What choice for toasty titties?

shstadogs2 · Guest

Heya,

What do you guys/gals wear against the cold in the NW? I have been wearing a full suit in 3mm, actually an old waterski setup that works fine in the Spring/Summer @ HR, but I am going to try to get in the water earlier and also take the Pacific Plunge this year.

So. . .what do you guys wear? Is a dry suit the way to go? Oceon Rodeo looks like a killer drysuit for a gazillion dollars. If not, what size wetsuit in the waves? Hoods? Booties? Gloves?

Thanks ahead,

jimbo

registered · Since 12 Jul 2005 1319 Posts tsunami Sandbagger

4/3 all year in the ocean observing the 50/ 50 rule.

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6548 Posts Couve / Hood Site Lackey

I haven't used anything warmer than a 4/3 either since I started kiting. Last year I got a Oneill 4/3 steamer (glued seams), which is quite a bit warmer than my old regular 4/3.

Gloves, booties, hood... those seem to matter a lot more than an extra mm of rubber. I do like how the 5 mil suits usually have a built in hood. My old ripcurl had a snap in hood that would replace the neck gasket, that was pretty nice.

Figure you are going to want a 4/3 90% of the cold days... on the other days if you really want to be warm and comfy, probably a drysuit is best.

dcrowe · Mon Feb 27, 06 8:58 am

same here, 4/3 full no booties or hood. I ride all year in the pacific and keep plenty warm in this setup.

Sasquatch · Since 09 Mar 2005 2062 Posts PNW Bigfoot

I hate the cold and to be cold so I wear my 4/3 full suit a lot of the time. When it is warm enough, i'll put on my 2mm shortie and when I really want to be warm I wear my 2mm shortie then put on my 4/3 full suit over it. If I need more I pull out the hood, 1.5 mm gloves and 3mm booties. Yeah my mobility is encumbered a little. I may be purchasing a 5/4 for the extra cold waters this yr.

I'd say half the time i'm in the ocean I wear the 4.3 w/ the 2 mm shortie and no gloves, boots or hood and I believe I sailed in the ocean about 20+ times last season.

The thing about the ocean, one can cool down rather quickly if one is in the water for any amount of time. Especially down at Lincoln City and Manz. where the cold up-whelling ocean waters are extra CHILLY.

my 2 cents. . . Rolling Eyes

Onad · Mon Feb 27, 06 9:34 am

With all that fur Sasquatch, I wouldn’t think you would need anything more than a harness & a thong!!! Wink

barfly · Since 31 Mar 2005 1210 Posts Seaside BRACKISH

KiteKarl · Since 02 Mar 2005 213 Posts Stockton, California Stoked

Ryan · Since 14 Jul 2005 536 Posts Oregon Addicted

Getting in the Ocean is different then the Columbia. Come spring time the Columbia will be around 40 degree. 5/3 or 4/3 is a minimum with booties and hood. Gloves are optional.

I have been windsurfing and now kiting in the ocean for 10 years and a good 4/3 is all you need. Some wear booties, some wear a hood just depends on the person and the day and person.

Kataku2k3 · Since 14 Aug 2005 3753 Posts Los Angeles, CA Videographer

I can get away with a 3/2 down here at Newport/Lincoln City, but most definately not up north where the water temp drops 5-10 degrees (around the Columbia's mouth). As everyone said, I'm sure you'll be fine with a 4/3, or something close. My roommate, JP, had his kite in the water for 20-30 mins at South Jetty a couple weeks back, and he said he was never once cold in his 5/4/3 with booties.

Mocean · Since 21 Sep 2005 343 Posts Newport Obsessed

5/4 Ripcurl Super Elasto for the cold days in the winter and spring, and for surfing year-round, otherwise a Hotline 4/3 hoodless fly-zip for typical summer kiting here on the coast. I never wear booties (hate-em!). Better to be warmer than necessary in the ocean, and not get hypothermic when the inevitable breakdown comes.

importracer9 99 · Since 27 Oct 2005 296 Posts Obsessed

my 5/4/3 bodyglove matix

kiteboard117 · Since 02 Mar 2005 450 Posts PDX McLovin

yea i second that my body glove matrix is sooo nice.

boredbrain · Since 16 Feb 2006 352 Posts Hood River Obsessed

4-3.

If still cold,
Add hood.

If still cold,
Add booties.

If still cold,
Replace hood with hooded vest (keeps core warm)

If still cold,
Add Polypro

If still cold, then its time to invest in airfare to South Padre Island or The Baja.

chanson · Since 31 Jan 2006 1873 Posts WISCONSIN Chimey

I haven't been out to the gorge this spring yet, and wondering where to go....depending on the wind, is Rooster ridable..? Anyone have plans for tomm. ?