Wetsuits vs Drysuits | What’s Best for Paddling?

When the water and/or weather is cold, two of the best options for staying warm and safe while kayaking, canoeing, or doing any other type of paddling are wetsuits and drysuits. There are pros and cons to paddling with both, and so in this episode I talk about the good and bad of both, along with my personal preference for kayaking or canoeing in cold conditions.
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[@emmab7658]

Thank you for this comparison. I am a small kayaker that absolutely hates being wet and cold (yes, I am soft too...) and will definitely take a look at available dry suits. 😃 Really like you channel by the way, greetings from Sweden!

[@PaddleTV]

Thanks for the good words. Good luck with the drysuit shopping. It's a big purchase... but once you have one, it's hard to go back to not using one when it's cold.

[@gregadams2162]

A couple of paddle camping trips being cold and wet finally convinced me to get a dry suit

[@keystonedaytrip238]

This is super valuable information for me ! Thx :)

[@PaddleTV]

Glad it was helpful!

[@oscarsantos6465]

Love this video!!! Im a wetsuit guy myself.Even in cold winter in Chicago.

[@HN_DE]

I love your honesty. Greetings from Morocco

[@PaddleTV]

Thank you!

[@paintboy7625]

Thank you for the informative video. I have wet suits and never really compared them to a dry suit.

[@PaddleTV]

Glad it was helpful!

[@JeffLancaster1]

Thanks ! I have been asking this question. This is the only place I found it.

[@PaddleTV]

Glad I could help!

[@TheKayakCrew]

The other options are: > dry trousers only - keeps your legs and feet dry (if they have built in fabric socks) which is all you need unless you tip out. > separate dry trousers and dry jacket - but more flexible in that you don’t always need to wear the jacket and also you may need a different size top and trousers depending on your build. If you have a double waisted jacket and trousers it forms a pretty water tight seal around your waist. Main issue is air trapped in the trousers - unless they have a relief zipper, you can’t squeeze the air out once you have put the jacket over it. > wetsuit trousers - makes it way easier if you have to take a pee, downside is your legs and butt are wet and it it’s really cold then you may start to feel it. > wetsuit long johns - similar advantage and disadvantages to trousers above

[@kristaps2010]

Good video, what created load of knowledge in comments, thank you everyone.

[@wisenber]

I always found wetsuits to feel like an all over resistance band. You have to defeat the resistance of that rubber every paddle-stroke or any other move you make. They also stink to high heaven over time. Plus you have to have several different wet suits for varying levels of coldness. Drysuits are better, but you're still having to guess at which layers to put under them. Adding and removing layers generally isn't possible without going ashore. ALWAYS inspect and lubricate your relief zipper! That's not a thing you want to be fighting when you need it to work. Also ALWAYS lock that zipper back when you're done. I've seen a lot of wet people that didn't seal their relief zippers after they used them.

[@BrianthatiscalledBrian]

Thanks, Ken. 🙂👍

[@PaddleTV]

You are very welcome!

[@gadgetman_nz4092]

I'm still wearing the wetsuit I bought in the late 80's when I was a student. I've heard lots of stories about wetsuit 'shrinkage'. Wetting tempted by a drysuit as I get close to 60 and take up sea/touring kayaking.

[@robinh1857]

Thank you for this information, I did buy one, it is a bit tough getting used to the neck gasket…I believe over time I will get used to the tightness & not so easy to get out of that part of the suit….again I think it will take a bit of practice & getting used to…. Thank you again for all your information, I can’t wait to cold temperatures paddleboarding….

[@PaddleTV]

I'll be releasing a video in a few weeks about 'caring for gaskets', which might help you with the neck gasket. Stay tuned...

[@robinh1857]

@@PaddleTV great, thank you

[@levlylove]

Can attest to the relief zip. My first suit was a much cheaper one. It worked, but it had no relief zip and it was a back zip. That was a real bastard to deal with and because it was cheaper, I just chucked it after a few years when the seals went. Now I have a more expensive one that looks not unlike yours (Level Six?) and that relief zip is, well, you said it, a game changer.

