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1. 

   Paddlemaker
   Member

   My wife bought me a Kotatat Expedition Dry Suit for Christmas.    I have been out paddling several days with it and it is quite comfortable for the short trips.  I am seeking some advice on using a dry suit on the everglades challenge.   I have found the way to be successful with watertribe events is to be very comfortable at all times.   Towards that end, I have several questions. 

   What are the best shoes to wear over the dry suit booties?

   What jacket or additional covering is recommended for when one gets cool in the dry suit after a long paddle or the temperature begins to drop while on the water?

   What are the best liners as a base layer to use, to prevent one from getting too hot or too cold?

   Does anyone use a neck ring or a neck reliever –

   Any other suggestions that will help me stay comfortable in my new dry suit for long periods of time? 

   Many thanks for your advice.

   Posted 5 years ago #
2. 

   kayakman7
   Member

   I wore a wicking layer and then a fleece layer, in retrospect, a thin windproof jacket would have been excellent. The gore-tex was very breathable and the wind went right though it.

   I wore my regular water shoes or my neoprene booties but a size bigger than normal would have been nice.

   The neck collar can be cut, just a little at a time. Don't cut the arms, they need to be stretched with a can of soda or water bottle till they feel right after several hours of use. Again start small.

   I wore a buff and during the nice weather, I slide it under the neck gasket. 

   Cheers,

   J

   Posted 5 years ago #
3. 

   CrazyRussian
   Member

   For shoes I use either crocks or sandals. I have a set of sailing clothing - waterproof trousers and a jacket I switch into getting close to finish if weather too warm. I also wear the jacket over the suit sometimes at night.

   I trim the guckets until they feel comfortable.

   My layers, both wicking one and fleece were purchased many years ago from some europinian outlet, I don't even remember a name of it.

   Posted 5 years ago #
4. 

   Sirtackalot
   Member

   I have the same brand of dry suit. Unless you have the gore-tex, it does hold mositure inside. Wicking and fleece is good. When its warm, you will sweat and build up moisture inside. After peddling a Hobie Tandem through the Everglades in '11, I had about 1/2 gallon of sweat inside it. Gross! I use a waterproof sock and a wool sock ( if cold) with a dive boot outside. 2 different gloves, both full fingered, one is a cold weather sailing glove and the other is a cold water divers glove. The latter was great last year. Also have a divers hood for cold weather. It is great at keeping you warm. And finally, a oversize fleece jacket for the outside of the dry suit when the temps really drop. Good luck and see you on the beach.

   Posted 5 years ago #
5. 

   FalconSails
   Member

   Do not be afraid to cut the neck gasket more than somebody else might.
   I have owned dry suits, and have accidently cut a lot more than I meant to.

   At first I was a little upset, but after some years of living with the excess cutting, I learned it leaks zero, and I am comfortable. In addition to that, it reduces the chances of having a blow out due to stressing the gasket as you slide it over your head.

   I have used hte neck gasket rings.  They are pretty much a waste of time in my book. Mine is long lost, and I am not missing it at all.

   Posted 5 years ago #
6. 

   CaptJackOtter
   Member

   Jock Rot!!!  Whatever you do, you will need to add some form of powder, morning and night, to your privates. It is not always easy to peel down a drysuit and take care of business. I have used Gold Bond Body Powder and it really helped me. Good luck.

   Scott 

   Posted 5 years ago #

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