Wetsuits vs Drysuits: Don't Make This Coldwater Kayaking Mistake!

Seth breaks down the best options for safe paddling in cold water.
Gear in this video
Level Six Emperor Drysuit: bit.ly/45eVCmP
Level Six Duke Drytop: bit.ly/44TP5xs
Level Six Farmer John: bit.ly/42CJv10
Level Six Jericho Long Sleeve: bit.ly/3MrXxg9
Vissla Wetsuit: bit.ly/3IbOrSr

[@ninenine8546]

Great video Seth. It would be helpful to talk about how effective each would be in different water temps should you find yourself immersed. Thanks

[@doyinger1]

Great video, Seth. Super informative. BTW, I'm the guy that bought your 2019 Outback a couple of years ago, it served me well but I just bought a new 2023 Outback (TODAY in fact). Hope to see you on the water!!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

That is awesome!

[@THE-RIVER-RAT]

Great information matey

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Thanks much my friend 🙏

[@margefrommars6905]

As always a great video with lots of great info, Just wondering your thoughts on the dry pants/dry top combo ? I'm just getting into the sport and say this as a slightly cheaper option.

[@prophecy66]

I use a 3mm Farmer john, and have gone in 3C water with it, topped with a wool base layer and paddle jacket (no gaskets) over my torso. I felt warm enough after sitting in the water chest deep for a bit. But, as you said, you will sweat in it, I'm always sweating like crazy in it. I also find them super restrictive because of the skin tight fit. Which makes it difficult to be flexible and really rotate my torso. Also makes breathing more restricted compared to no wetsuit. I think these are some major downsides to wetsuits compared to a drysuit that should be mentioned. Honestly, and I'm not saying anyone else should do this, last time I went out in 8C water, I wore shorts and a rash guard, since air temps were 28C and I run pretty warm/have swam in very cold water before. Ironically, I was splashing my head and running my hands in the water to cool down still haha. Saving up for a drysuit at this point.

[@jddorland]

What do you think of the bib and paddle top combo? I'm in the Tacoma, WA. Mostly just paddle lakes, but want something for the cooler fall temps. Would you still go for the full dry suit?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

That is the set up Dan uses most of the time. Check out our recent real he made last week, it goes over his set up for lake paddling in cooler weather.

[@jddorland]

@@HeadwatersKayak thanks, ya I'd seen the video from a few months back that he did a similar walk through. By the way your vid with the Moken 12.5 river kayaking was the tipping point for my purchase. Have loved it since. Thanks!

[@Taematoe]

I returned my level 6 emperor to REI. After only 8 uses the round seam patches on the inside where falling off. I took extra good care of it also. Looking at what to buy now but I'm going to use my farmer john here in the PNW until I do. A 1000$ suit should have no issues after that few uses.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Not great to hear. I’ve had good luck with my Level Six gear. Been wearing the Juneau top for 6+ years and it’s been great! Sorry to hear your experience. I would have sent it to Level Six to have it water tested and inspected. Sounds like a defective suit.

[@tball9701]

Can you tell me what is the best suit to wear for a first time paddle boarder in the Pacific NW? I'm on a very strict budget so any help would be amazing. Thank you for your help.

[@RichardTongeman]

Would you wear neoprene or regular clothes under a dry cag and dry pants?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I use wool base layers and fleece over that if it’s too cold. Not neo though.

[@MysticalDragon73]

Alot of it depends on what a person is climatized to. I work with a crew clearing trees from rivers. I stayed in 45 degrees water to my chest for 6 hours without problems. Others on our crew had to get out several times. I also paddled the upper gaulley with 38 degree water temp and 32 degree air temp. At lunch I laid in the water for over an hour. All in nrs famer johns. Sadly Ive yet to find a drysuit that fits me. Im 6'2 275 Yes caution should be used but so many use the 120 rule which is total BS. Its important each person understands their limits.

[@shannonfbc1]

Very very true what's unbearable cold to one person isn't for another

[@MysticalDragon73]

@@shannonfbc1 Exactly. Am I more cautious in colder water? Of course. We have an idiot in ohio that i argue with year after year in the spring and fall because hes screaming how dangerous the water is. Hes always crying wolf that 40-50 degree water will kill in seconds. Sadly while its good to teach caution, crying wolf is even worse as people then wont listen to legit info.

[@PenelopeRose238]

@@MysticalDragon73 He's probably referring to Cold Shock which can be triggered in water below 60 degrees. If you gasp involuntarily when your head is underwater you will inhale water and die.

[@MysticalDragon73]

@@PenelopeRose238 but people who are climatized to cold water will have this happen far less if at all. Yes caution in cold water should be used. But these idiots talking in absolutes drive me nuts.