[@PaddleTV]

Ha! Yes, there's nothing worse than a drysuit that turns into a wetsuit because it doesn't have a relief zipper! :)

[@snorttroll4379]

Could one swim on ones back and pee out of the relief hole? Perhaps inflate the suit to float higher? Let us say you are far out in the ocean

[@steevoridgeline]

thanks !!!

[@jdo1014]

I have a custom made swim wetsuit in coated (smooth skin) neoprene from my Triathlon days. It's actually great for paddling; lots of flexibility and the coating means no water absorption, apart from the arms/neck. So unless it's really cold, this is a good compromise between the two. It cost as much as a good dry-suit though!

[@snorttroll4379]

Triathlon suits you say?

[@nvelsen1975]

"Whether you're.... growing as an adult" Damn, how does this guy the exact reason I took up kayaking to begin with? 😆

[@hoangvu220]

So if you have to wear a PFD, it has to be big enough to fit over the dry suit?

[@nickjones9304]

Hi appreciate the video! Looking to canoe Lake Superior in a week or two. Water temps will probably be mid 50’s. What thickness wet suit should I get? And do I need booties or gloves? I’m not concerned about staying dry, just warm so that I survive if I fall in and can’t get to shore super fast. Any input would be much appreciated! Thank you!

[@PaddleTV]

All good questions. I can't accurately recommend a wetsuit thickness, as I just don't use them enough to have a great handle on that. Booties would definitely be nice to have. Gloves are great if the air is cold, or if there is a good wind. I prefer pogies to gloves, as they protect your hands from the wind and splashes, but keep your hands directly on the paddle.

[@mdsf01]

Super interesting video. Debating on whether to get a dry suit or go with a wetsuit / dry top combo for this coming winter. After years of umming and ahhhing I finally got my first kayak this past summer.... I just bought my 3rd one (a sit on top) because I want to do some flat water winter kayaking around the islands where I live. The problem is I live just north of Montreal and as you know it can get get verrrrrrrry cold. I do have a couple of dry tops so am thinking of getting a wetsuit for my waist down. Do you think the dry top / wet suit combo would be 'adequate' in case I go for a short swim?

[@PaddleTV]

Yup! The dry top and wetsuit combination is a good one, as long as the wetsuit is thick enough. Surfers are a good testament of this, as they typically use a wetsuit for winter surfing. Enjoy!

[@n8goulet]

When the water is cold, but the air is not, does a dry suit make you hotter than a wet suit when paddling? My kayak is the most stable inflatable ever made. The purpose of a dry suit for me would be safety if I feel off. I tried a wet suit a couple times, and was way too hot to tolerate one. I usually don't due to cold water paddling due to safety or comfort, but I would like to be able to.

[@PaddleTV]

You've just identified the toughest conditions to dress for... cold water, but warm air. You can't dress too warm, or you're miserably hot when you're paddling... but you have to dress warm enough to handle a swim. The solution is a compromise... if you stay in sheltered water (sheltered from strong wind and waves) and stay close enough to shore so that (worst case) you could just swim to shore to get out of the cold water very quickly, then you don't need to dress for immersion for an extended period. You just need to dress in a way that you know you'll warm up once you get out of the water. If the air is warm, that doesn't necessarily mean a drysuit or wetsuit. In fact, a Drysuit is probably overkill, since the likelihood of you capsizing is very low. Wetsuit / neoprene can be a good option, because it comes in various thicknesses and styles (short sleeve and shorts vs long sleeve and pants). What I do for flatware paddling when the water is cold, but the air warm, is I'll wear neoprene shorts (under surf shorts) and a paddling top with a light layer underneath that insulates when it's wet (not cotton). This setup is light enough so that I don't overheat when I'm paddling, but its enough to keep me warm out of the water, if I get soaked, or go for a swim. It really depends on how cold the water is, and how warm the air is...

