Hi, I am thinking about buying a drysuit so that I can paddle in cold weather and possibly for frostbite sailing. I stopped by the Kayak Centre today and they have a Kokatat Supernova semi-drysuit. I read the article linked to the drysuit vs semi-dry on the homepage. Wondering if anyone has this suit (or thoughts on the latex vs neoprene neck). Also, the women's suit has a zipper across the back and I've heard that can be uncomfortable depending on where it hits your back. thanks for your thoughts. Roberta
Re: drysuit advice
Posted by Steve Norris on 11/25/2022, 9:13 pm, in reply to "drysuit advice"
Hi
I have the semi dry with the neoprene neck it may not seal the best but it is very comfortable. If you expect to end up in the water the latex seal may be for you. I have a front zipper that I like, you may need help to zip up with a back zipper.
Re: drysuit advice
Posted by Cheryl on 11/26/2022, 9:07 pm, in reply to "Re: drysuit advice"
Hi Roberta, I have a drysuit with the latex neck, wrists and ankles. It is very uncomfortable around the neck at first and takes time to get used to it.
If I were to buy another one, I would get the neoprene neck, unless I was planning on doing whitewater or serious sea kayaking. I do not have a relief zipper so I don't know if that would be a problem.
For winter paddling you can’t beat a dry suit. Water is 25-times more efficient than air at drawing heat away from your body, so using a dry suit to stay dry makes a lot of sense.
Using a drysuit is just like layering for other outdoor activities. You will need a base layer to wick moisture away from the skin, an insulating layer to keep you warm, and an outer layer (the drysuit) to keep your insulating layers dry.
So to your question – latex vs. neoprene for the neck gasket?. Your drysuit is all about keeping your insulating layers dry, and latex does provide a better seal at the neck to keep water out (assume you will get booties and latex gaskets at the wrists anyway). If you are going to be bobbing around in open water (sea kayaking, frostbite sailing) I’d go with latex – the longer you are in the water the more likely the neoprene neck gasket is to leak. If it is a quick in-and-out for flatwater paddling the neoprene is probably fine. Whichever way you go I thnk you are better off with a drysuit – just be aware if its limitations.
Can’t help on the woman’s relief zipper ;-)
Re: drysuit advice
Posted by Dan F on 12/8/2022, 9:43 am, in reply to "drysuit advice"
Many of the female sea kayakers I paddle with prefer a front relief zipper and carry a pee funnel.