Go south young man...

isobars · Joined: 12 Dec 1999 Posts: 20935

Frontal westerlies. Some are very steady, more are gusty as hell. But since the primary difference between a wetsuit and a (neoprene) drysuit is the zipper, the primary difference you'll FEEL is much more warmth; no icy spinal tap. Or do what more and more of my buds are doing: get a Goretex dry suit. They're kicking themselves in the butt for waiting so long to convert. (Tip: today's the last day to order one from REI @ 20% off, a rare deal for the best brand, Kokatat.)

Warm water won't be a problem at the coast. I've had to wear a shorty under a 5mm dry suit, plus thick booties and hood there some summers. The coast water temp is always much colder than the Gorge in summer, sometimes dropping into the 40s even in July.

Mike \m/

andymc4610 · Joined: 19 May 2000 Posts: 684

johnl · Joined: 05 Jun 1994 Posts: 1330 Location: Hood River OR

isobars · Joined: 12 Dec 1999 Posts: 20935

REI has 20% off any one item, including special orders, and they carry Kokatats. That's how I got mine, because significant discounts are very seldom available on them.

WSers who wear booties absolutely rave about the suit's optional Goretex booties. I don't wear booties, so I chose the suit w/o booties, then had Kokatat add the relief zipper.

Mike \m/

WMP · Joined: 30 May 2000 Posts: 671

It's the REI Outlet Store that has the 20% discount... however, they don't offer the Kokatats from the Outlet Store.

I sail all winter here and really do quite fine in a 5/3 wetsuit combined with a vest underneath. You just need to learn when to show up for the real good quality winter winds, that way you're not forced into doing any ddd (dirty ditch dining).