[@n8goulet]

@@PaddleTV Those kind of conditions are the only ones I'd usually consider paddling. In the middle of winter, just seems kind of dangerous. It would be limited to the ocean since the lakes would be frozen, and I'm much further from the ocean too but not too far really. When it's bright and sunny in early spring is appealing, but I don't want to have to worry about hypothermia. In a decade, I've never fallen off my inflatable kayak or capsized even with the full Sunfish style sail rig. I also have a fast Torqeedo 1003s lithium motor on my kayak, which I keep on the boat 99% of the time even if I'm just paddling. If I had an emergency, I can get back quickly. But still, I hear about too many people drowning from hypothermia. Your muscles can just cease up and not function well enough to swim back, even a short distance. I'd really want to be with someone that knew this stuff inside out if I were to chance paddling in cold water. My boat could also puncture. Though thank God I'd been lucky so far. And also, I have the most versatile inflatable kayak model ever made (Sea Eagle Paddleski) and due to Government restrictions on materials, it was discontinued in 2020. It's also the most stable kayak in the world, with pontoons. Yet, it paddles decent in calm water with a kayak paddle. They may redesign it to get around the new restrictions, but since 2020 was their best year ever, probably in no hurry. So I'd also be worried about damaging my boat I can't replace in cold water since I transport in the trunk and have to deflate every use. But I have seen people featured using my identical kayak with the full sail rig and a motor going around icebergs in Greenland traveling 60 miles or more and camping. Sea Eagle did a full story on our adventures this spring, and held the story back as the boat because discontinued. I bet their phones would be ringing off the hook once our story got out. The ability to have a kayak, Sunfish style sailboat, and Zodiac with 3-4 HP motor free of gasoline smell out of the trunk of a sedan is impressive. Ours has been to over 100 locations on the USA east coat, and used more than 400 times. I'd love to not have to give up kayaking for half the year due to cold water, but want to be safe too.

[@maryhenry3257]

Question please Ken, will layering wetsuit garments increase the protection? I’m sea kayaking in Ontario, and during the late season before ice up I’m on small lakes only. I really can’t afford a drysuit for a few years yet, and I ran into supply chain issues on a 6 or 7ml wetsuit. I ultimately bought a 4/3 decent but not superb O’Neill wetsuit, partly because the fit is perfect. I am layering my older 3 ml long sleeved neoprene top and 2ml neoprene shorts over top (again great fit cuz I lost weight since buying those 3 years ago). Do these extra neoprene layers give me a bump in protection over the 4/3 suit, on December lakes, or is that wishful thinking?

[@PaddleTV]

Hi Mary. Layering wetsuits will definitely provide a bump in protection. Wearing some type of shell over the wetsuit will also make a difference when you're paddling, but not much of a difference if you're immersed.

[@maryhenry3257]

@@PaddleTV Thank you Ken!

[@silversurfer3202]

Take a dry suit any day!

[@richardwill935]

What are some of the most important things to do in order to take care of a drysuit so it lasts a long time?

[@kayasper6081]

1) be careful no to stress the latex wrists when changing 2) avoid "abrassive activities" like sitting on sharp or rough rocks 3) rince it of with fresh water and let it dry fast 4) apply special grease to the zipper on a regular basis 5) don't borrow it to others 6) a regular overal inspection for little nicks o starting damage 7) never walk in your drysuite without wearing shoes

[@PaddleTV]

Kayasper gave a great breakdown of how to make them last. A couple of other things to note... the drysuits themselves are generally VERY tough. What usually falls apart, are the gaskets, or the zippers get REALLY tough to use. As Kayasper mentions, there is lube to keep the zippers running smooth, which is good to apply a few times a year. As for the gasket... first off, if one does split or rip, it's important to know that you can get a replacement; your drysuit isn't screwed. To keep the gaskets living long and strong, minimize their exposure to sun (don't leave the drysuit drying on your deck with the gaskets exposed), beware of bug repellent with Deet! That stuff will turn gaskets into jelly over time. Don't try to stretch the gaskets over things like watches, or hair elastics, which have little corners that can tear them.

[@Mars-77]

Hi, thanks for the info video. Can you float in these. Do they have a mouthpiece for blowing them up like a regular dry dive suits?

[@PaddleTV]

Dry suits definitely provide added floatation, depending on how much air is in them. They don't have a mouthpiece for blowing them up, because for paddling purposes, you don't want very much air in them.

