Rowing with Wetsuit

ATP* · Joined: 18 Aug 2007 Posts: 4

Is it practical to row with a wetsuit on? I want to get out on the water
early this year, but the water temperature is still way too cold to risk
going overboard.

Archived from group: rec>sport>rowing

Carl Douglas · Joined: 18 Aug 2007 Posts: 93

ATP* wrote:
> Is it practical to row with a wetsuit on? I want to get out on the water
> early this year, but the water temperature is still way too cold to risk
> going overboard.
>
>
Depending on fit & comfort, the 1st-hand reports I've had say an
unequivocal "Yes!"

Carl
--
Carl Douglas Racing Shells -
Fine Small-Boats/AeRoWing Low-drag Riggers/Advanced Accessories
Write: Harris Boatyard, Laleham Reach, Chertsey KT16 8RP, UK
Find: http://tinyurl.com/2tqujf
Email: carl@carldouglas.co.uk Tel: +44(0)1932-570946 Fax: -563682
URLs: www.carldouglas.co.uk (boats) & www.aerowing.co.uk (riggers)

ATP* · Joined: 18 Aug 2007 Posts: 4

"ATP*" wrote in message $0$15196$607ed4bc@cv.net...
> Is it practical to row with a wetsuit on? I want to get out on the water
> early this year, but the water temperature is still way too cold to risk
> going overboard.
After some further research, it seems that a drysuit would be more practical
and more protective. Kokatat makes a breatheable Gore-Tex drysuit that's
popular for kayaking. If anyone has had any experience with this type of
gear I'd like to hear your opinion. Thanks.

ATP* · Joined: 18 Aug 2007 Posts: 4

"Carl Douglas" wrote in message $rjt$2$830fa17d@news.demon.co.uk...
> ATP* wrote:
>> Is it practical to row with a wetsuit on? I want to get out on the water
>> early this year, but the water temperature is still way too cold to risk
>> going overboard.
> Depending on fit & comfort, the 1st-hand reports I've had say an
> unequivocal "Yes!"
>
> Carl
> --

Thanks. The Kokatat Gore-Tex dry suit seems ideal, but at close to $1,000, a
bit pricey. I may try a 6/5/4 full wetsuit and see if it's flexible enough.
The other option is a different rowing craft. I may get an Adirondack Guide
Boat rigged with a sliding seat for cold weather and passenger duty. That
hull design seems like one of the faster non-shell types.

zeke · Joined: 18 Aug 2007 Posts: 2

On Feb 24, 5:28 pm, "ATP*" wrote:
> "Carl Douglas" wrote in message
>
> $rjt$2$830fa17d@news.demon.co.uk...
>
> > ATP* wrote:
> >> Is it practical to row with a wetsuit on? I want to get out on the water
> >> early this year, but the water temperature is still way too cold to risk
> >> going overboard.
> > Depending on fit & comfort, the 1st-hand reports I've had say an
> > unequivocal "Yes!"
>
> > Carl
> > --
>
> Thanks. The Kokatat Gore-Tex dry suit seems ideal, but at close to $1,000, a
> bit pricey. I may try a 6/5/4 full wetsuit and see if it's flexible enough..
> The other option is a different rowing craft. I may get an Adirondack Guide
> Boat rigged with a sliding seat for cold weather and passenger duty. That
> hull design seems like one of the faster non-shell types.

The problems I've experienced with the dry suit are overheating and
knee binding. Every time you straighten your knees the suit slides
down, so it binds when you try to bend your knees for the next stroke.
The solution is a pair of cheap elastic knee braces worn outside the
suit. Overheating isn't much of an issue cruising on cold days, but
racing or on a hot day it is a nuisance.

On the positive side, the suit is really comfortable to go swimming
in. So far I've only done it on purpose for re-entry practice, but I'm
really confident that when the day comes that I go round-side-up in
Puget Sound, I'll be warm enough to climb back in and make good
decisions.//zeke Hoskin

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