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bates
Joined: 25 May 2004 Posts: 301
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Posted: Fri Mar 28, 2008 11:06 am Post subject: Most Useful wetsuit |
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I was wondering what thickness and made people have found to be most useful for sailing to the end of September and started again in April? I guess I just want to buy one that will extent my days at either end of the season. Any suggestions? |
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bates
Joined: 25 May 2004 Posts: 301
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Posted: Fri Mar 28, 2008 11:07 am Post subject: |
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I live in the Boston area |
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OleBCN
Joined: 17 Sep 2007 Posts: 14
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Posted: Fri Mar 28, 2008 7:39 pm Post subject: Wetsuit thickness? |
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I sail in NJ, but by the end of September you would probably do OK with a shorty. The water stays warm so I use a 3/3 with short sleeves until mid October.
In April, the water is freezing. I use a 5/3 NP Elite, DaKine mitts, booties and a hood!
In the winter I go skiing. |
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speedysailor
Joined: 11 Sep 2007 Posts: 841
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Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2008 8:17 am Post subject: |
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A 4/3 stretchy suit designed for windsurfing and not surfing will serve you best in New England. You could get by with a full length 2/3 suit, but for the difference in price and the advantages you will miss, I wouldn't recommend it. Jim B. at World Sails sells a lot of these O'neill surfing suits for a good price. They are well made, but not really what you want. Look at this sight for the best wetsuit for you. http://www.wetsuit.com/ |
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rswabsin
Joined: 14 May 2000 Posts: 444 Location: New Jersey
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Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2008 8:24 am Post subject: |
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The water and air will be coldest in April so you'll have to get a suit that keeps you warm and safe for that month and into May. Look for a 3/2 full suit (full lentgh armas and legs) or one that has removable sleeves. 3/2 means the wetsuit material thickness: 3 mil body and 2 mil sleeves/legs. A lot of brands are really good now, some will fit you better than others so go try a few on to see which is best for you. Make sure the seams are fully glued and taped as this limits water flow into the suit and will keep you warm. You'll notice a wide range in prices from about $150 to $300 for these suits. The more expensive you get, the softer and more flexible the wet suit are but and often they fit much better. Lookfor brands like O'Neil, Xcel; do a search on the internet to read up on others. For the fall, this siuit may be a little warm but it will work nice well into late October and early November. I like using surfing wetsuits so if you can find a shop locally, check into them.
Rob |
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d0uglass
Joined: 28 May 2004 Posts: 1286 Location: Bonita Springs, Florida
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Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2008 6:03 pm Post subject: |
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I'd get a 4/3 or even a 5/4. I don't think a 3/2 is warm enough for safety in water below 60 degrees. If you get toasty in your 4/3 you can always dip in to cool off, whereas if you get chilly in your 3/2 you're screwed. |
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Frank4
Joined: 10 Apr 2006 Posts: 69
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Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2008 6:25 pm Post subject: |
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A 5/3 or 4/3 and a shorty will cover you pretty well. Just avoid the really cold days in early April. |
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Hudstur
Joined: 01 Apr 2007 Posts: 9
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Posted: Sun Mar 30, 2008 7:34 am Post subject: |
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Call ProMotion wetsuits in Hood River, Oregon, they can give you the scoop on all types of wetsuit questions. |
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JRuffus
Joined: 17 Apr 2001 Posts: 293
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Posted: Mon Mar 31, 2008 7:50 am Post subject: |
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Definately a 4/3...and gte a 3m Aleda hooded vest to have on hand for when its cold. New England...a 3/2 is for the birds- |
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amarie
Joined: 25 Aug 2003 Posts: 233 Location: Corpus Christi, TX
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Posted: Mon Mar 31, 2008 3:45 pm Post subject: |
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I love my 4/3 steamer for that type of weather. Mine came with a detatchable hood. I get cold easily and on some days I wish I had gotten a suit with the rubber coating to help cut windchill (except for the chest, mine is all fabric on the outside). But if it seems like it will be a colder day I wear a lightweight fleece top under the suit, and that does the trick. It's stretchy material so it doesn't get too tight even with the extra layer. The suit seemed expensive when I got it, but it's turned out to be a good investment--I've used it just over 100 times and it's still going strong. |
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