[@Mars-77]

@@PaddleTV ok, thanks for your reply. Ive had a few near drowning incidences happen to me because of wearing bulky clothes, and winter boots.. Dry suits also have an air release valve on the upper chest area. I think I'll just spend the extra money and get a real dry suite.

[@malcolmnicholls2893]

What brand is yours ? Also, I'm advised that non-breathable are extra tough, and breathable do not "breath" all that much in a kayak. Any views here ? (UK)

[@kayasper6081]

Since you say you're from the UK, I would suggest the Peak UK brand. I absolutely love their drysuites, wouldn't change it for any other.

[@andrewmarshall3891]

And Typhoon are worth a look. Readily available in UK.

[@malcolmnicholls2893]

@@andrewmarshall3891 Yes, these and Palm are all good.

[@frederickwelham3829]

@@andrewmarshall3891 I use a Typhoon Multisport and it really proved it's worth winter paddling in the Ardenne. We had an injured paddler and had to stop. The temperature was about -10C. The people in wetsuits got cold really quickly, and had to resort to survival bags to keep warm. I had 2 thermal layers under my dry suit and was perfectly comfortable. Added bonus was that at the end of the paddle I just removed my dry suit, put on boots and coat and I was good to go. Wetsuit wearers had to undress to change into dry clothes.

[@andrewmarshall3891]

@@frederickwelham3829 a dry suit is a game changer in so many ways. I wouldn't be without mine from Sept to April.

[@keithmoriyama5421]

I used to use a dry suit... until I actually had to swim in it and fetch my kayak that floated to the other side of the bay over night. (water had risen over 3') YOU CAN'T SWIM IN THE DAM THING-- try it! Now I use a wet suit and supplement it with a dry top when it's cold.

[@mikha007]

isn't there some sort of deflating valve so you can swim or dive?

[@PaddleTV]

The deflating valve is the neck gasket. You can let out as much air as you want when you're swimming by breaking the neck gasket seal. Just make sure your neck is above water when you do it!

[@andrewmarshall3891]

I think that if you are struggling to swim you haven't bled it properly. I swim in mine when coaching with no issues. You need to crouch down and force as much air as possible up to your neck and let it out. Then when you put on your spray deck and ba let out anything else that's come up to your neck and shoulder area.

[@keithmoriyama5421]

@@andrewmarshall3891 Obviously

[@2testtest2]

I guess I'm just a special snowflake, but so far the amount of water entering the relief zipper on my dry suit far out weighs the amount of water exiting the relief zipper. Or in other words, I never seem to go to need to go to the toilet when kayaking. Somehow the relief zipper manages to open it self on its own though, which leaves me with pretty much the same experience as peeing my self, except it's not warm...

[@PaddleTV]

Ha! Drysuit zippers can be tricky to seal - it's the last few teeth that are often missed, which often take a little extra 'yank' to close. Drysuits often come with a zipper lubricant to help the zipper work more smoothly, and this can make the difference in getting the zipper to fully close. Or... you could have a bad zipper! Either way... talk about a shock to the system! :)

[@bretthackett4124]

If dry suits weren't so absurdly expensive. . . I just ordered a farmer john. What do you suggest to wear over it?

[@ruimartins3496]

I though about this also and it's a strong argument but a dry suit is something you will not use that often and second if it last as long as he says it does, then it's a good argument. The cheapest ones I saw (palm) start at about €700 so I think in the long run it's a good buy. I don't have one, I wear a neoprene trousers and no sleeves vest from decathlon but yesterday afternoon it was kind of fresh. Wet suits will probably refrain your movements if you paddle long hours specially under your arms but that again depends of the thickness. I surf with a 4/3 and I couldn't see myself with my suit on a boat.. My opinion is what it's worth, just wanted to do some input. What's a no go is normal clothes, I took a friend out yesterday and he went swimming, twice!!! :)

[@mikha007]

a great coat lol....I think you're supposed to wear warm clothes under a dry suit

[@PaddleTV]

