4/25 Holy Wind Batman !!!

magicmaker · Since 29 Oct 2006 895 Posts da Hood Opinionated

I'm in agreement here with elvis, i'm no fan of the drysuit. First is cost, they cost about 220 more than the most expensive ripcurl 6-5-4mm wetsuit, which i have found to be super comfortable, very flexible and extremely warm. When i first started kiting i bought an o'neil 5-4-3 FLX and found it to be waaayyy to restrictive so i got rid of it, bought the ripcurl and have never second guess'd that decision. The zipperless ripcurl suits are super flexible. I think it is true they dont hold up as long as some other suits.

I am also the type of kook that would be getting lots of water in a drysuit from pushing it and getting slammed. I feel like i've been able to progress faster with my wetsuit cause i am not afraid of the consequences of a missed handle pass or fucking huge kite loop Cool

not to mention 6mm of neoprene is a pretty nice amount of padding to have when you do get slammed. Mad

stripping down to get in and out of a wetsuit is only a drawback in frigging march when the air temp is <50 degrees Exclamation

gabe · Since 16 May 2005 491 Posts Obsessed

drysuit seals are incredibly uncomfortable, even after you stretch them and cut them back. they are also very stuffy if not gore tex. i used to sail small boats in really cold water and avoided drysuits whenever possible, even when it was the safe and typical thing to wear. i really hate them.

Rollo Tomasi · Since 17 Mar 2005 983 Posts Attractive

Good to hear..
I'm thinking my next suit will be the Rip Curl's F Bomb (I wanna be like F'n Elvis!). I've used my Rip Curl since 2003 without any structural problems plus it's a comfy suit. The F Bomb has a front zipper and zipper-less models. The new torso is lined with a micro-fibre like material that adds more warmth.

tinyE · Since 21 Jan 2006 2004 Posts not really an XTreme Poster

yep, warm and flexible... mine has a little 1/2 zipper at the arm... it makes it a little easier to get in and out of... I haven't noticed any negatives to it....

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6549 Posts Couve / Hood Honored Founder

Not much to add but I guess the main reasons I had for getting a drysuit are the changing factor (don't like getting being wet and nekkid when its 50 degrees or less) and standing on the beach factor. I've never owned thicker than 4/3 wetsuit (sealed seams) but I always get cold standing on the beach in the wind.

I was also thinking a drysuit would be safer for the long swims if I ever needed to do one. Though the scenario Brett describes sounds like a bad one (busted gaskets.)

Haven't pulled the trigger yet though...

Mark · Sat Apr 28, 07 6:20 am

Also make sure your wetsuit has a "wind skin". It's that rubbery texture on the outside. If you have an older suit that is neoprene on the outside it traps water and works like an air conditioner.
Also the ankle cuffs that open a bit to let your foot pass is a plus.

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6549 Posts Couve / Hood Honored Founder

the wind skin stuff is nice but its restrictive, my pscyho2 has it in patches, not all over.

I think a kiteboarding specific drysuit with a front zipper still sounds like the ticket for me. The Pyro has been around for a few years now and the kanucks up north ride in em all the time.

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

The Pyro Surf still hasn't come in, but even though it's not specifically designed for kiting, I'm hoping that it acts a lot like a wetsuit. With very little air inside of it, and it's tight fit, I'm thinking that it'll "flush" less when I crash down hard than in my current, cheap Rip Curl 4.3...

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

kitetele · Since 20 Mar 2005 121 Posts Portland, Oregon Stoked

I agree with G-man....you don't see too many coasty's with drysuits on for a reason. There is a huge risk when those gaskets fail. If you are going to ride you might as well be able to ride hard. Wetsuits allow for the versatility. This is a water sport that involves being in the water...you are supposed to get wet. IMO

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6549 Posts Couve / Hood Honored Founder

yeah all the coasty's I've seen wearing drysuits have been gman... hey wait a minute. Wink

wetsuit on the coast makes sense, the water is 55 degrees. I am thinking drysuit for low 40's in the Gorge. Toby is hardcore and does just fine in his 4/3 ripcurl suit on those days, but I'm just not that hardcore.

Today was a perfect 4/3 wetsuit day in the Gorge, plenty warm and it felt nice to be a little wet.

kitetele · Since 20 Mar 2005 121 Posts Portland, Oregon Stoked

mmmmm na....getting soft with age. I have a new 6/4 now that I am hoping to keep me warm on those chilly ones. Thumb's Up