Kiteforum.com

Hi all,

I have just picked up a second hand ion neoprene drysuit. I am wondering if anyone has used a neoprene drysuit and if so how they found it if they had to swim, I haven't used it yet as it's all been cross shore so potential for a long swim and it just seems so heavy.

Any experience with these, do they give some buoyancy if you do have to swim?

Thanks

You'll float yes, but the swim will be inefficient.

They have quite some buoyancy indeed, a little bit more tiring because of the thickness yes, but not an issue IMO.

You are talking about a swim without your board I reckon - why ?

It would be much better to swim on your board, and here even a normal membrane drysuit works fine as you can swim/paddle when on your board.

But they are, as I've heard, not that good for longer swims in the water ?
Dont know if true or just a rumor, anyone got experience ?

Here most use these membrane drysuits, much lighter and faster to change and warmer - but when IN the water, the neoprene drysuits are better in each and every way I would say

Eventhough I can not see any difference between a neoprene drysuit and a really good thick neoprene wintersuit - they are both a hassle when changing, if freezing

But warm when in the water, and the best for swimming.

PF

Swimming back in a drysuit suckkkkkkks. Neoprene is actually easier to swim than just a speedo because of the type of flotation and it's streamlined, but a drysuit is such a terrible shape, creates a lot of drag.

If you are a ways out, just pace yourself. You can't go fast in a drysuit just take your time. In my opinion not worth switching to a wetsuit just because you think you might swim. Drysuit is too much more comfortable. I would tho make sure your layers are something like wool or equivalent synthetic, maybe add a 2mm neoprene shirt, have a little bit of cold protection even when wet in case of a puncture, no cotton. If you feel like you are about to lose your strength from hypothermia, always remember you can put your kite in the U shape, climb on top of your kite and keep your head above water even if unconscious. If I anticipate a long swim in cold water, it's not really about wetsuit vs drysuit it's about taking the tube kite vs the foil kite. Foil kites can go much lower wind but you can't use them as flotation.

We kite in Toronto every month of the year if the water is open and the air above freezing. Floating ice is often a factor.
Most have foregone dry suits in favor of Excel 6/5 wet suits and outer layer additional neoprene sweat shirt type over. They are incredible....Toasty warm and no baggy suit that you have to obsess over keeping dry inside....and so much drag.

I love my ocean rodeo drysuit, no problem in swimming (legs only)

cwood wrote: ↑

Thu Dec 14, 2017 7:47 pm

We kite in Toronto every month of the year if the water is open and the air above freezing. Floating ice is often a factor.
Most have foregone dry suits in favor of Excel 6/5 wet suits and outer layer additional neoprene sweat shirt type over. They are incredible....Toasty warm and no baggy suit that you have to obsess over keeping dry inside....and so much drag.

What are the neoprene sweat shirts you are referring to?

RadDrDuke wrote: ↑

Wed Dec 20, 2017 2:27 am

What are the neoprene sweat shirts you are referring to?

http://stores.wetsuit.com/exoskin-tops/ are an example and what I use.

foilonfoil wrote: ↑

Wed Dec 20, 2017 2:53 am

RadDrDuke wrote: ↑

Wed Dec 20, 2017 2:27 am

What are the neoprene sweat shirts you are referring to?

http://stores.wetsuit.com/exoskin-tops/ are an example and what I use.

I always have worried about compromised swimming ability wearing loose fitting garments such as those (or the ion neo jackets, or mystic jackets), is that not a problem? Especially seems dangerous in the surf...

RadDrDuke wrote: ↑

Wed Dec 20, 2017 2:27 am

cwood wrote: ↑

Thu Dec 14, 2017 7:47 pm

We kite in Toronto every month of the year if the water is open and the air above freezing. Floating ice is often a factor.
Most have foregone dry suits in favor of Excel 6/5 wet suits and outer layer additional neoprene sweat shirt type over. They are incredible....Toasty warm and no baggy suit that you have to obsess over keeping dry inside....and so much drag.

What are the neoprene sweat shirts you are referring to?

This: https://www.npsurf.com/products/neo-jac ... ite-jacket
It has a smooth outer skin and fireline insulation on the inside. Breaks the wind and adds a layer of trapped heat. Makes a HUGE difference over wetsuit.