There's no one answer. Depends on how cold it will be, what the chances of swimming are, and how long it will take you to get out of the water if you do end up swimming. Assuming you're dealing with calm water, and are staying close enough to shore to swim there in a few minutes if needed, I would look at wearing 1 or more insulating layers over your upper body, and then a paddling top (or Dry Top) over top. These days, I use the following layers on cold days. 1st layer - NRS Men's H2Core Lightweight Shirt. 2nd Layer - NRS Men's H2Core Expedition Weight Shirt. If it's really cold, I'll swap the 2nd layer for a thicker fleece. I use this combination in a drysuit, or under a paddling top. This would work well in combination with your farmer John as well. Hope this helps!

[@williamlivingstone4326]

Aren't there only two types of wet suits? 1. The ones that have been peed in and 2. Ones that are brand new and will be peed in. Lol.

[@malcolmnicholls2893]

Not so bad if you are actually IN the water !

[@mikha007]

you can get a she wee attached so you can pee in the water without it going in the suit

[@PaddleTV]

I guess there's only two types of kayaks as well... :)

[@snorttroll4379]

Can one pee while in the sater by floating on ones back?

[@mikefletcher6595]

Are wetsuits useless then if you don’t get them wet? I keep hearing people say “dress for the swim not the paddle”. When paddling I don’t get wet, I’m just touring on a calm river, so will I be cold in a dry wetsuit? I will be using a spraydeck and a good cag, neoprene gloves and a woolly hat. It will be above freezing temperature wise and I always carry spare kit.

[@mikha007]

only if you just wearing your knickers

[@PaddleTV]

Good question! No, wetsuits definitely aren't useless when they're dry. They do a good job of insulating and breaking the wind when they're dry too. Sounds like you're well outfitted for cold weather paddling!

[@mikefletcher6595]

@@PaddleTV many thanks

[@jailen461]

Please tell me how to solve the problem I have with the right neck. Just got a new dry suit yesterday. The neck is so tight it's cutting the blood off. I'm not obese. It fits everywhere else.

[@PaddleTV]

I've got a video about that very thing! kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKmbf4Kof6dpjac

[@SilenceNate]

I was actually wondering about how to be sized for a drysuit?

[@malcolmnicholls2893]

Plenty of info on manufacturers sites, such as those recommended above. However, as they get broader (me), they are also taller (not me). I may well get a made to measure from DAMX. Worth seeing their site for the sake of it.

[@PaddleTV]

Like Malcolm said, I think all manufacturers have a good 'sizing guide' on their website.

[@2testtest2]

If in doubt get a size bigger than you need. I accidentally ordered mine two sizes to big. It was a clearance sale, and that's what they had left. I have been quite happy with it, the main downside for me is it holds more air than what a more appropriate sized one does, and short of taking a bath it's not possible to get it all out. It's only a problem if I'm capsized and want to roll up on the other side, because I can't always get under the boat with all that air in the suit. In other words not a big issue. One other downside is the gaskets are a bit on the big size around my neck, so I occasionally manage to get some drips in, but it's mostly not a problem for me unless I spend a lot of time with my head under water.

[@timothywiener5977]

I prefer and use a wetsuit. I prefer it because I know that I am protected from the cold water. With the drysuit you never know if you have enough layers on, or it is too easy to underdress in one. Where I live water temps can drop to 40F, but air temps are often 60F and above. I often see paddlers wearing only shorts and a t-shirt under their drysuit, which won't protect them if they fall in. on a 60F day, in my wetsuit, yes I will be absolutely soaked in sweat, but if I do happen to fall in, which hasn't happened yet (knock on wood), I know I will be warm and can swim to shore, since I have swim tested my gear.

[@SUPSUNRU]

man,try this-jump in the water in a drysuit over a t shirt and trunks only.you will be suprised,but you will not feel cold for good 5-15 minutes,depending on water temp.and it usually takes how long ..10 seconds to pop back on the board... so whats the point sweating ,like you?

