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Post by BUDDY on Jan 20, 2013 19:54:04 GMT -1
We are having a few new members asking about dry suits/wetsuits and waders
This is old ground but worth posting again for the safety side of things.
1, A wetsuit has to be wet to work and has no thermal properties when dry so its not suitable for winter work.
2, A dry suit is worn over clothing so you can wear clothing under as warm or cool as conditions change throughout the year.
3 , Waders fill with water and at 10lb a gallon could make it impossible to re enter your kayak. Other sites use waders but we wouldn't recommend it having seen the problem first hand. Even with a PFD using waders could be fatal.
4, Whatever you decide to wear you should always wear a PFD.
5, one important thing is often overlooked.
When winter fishing the still water lakes+rivers etc are usually colder than the sea, dont take it for granted that you will be safer on still water as your body will chill much quicker and make everything more difficult to do.
Taking all into account,
Waders are a non starter.
Wet suits are for summer are warmer water use.
Dry suits are the most expensive but well worth the investment.
Always use a PFD.
If anyone has anything to add or any questions please add to the post.
Steve
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Post by surfblaster on Jan 20, 2013 20:01:24 GMT -1
Great Advice!
Thank you
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Post by lureman on Jan 20, 2013 20:43:37 GMT -1
Sound advice..
Dry suits with material socks are best for winter fishing IMO as you can get a couple of good pairs of socks under them
Latex socks are a tighter fit
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Post by greatwhite on Jan 26, 2013 16:20:35 GMT -1
I am not sure which to buy. I am coming at this from a pot holers point of view. After the initial dip, a wet is ok, the water inside is like toast. But should a dry get immersed is that still dry and warm ?
I was looking at a dry in my local shop. It I got dunked it seems that freezing water would enter in the neck area. In January -0 c, you would be in immediate danger on hypothermia.
Another problem, should you hole the dry suit, for any reason below the neck area , again, at these temps if would be dangerous as your dry clothes loose their ability to insulate the wearer.
I can see that a dry is a good choice for a river or lake, but, perhaps not, on an angry sea.
I think I'll settle for a wet, unless you can convince me otherwise.
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Post by izzetafox on Jan 26, 2013 17:20:22 GMT -1
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Post by BUDDY on Jan 26, 2013 17:44:19 GMT -1
I am not sure which to buy. I am coming at this from a pot holers point of view. After the initial dip, a wet is ok, the water inside is like toast. But should a dry get immersed is that still dry and warm ? I was looking at a dry in my local shop. It I got dunked it seems that freezing water would enter in the neck area. In January -0 c, you would be in immediate danger on hypothermia. Another problem, should you hole the dry suit, for any reason below the neck area , again, at these temps if would be dangerous as your dry clothes loose their ability to I can see that a dry is a good choice for a river or lake, but, perhaps not, on an angry sea. I think I'll settle for a wet, unless you can convince me otherwise. Not sure about pot holing but a few years ago we did a course in the streits. Feb 6" of snow, -6 We were in the water wearing dry suits and had a great day. As for leaking necks, most buy latex necks nd cuffs but mine is neoprene and never had a problem, even when doing safety and re entry coaching on the courses we ran. I was in the water constantly demonstrating and assisting. Sometimes well over an hour. Steve |
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Post by greatwhite on Jan 26, 2013 18:18:37 GMT -1
That is impressive Buddy. But imagine a large sea bass slashing your dry with his gill cover and holing it ?
They are very thin. It is possible it seems. You and freezing water in your dry, and hospital about an hours away on a good day. This would not happen to a wet, in my opinion.
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Post by malahidebass on Jan 26, 2013 19:56:17 GMT -1
I agree with what Buddy says above. A regular 3-5mm long Jon suit is fine during the summer months but you would freez during the winter. A steamer wetsuit with a cag over the top will give you a bit more protection but will restrict your ability to paddle. Waders are just a non start for obvious reasons..nothing else needs to be said there! Just don't do it.
The best option is a suitable surface dry suit and its what 99% of the lads I fish with use. With layers of good insulating thermals worn underneath you will stay warm all day. I and many of the lads use divers under suits as base layers for our dry suits and they work very well.
I use a Typhoon max b suit which has four layer construction and is far from fragile. This suit has neoprene neck and cuff seals which have never leaked on me and offer much more comfort when been worm all day. I don't need latex seals as I'm not doing high impact water sports like ww kayaking .
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Post by BUDDY on Jan 26, 2013 21:20:31 GMT -1
Hi Greatwhite.
I didnt think you would catch bass from a kayak down a pot hole.
On a safety and reliability issue the RNLI crews all wear dry suits. This fact on its own would tell me that drysuits are more suitable than wetsuits.
The RNLI dont catch bass but they are regulaly put into awkward and dangerous situations and the dry suits are good enough and strong enough for them.
Steve.
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Post by greatwhite on Jan 27, 2013 13:31:13 GMT -1
Hi Greatwhite. I didnt think you would catch bass from a kayak down a pot hole. I was thinking more the surf ! On a safety and reliability issue the RNLI crews all wear dry suits. This fact on its own would tell me that drysuits are more suitable than wetsuits. It is a good point that the RNLI choose dry suits. The RNLI are regulaly put into awkward and dangerous situations and the dry suits are good enough and strong enough for them. Steve. My only argument against wet suits is that the thicker than get, the more they impede movement. I would imagine a 5mm would make paddling a real chore. |
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Post by BUDDY on Jan 27, 2013 15:36:36 GMT -1
Hi Grestwhite,
Only joking about the bass.
At the end of the day its down to personal preference.
I've had wetsuits and didnt like them.
I am now using my 2nd drysuit and have had no problems with drysuits.
One big advantage of the dry is you dont need changing facilities.
You would be suprised just how strong the material is.
Steve.
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