Kayaking drysuit for offshore racing?

[MissFitz]

I want to get a drysuit for offshore racing this summer. The Musto HPX is the obvious choice but a) it's extremely pricey & b) they're not designed for women (too large, no drop seat).

I've found what looks like a great sea kayaking drysuit that's half the price, designed for women & has a drop seat (see link). Can anyone think of any reasons why this wouldn't work for offshore sailing?

www.wetsuitoutlet.co.uk/2015-palm-...t-saffron-at160-10326-suit-only-p-11565.html

 

[ballyabroad]

Back in my Kayaking days Palm were considered to be a quality manufacturer, so I wouldn't have any qualms there about quality. What you may find is that the cut will be specific to kayaking/canoeing rather than onboard boats. So reinforcing pads might ride up to the wrong positions when stretching or crouching, and extra strain is put on certain seams. I'd suggest trying one on and going through the movements. I presume wetsuitoutlet have a decent returns policy in case it doesn't happen for you?

 

[trapezeartist]

That thing still looks pricey. Why not go for a dinghy dry-suit at £200 - £300? I know it won't have a hood, but that hardly seems a necessity for summer.

 

[MissFitz]

That thing still looks pricey. Why not go for a dinghy dry-suit at £200 - £300? I know it won't have a hood, but that hardly seems a necessity for summer.

I was thinking about that, would be very handy for the Laser as well. But then what to use as a hood substitute to keep head warm & water out of eyes/ears/nose? Guess I could go for a neoprene balaclava plus goggles, but it might look quite strange. Also, it occurs to me that the dinghy & kayaking suits have great big zips across the back, might not be very comfortable for sleeping in. Hm.

 

[bbg]

Hi - I used an Ursuit. Best kit I have ever worn. Ever. I lived in it for days on end - in cold weather and in very hot weather. I didn't know offshore kit could be that good.

If you are serious about going offshore, I would recommend it. Not cheap at €1850 but worth it.

https://www.ursuit.com/en/ursuit-gemino-operative1

 

[dgadee]

Kayaking dry suits have a cover which goes over the spraydeck in case you didn't notice. That might make no difference to you, of course.

Lomo do one which is heavier (a bit industrial, perhaps) but migt be better for the rigours of offshore.

 

[[3889]]

I have a bespoke kayaking drysuit but wouldn't wear it for sailing.It breathes less well than oillies and is uncomfortable at the seals. I only wear it for kayaking in winter and if I think there is a real risk of immersion immersion. Ive nevrr seen one with a built in spraydeck, though. I have seen dry cags with this feature.

 

[TheEcho]

It isn't a built in spraydeck, just an elasticated flap round the waist that you can tuck the spraydeck into. It shouldn't make any difference to the wearer if they don't need it.

 

[Boo2]

I have a bespoke kayaking drysuit...

Where did you get that from may I ask, Quiddle ?

Boo2

 

[dgadee]

I have a bespoke kayaking drysuit but wouldn't wear it for sailing.It breathes less well than oillies and is uncomfortable at the seals. I only wear it for kayaking in winter and if I think there is a real risk of immersion immersion. Ive nevrr seen one with a built in spraydeck, though. I have seen dry cags with this feature.

As mentioned, what I meant was just the neoprene flap around the waist which stops water going down behind the spraydeck. Though you can get something of the kind you mean:

http://www.chillcheater.com/aquatherm-fleece-paddlesuit-tuiliq-11430



Very stylish, methinks.

 

[MissFitz]

If you are serious about going offshore, I would recommend it. Not cheap at €1850 but worth it.

And there was me thinking nothing could possibly be more expensive than the Musto. Does look amazing but waaaay out of budget at present - maybe next year.

Thanks guys, all very helpful. Think the message is probably not to spend a lot of cash on a piece of kit that might not be fit for purpose. Might try a dinghy drysuit as that was somewhere on my shopping list anyway - but otherwise will stick with my (very good) oilies for the moment.

 

[[3889]]

Where did you get that from may I ask, Quiddle ?

Boo2

It was made by a small company in Wirral, Protek, which is sadly no longer in business.

As mentioned, what I meant was just the neoprene flap around the waist which stops water going down behind the spraydeck. Though you can get something of the kind you mean:

http://www.chillcheater.com/aquatherm-fleece-paddlesuit-tuiliq-11430

View attachment 56775

Very stylish, methinks.

Yes, I've got some Reeds kit. Very functional but you do get funny looks when walking into a caf.

 

[MM5AHO]

Not sure about the product OP points to, but I have used this vendor and can only praise them. I bought Musto sailing gear from them. Excellent service at the best prices.

 

[TheEcho]

Yes, I've got some Reeds kit. Very functional but you do get funny looks when walking into a caf.

If money was no object I would go for either the Ursuit mentioned earlier which is a two piece, or a Kokatat two piece which is similar. Just unzip round the waist and instead of spending ages wrestling with your own head and then doing a little dance with the trouser socks you can pull the top off like a regular item of clothing and go into the caff looking like an entirely normal person wearing a fleece and waterproof work trousers.

 

[[3889]]

If money was no object I would go for either the Ursuit mentioned earlier which is a two piece, or a Kokatat two piece which is similar. Just unzip round the waist and instead of spending ages wrestling with your own head and then doing a little dance with the trouser socks you can pull the top off like a regular item of clothing and go into the caff looking like an entirely normal person wearing a fleece and waterproof work trousers.

Yes, but the Reeds Chillcheater gear isn't a dry suit. It's extremely comfortable with a very soft drape, an openable neck seal and retains warmth well if immersed.