Wetsuit vs. Drysuit vs. Semi (newer gear)

Paddlers' Place
#21

I just ordered the swift entry 3.0. It’s actually only 620 or 570 without socks and relief zipper.

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#22

Let me know how it is. We are taking our Crewsaver Atacamas swimming this weekend to test them out, I believe. A buddy got one as well.

#23

Will do!

#24

Get the suit WITH the socks ! I’ve made this mistake and as soon as the inevitable time comes to step/wade into water your footwear and bottom of pants with fill with water. You want the Drysuit not a Semi drysuit .

#25

Strongly recommend suits with both socks and relief zipper.

Paddling in the cold with wet feet is no fun, either in the boat or on the beach. Nor is stripping off a drysuit on a cold windy beach just to pee.

Keep in mind that a drysuit will last for many, many years if cared for properly. A lifetime with some of Kokatat’s drysuits with the lifetime warranty. That extra money spent up front will soon seem insignificant when looking at the benefits.

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#26

My semi drysuit has socks, is one piece, just has a neoprene neck not a latex one. What some people think of as a semi drysuit is just splash wear top and pants, which will not keep you dry immersion.

My Kokatat semi drysuit is suitable for all but rolling and heavy surf or whitewater. Since I’m in a canoe or surfski, having a latex neck is not needed.

#27

Thanks. I did order the one with socks. I just wanted to post the prices.

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#28

If you are wet from rain you will suffer from wind chill, never mind immersion. I use a dry suit all year round off of the West Coast of Scotland, where the water is a regular 6’C. I surf with a wetsuit but have a huge beach towel to keep the wind off of me, especially in the winter…the waves are better then! Stay safe.

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#29

I bought a Palm dry suit for use in Scotland. I decided that cost over rides my comfort and survival in a 6’C ocean, no matter the time of year. I use thermals all year round, we have 300 days of rain/year and in winter wear Arctic rated thermals. In winter I keep to the Firth of Clyde with more than a few open water crossings between islands, so need the assurance of being encased in a bubble. Stay safe.

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