kate

This is all helpful, thanks for responses. Let me clarify that the drysuit will mostly be worn under a tuilik so it's actually preferable that it be light and have no neo cuffs or collar. The Uno looks like a contender to me. On the other hand, Kokatat is readily available in short order. Goretex vs latex I had not thought about, haven't seen the Goretex socks before. If I order from them I will ask about it. Any further input much valued. kate

I've been using my more-than-a-decade-old Kokatat drysuit this fall and it is definitely due for replacement. Not only is it leaking (through the fabric? the waterproofing may finally be gone; latex gaskets have been replaced twice each and seem to be fine) but it's a non-breathable nylon without relief zipper or attached socks. I'd like to get the full cushy version and in researching have come across mention of Ravenspring as being a viable alternative. Questions: Are there local suppliers? Do they offer the same sort of soft sock as Kokatat or only a hard boot attachment? How long does it take to receive it if imported? What else do I need to know about their product? damply, Kate

This is the sort of thing that comes with practice. Some people seem to have very little difficulty with the mental aspects of being suddenly upside down; others of us battle with that initial panic. The more often the upside-down happens, the more chances there are to learn that it isn't the end of the world. I don't think extending breath-holding capacity is going to do a thing to help. I mean, if you set up for a roll and you know it's coming, it takes - what, 5 seconds? If you don't set up and don't know it's coming, maybe it takes 10 seconds. If you are getting worked in surf you might be under there as long as 30 seconds. I'd like to bet you can hold your breath that long right now. So it's more about what is going on inside the head. As for water up the nose, my personal experience is that if I'm in the midst of an unexpected roll I don't even notice that factor until I come up and the water is streaming out my nostrils in a lovely display. There's too much else going on at the time. Same is true of the water temp (unless I'm not dressed properly for it) - I don't notice the temp in the excitement of the moment. The first several times I had to roll unexpectedly, I swam even though I had a good pool roll. Then one time I got flipped in a place where a swim would have been rough. My first instinct was to get outta the boat, but then there was this sort of disgust that kicked in, I really didn't want to bother with all that swimming and emptying of the boat, I wanted to roll. So I did. This seems to be a common experience, people panic and swim a lot at first and then less and less so after that first successful roll. I would suggest you give yourself some time on the learning curve, just go out and boat and enjoy and practice your rolls and realize that there might be some swims but it's part of the process. As you get more used to finding yourself unceremoniously upside-down, you will be less tense about it and be able to respond more calmly and effectively. At any rate, that's been my strategy - lots of time in the boat, LOTS of roll practice, pushing the envelope in safe venues (in whitewater boating the catchphrase is to practice "harder moves on easier rivers"). Sometimes there's still discombobulation and panic and the occasional swim, but the more I'm upside-down, the less fear I feel and the better are my rolls. hope this helps kate

Just a note to indicate my interest in attending. I have some scheduling difficulties but will try to work around them. See you then! kate

http://www.backscatter.com/hostedstore/products/PT-010.html Amazingly they still have the housing. It still costs the same as when I bought mine for my c3000. Frankly, although the housing works great for diving I tried it for boating and it's just too clunky. Can't keep it on the deck, bulky knocking around in the cockpit. I'd suggest putting the same amount of money into the Pentax Optio 43 WR. Fits in pfd pocket, waterproof, has an extra megapixel over the c3000. Only thing is that it's point-n-shoot, not much in the way of manual controls. But it does a very good job. The c3000 now lives in the closet awaiting the next dive trip. kate

Sure, the two-piece can leak. But in practical terms, in my experience, it isn't significant or life-threatening. I've used mine for 10 years, almost entirely for whitewater but also in seakayaking. Sorry to say, I've had a few river swims in that time, in some very swirly water. But the two-piece has not left me wet. The seal works remarkably well (this is in a Kokotat and using a neoprene skirt, can't speak for other configurations). Both styles are functional. It's a matter of what you want to do with your gear. kate

Dry suits come in two (or more) configurations: one piece or a top and bottom which "seal" together. I have the top and bottom, so I can wear just the top along with something lighter (fuzzy rubber) on the bottom, or I can wear both to have a complete suit. I like the versatility, but it is bulkier around the middle (where the two pieces meet) than a one-piece suit. Of course, wearing the top with the fuzzyrubber pants means there is not complete dryness, but at this time of year that isn't a problem for me. kate

I have to agree, I used my wetsuit so rarely that I finally gave it away. Much prefer Hydroskin and fuzzy rubber for the shoulder seasons, and then drytop/suit for cold weather. kate