[@PaddleTV]

You've identified the 'never ending battle' for dressing for paddling. You always want to 'dress for immersion', but you also have to be comfortable the rest of the time. it's a balance... and this is where wicking layers are nice - to draw the sweat away from your body. Paddling skill, water conditions, and distance from shore also factor into the decision. For example, if you're going to be staying close to shore, there's no reason to be immersed for very long. In this situation, you can dress lighter. On the flip side, if you're paddling far from shore, and don't have a solid roll, or a reliable reentry technique, then you need to plan for an extended period of immersion. Thanks for the comment Tim!

[@goji059]

lol....at 61, paddling the east slope of the Rockies in Canada, there is only 1 choice

[@PaddleTV]

I hear you! I spent a season kayaking and raft guiding on the Kicking Horse, and MAN that water is cold!

[@magicalleela666]

I live in Southern CA and the water is cold. Everybody else is swimming in it, and I don't want to get in because it's too cold. So for a nice 65 deg air temp, I think a wetsuit would do me for the summer season... I'll rethink when winter rolls around, it's still pretty warm, like 40's.

[@zigarten]

Where are you?

[@PaddleTV]

I'm in Ontario, Canada

[@normmeunier9657]

You didn't mention that drysuits shrink over the winter.

[@keeshoogendoorn6241]

So do wetsuits.

[@PaddleTV]

Ha! I think we all have that same problem... although I don't think it's the drysuit shrinking is it? It's the result of Holiday feasting!

[@bradleedenney]

I was just looking at dry suits from China...thoughts or are they all from China?

[@ruimartins3496]

It's about time people start considering China products, really I mean it.. I could probably give you a million reasons for that but not always what's cheap or the cheapest is the better or the best. I look twice before I buy something and I would rather pay more for something not Chinese.. And no, I'm not being anything.

[@joshnelson3115]

Considered them myself, then read all the terrible reviews. I bit the bullet and went for a higher dollar brand. (Not selling so I won't mention the brand) Extremely satisfied. Not only is the product what was expected, but customer service is easy to work with.

[@carlboucher2643]

Dry suits keep you dry!! At least in theory!!!!

[@raychoi9495]

Wetsuits don't need to be wet to keep you warm. You are a bit misleading. Wet suit keep you warm even if you were wet.

[@sergeykopylov652]

No suit, for slow water

[@petergerhardsen20]

Dry suits can leak. Wet suits can't. Immersion gear is just for that, immersion. And when things go South, you may stay quite a long time in icy cold water if you are waiting for rescue. And that's when you need a gear that won't fail AT ALL. Wet suits are amazingly resilient to punctures. Dry suits are not. They can easily get punctured without you noticing it. Check how many sea kayakers do a leak test of their dry suit at the put-in before getting in their kayak and paddling away : virtually none. A small leak won't compromise your safety if you only stay immersed 5 or 10 minutes, but if you stay longer and you dry suit has indeed a small hole you did not notice, there is no escape, you are going to fill up with cold water and it does not matter how many layers of fancy cloths you have layered underneath: you are going to feel really cold really soon and your legs are going to feel very very heavy. Wet suits (at least 3-4 mm) don't present this risk at all; plus the modern ones are really well designed, they are flexible, require almost zero maintenance, are leakproof and a lot less expansive than dry suits. Also: It is said in the video that dry suits are much easier to put on than wet suits. Well, not for me. If you don't want to tear off your dry suit gaskets, you better go slowly and very carefully. I am way faster putting my wet suit on than my dry suit (but I have ankle gaskets on the dry, which slow things down quite a bit). The ease to go to the toilet, for me, is not a factor. I find it quite easy to pull the west suit down if needed and I don't need to do very often... so far. ;)

[@nickjones9304]

Looking to canoe Lake Superior in a week or two. Water temps will probably be mid 50’s. What thickness wet suit should I get? And do I need booties or gloves? Any info would be greatly appreciated!

[@GeorgeHomerHarley]

Unfortunately you forget to mention the biggest reason most wont buy a dry suit....price....dry suits are very very expensive in comparison! :(

[@milankaszas9478]

Did we watch the same video? He mentions it multiple times.

[@PeterKolta]

@@milankaszas9478 pont ezt akartam írni!