok. However, I am finding that I need more than hydroskin on top (once I get wet) to deal with the air temps on cool, windy days unless I am working.

-Dee