Winter/spring gear for the Gorge

[isobars]

Yes ... even the GoreTex suits look damp under the harness where mechanical forces helps push some moisture into the fabric, but I LOVE the way moisture from sweat or a "seal shot" LEAVES the suit during a session, even if I spend a lot of time in the water. Moisture is driven through Goretex by temperature gradient, not humidity gradient, so even when bobbing in the water moisture is being driven out of the suit.

If Weiss -- a lawyer, not an engineer, and not a GoreTex suit owner (as of the last time he contradicted the Kokatat website technical section) like so many of us -- insists again that I'm making this up, tell him to back it up. My source is Goretex fabric and Kokatat suit professionals and many happy owners. I've snorkeled in mine and dried out in the process. That makes a huge difference in comfort on the water and especially on land, very noticeable to people like myself and others who have bought and returned the non-Goretex suits.

[scargo]

Last winter I used the DaKine board shorts over the drysuit. Because the contact surface is smaller, it minimizes that issue (which has never actually bothered me) -- and also offers additional protection for the Goretex fabric itself.

[jota]

[mchaco1]

The goretex sounds nice, maybe someday in the future when I dont have to sell my car to get it

Ive thought about double suiting, Ive heard from some that it doesnt work and some say it does. Ill put them both on today and see if I can still move around.

[johnl]

I would still look at the non-gortex alternatives if you can't afford the 'real stuff'. Sailing in a nylon shell with fleece undergarmets beats the HELL out of sailing in a thick wetsuit. Far more comfortable and you aren't fighting the thick neoprene when you move your arms. And quite warm. But it won't breathe as good as Gortex. That is why Gortex is the best. BUT it is still a good alternative if you can't afford Gortex. $500 (and probably less if you find it on sale) isn't that much more than a good quality thick wetsuit....

[mchaco1]

I tried the double, not bad at all. A bit harder to move obviously, but not really a big difference as compared to a thick suit. Hopefully the insulation is decent too. Just need some gloves and a hood and im in business. I might pick up some five toe socks made for the five finger shoes too to wear under my booties. And maybe pick up some of these guys when I can afford it : http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/products/Five-Fingers-Flow-Mens.htm

[andymc4610]

Pick up 5mm dive booties for $25 and a cheap 7/5 or a 6/5/4 with hood for $150 amazon or ebay (henderson or neosport) gloves on your own I don't use them (well maybe a short while at times). Although I am not as hard core as some because I don't get the days off for work anymore, I still sail through the winter as time (and wind) permits. I hate the full hood. bennie still works.

[mchaco1]

[andymc4610]

[westender]

I don't think winter sailing is a very good idea for a Gorge sailor with limited skills.