Sharkskin Chillproof shirt and pants??

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Sharkskin Chillproof shirt and pants??

(8 posts) (6 voices)

Started 5 years ago by JoeWildlife
Latest reply from JulianChandler

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JoeWildlife
Member

I'd really like to hear paddler's opinions of this gear.

Not gonna use a drysuit. Not gonna use a wetsuit. I paddle in a Kruger Sea Wind or Clipper Sea1 with a skirt...never been in the water unintentionally. But the Sharkskins look like a fine insurance policy against hypothermia if the shit hits the fan. I have always used layered synthetics with a NRS splash top if needed. I bring rainpants but have never worn 'em during an EC.

I first heard of this gear when Chief indicated it was an option for those who were required to have a dry suit. I understand I am not required to have a drysuit using my boat(s) in the EC. thanks in advance,

Joe

Posted 5 years ago #
SeaDawg
Member

Interesting product description, that Sharkskin line. Sounds like a 3 layer version of the now discontinued Stohlquist P2 garments which were polyolefin/spandex. Those were a limited 4 way stretch so the fit was either on or never quite right.

Sounds like it'd be worth a try for your immersion level and the temps. If it was a higher spray/immersion factor then the Kokatat Surfskin would work well but like neoprene it doesn't breathe, albeit far more comfy topside than traditional neoprene.

I might add some Sharksin to the Christmas list.

SeaDawg

Posted 5 years ago #
SeaDawg
Member

I hit Post before the coffee levels came up to snuff enough to remind me of another Hybrid garnet option, Reed Chillcheater Aquatherm.

http://www.chillcheater.com/fabrics/aquatherm/

The local(ish) expert on this would be Dale Williams of seakayakusa.com He's in Tybee Island,GA.

SeaDawg

Posted 5 years ago #
MrMako
Member

Joe:

Last year I bought the Shark skin Pants, tops and hood. I was in a Tandem Island wearing those under a dry suit. I loved them. My wife, from Fargo, hates the cold. She bought the one piece Shark skin for kitebording. She loves it. I slept in my shark skin, I did get cold even though I was not wet while sleeping. It is amazing how fast it drys out when hung up. I had one problem with putting the dry suit over my shoulders with the shark skin underneath, due to the rubber restricting me. It was like being in a straight jacket. I could envision my body washing up on shore with both arms stuck behind my back. You might have chaffing with your paddling. I was just sitting and sailing. If you get the tops seperate from the bottoms you could take that off if chaffing. Good luck!

Posted 5 years ago #
Bohemian
Member

I was considering using the Gill Thermoskin S uit, but elected for a dry suit and multiple moisture wicking and thermal layers.

Posted 5 years ago #
MrMako
Member

I bought some paper thin "Gator Skin" pants. Claim to be wind proof, and wicking. Kind of expensive $85. It is a unique fabric. I have washed 3 times so far, trying to break it in some. Hope to try them out shortly. They have tops as well, I just want to see how the pants do first.

Posted 5 years ago #
OneEyedJake
Member

Two of my favorite pieces of gear are my Sharkskin shorts and Reed's Chillcheater shirt. Highly recommended! The Sharkskin top was way too restrictive for me. I think it was made with divers/snorkellers in mind. They may have a different version that I'm not aware of. I paddle Class 2 and I'm always wet.

oej

Posted 5 years ago #
JulianChandler
Member

I used Sharkskin for rowing for much of the 2016 EC, and I use it now for training, and plan on using it for rowing in the 2017 EC. I find with Icebreaker underneath, and Sharkskin top and bottom I'm able to row comfortably in our present Oklahoma temps of 30-45F. Never cold. I found that even in temps last year where those around me had T-shirts, and I had my Sharkskin top only, I was able to row in comfort. But, it is not a dry suit, and like a wet suit, for long emersion I'm sure hypothermia would eventually set in. But, its ease of putting on, comfort in "warm" and cold, protection from vigourous splashing, and confidence I'd get out of the water eventually in case of disaster, it represents for me an ideal compromise.

Posted 5 years ago #

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