Dry or Wet

[HippyMchop]

Well I am now coming towards my first winter kite boarding sessions and am faced with the decision to stick with my O’neil 5mm or buy a Oceon Rodeo Pyro Drysuit. Having used my 5mm last winter kayaking in reservoirs I know how chilly it can get!

 

So here is the question are dry suits worth the cash? Are they a lot warmer than wetsuits and are they a lot of hassle to look after (seals ect.)?

 

Dave,

[KermitStu]

i have used my 3/4/5 mm winter steamer when it has been snowing and i was fine

[Kite Kid]

im still going out in board shorts and a rashy at the moment a freezing my arse cause i cant afford a new wetsuit yet.

as long as you can get out on the water an your not at the point were u feel like the water is so cold its like someone stabbing you with needles you will be fine lol

[Pike]

dude get a dry suit YES it is worth the cash and will last for years if looked after - don't let the mice get at it, use talc on the seals before putting on.

beleive me on a freezinf windy day at the beach the last thing you want to do is take your clothes off and put on your wet wetsuit from the last session.

the drysuit is warm, dry, snug, easy in, easy out, safe and makes winter riding soooo much more fun - you won't even feel the cold - even with frost forming in the outside as you ride!! (actually that was when I wakeboarded though the winter - fresh water). Under the dry suit I use a nice fleecy tracksuit trouser and thick warm sweatchirt over a t shirt - no fashion no one can see it (like my speedos!!)!

 

not used mine yet - still too warm but the minute it gets below 10 degr, it's on.

[paulie_amoose]

Yup, what Pike says..

 

After over 10 years in 5/3 winter steamers (surfing) I switched to a pyro dry and it's amazing. No cold changing sessions, no wind chill and if you look after it no hassle.

 

I wouldn't go back to a wettie in the winter now....

 

One thing to remember, tell yourself over and over thats it's not ok to pee in it!!!!!

[flyingsolo]

is there not some thing of an AHHHH factor when it is cold and you just let go and feel that warm feeling in your wetsuit lol

[kitesurfa]

Having used my 5mm last winter kayaking in reservoirs I know how chilly it can get!

Reservoirs are fresh water, deep with still water so will always be colder than the sea....

Wetsuits work when they are wet, not realy designed for just sitting in a Kayak

 

But if getting one for both sports then could be good idea ?

If just for kitesurfing its a lot of money to be sitting in the cupboard for 9 or 10 months of the year when you dont need one.

[Westwood]

in winter loads of ppl get out in wetsuits - its just a case of going for shorter sessions and wearing lots of neoprene.

 

little tricks like setting up kites before getting changed, and getting changed again before packing up help u not freeze to death.

[Ed_H]

You've gotta be hard!

 

I'm gonna be using my 3mm till Christmas when I might get a 5/3mm plus some gloves and maybe a hood.

[adamski]

Buy one.

 

This weekend will probably be my last in my wetsuit.... get some decent gloves and boots though.... the rest of you wil bee so warm you will really notice your hands and feet freezing!!

[gillstah]

if i had the cash i'd be in a dry

[paulie_amoose]

If you are in wet suit you could grab one of those neoprene jackets. Makes life alot more toasty sitting on the beach....

 

http://www.powerkiteshop.com/accessories/mauimagicmysticteamjacket.htm

[paulie_amoose]

is there not some thing of an AHHHH factor when it is cold and you just let go and feel that warm feeling in your wetsuit lol

 

 

There is a OH BOLLOX factor when it is cold and you just let go and feel that warm but damp feeling in your DRY suit!!!!!!!

[highflyer1599968632]

have to say, was freezing yesterday for the first time this year. Had to put the booties on, couldnt feel my feet anymore. It did spoil the session a bit to be honest, it was just too cold. Think i will start wearing my shortie over the 5/4/3 for extra warmth! think if i could afford a dry suit i would be buying one..

[AliB]

ide still be in my shorty if i lived on the south coast. its well warm down here

[aworm]

Dave, get one.I'll be digging mine out soon....best bit is the before and after.

[HippyMchop]

Think I will prob end up going the Dry route I have a few interested parties in my 13m now so once that is sold there should be some money going spare.

 

The issue now is to get an ocean rodeo lite or classic sounds like the classic is a lot more hard wearing and at only £80 more hmmmm.

 

Anyone have any experience of the lite version compared with the classic?

[gregh]

sitting in a dry pub with a wet beer is my solution

[adamski]

Think I will prob end up going the Dry route I have a few interested parties in my 13m now so once that is sold there should be some money going spare.

 

The issue now is to get an ocean rodeo lite or classic sounds like the classic is a lot more hard wearing and at only £80 more hmmmm.

 

Anyone have any experience of the lite version compared with the classic?

 

 

Yup... for £80 go for the classic!

 

I love my Pro:)

[HippyMchop]

I like your thinking