Wetsuits and water temprature

Shtil · Joined: 10 Apr 2001 Posts: 2

Hi,

What kind of protection do I need at 55F water for kitesurfing? What are the approximate guidelines for the thicknes of the suit vs water/air temprature.

Right now I only have 3/2 mm full body suit. What are my best options for additional equipment?

Thank you for you help,
--Alex

isobars · Joined: 12 Dec 1999 Posts: 20935

I wouldnt even THINK about anything less than a dry suit in 55-degree water. That stuffs life-threatening if youre immersed for long, which is a definite prospect on kites. You dont care about the air temp; thats a glove issue, not a hypothermia issue. Besides, our sessions can last much longer when we use neoprene, rather than carbos, to stay warm, saving the carbos for sailing.

Mike \m/

bronson · Joined: 06 Mar 2001 Posts: 19

Currently Im windsurfing in 42 degree water with air temps in the 40s and 50s. Im not very good so I spend a lot of time in the water. I use a 5-3 full suit with 5m booties and 2m Dakine mitts. Im plenty comfortable and out for hrs at a time. The key is to have a suit that fits well and doesnt circulate a bunch of cold water. I use the same suit in the summer when its in the 80s and 90s but Ive got to stop and take on water every now and then to stay cool.

Happy surfing!

motogon · Joined: 19 Aug 2000 Posts: 376 Location: Philly

I use 2001 Body Glove Link 3/4. First time when I got on water this year was February 9 (Lakes Bay, NJ), water temperature was about 40-degree. No problem with this wetsuit, it works really good. Smile

Andrew

rasdpm · Joined: 17 Apr 2000 Posts: 149

i have been using a 5/3mm ProMotion, booties and cap, no gloves, in the Columbia for the past 3 weeks, starting at 44 degrees, now 47. Hands a bit chilly but really quite comfortable overall. Air temp has ranged from high 40s to high 50s. This is a golden time to sail because the cooler temps keep the river uncrowded.

raueda1 · Joined: 24 Mar 2000 Posts: 84

Ive done a lot of kitesurfing in 45deg water with ONeil Zenzip 4/3, 5mm booties, hooded rashgard and thin gloves. Keeps me going in new england till december and starting again in April. No problem at all, its toasty (til you do a face plant!). The main thing is you want a good suit (taped seams etc.)AND a good fit. Thick wont help if much water pumps in and out. I got a cheapo 3/2 that leaks like a seive (for summer only) and it would be cold even if it were a 7/5. The Zenzip keeps me practically dry except wrists and ankles, close to a drysuit. Very flexible too.

rockgirl · Joined: 18 Apr 2001 Posts: 15

Hey buddy:
I think the more the better.
Any water under 65 degrees is cold and you should have at least a 3/2.
I just sampled 39 F waters in a 3/2 and was out of there pretty quick 45 minutes tops.
I am planning on adding a vest underneath.
They make fleece vests as well as neoprene vests.
Like you I have a 3/2 and hope not to have to buy a whole other suit.
I will let you know how this neoprene vest works out.
If you do go for a new suit consider the Trilaminar (sp?) suit that has a FLEECE lining they are supposed to be TOASTY.
Hi,

What kind of protection do I need at 55F water for kitesurfing? What are the approximate guidelines for the thicknes of the suit vs water/air temprature.

Right now I only have 3/2 mm full body suit. What are my best options for additional equipment?

Thank you for you help,
--Alex