Wetsuits vs Drysuits : What's better for kayaking?

Which is better? It's a super common question for paddlers who are new to getting out in colder weather. Seth is an expert in cold weather paddling, and is here to give the run down on how drysuits and wetsuits work to keep you on the water no matter what the thermometer says!
Looking for a drysuit? Check them out here: www.nextadventure.net/shop/pa...
Looking for wetsuits? View our selection: www.nextadventure.net/shop/pa...
nextadventure.net

[@robtangent4664]

For a wing foiler, the advantage of drysuits is the ease of putting it on and taking it off. Moreover, taking off your drysuit with your dry clothes underneath is priceless. No more chilly wet body to worry about.

[@FeldwebelWolfenstool]

5:00...I was lucky to get a Zoan Floating Smart Suit, new for only 100 Canadian Pesos. It's a jacket and farmer john made from neoprene, but it was actually designed for flotation and insulation under a snowmobile suit...

[@obsidianzarok2361]

thanks for the really helpful advice and tips

[@nancyhainline2517]

Thank you. Very straightforward information. Is there a flexible sealant for seam leaks?

[@parrotladder9025]

Great video. What about a surfski application where one is paddling fairly hard, doing a few high tempo drills, ultimately wanting to do a 30km ocean ski race. Just thinking of overheating and sweating? Another thought as a surfski paddler it’s imperative that my bum and seat are slippery to allow for smooth foot drive rotation . Appreciate any thoughts?

[@NextAdventurePDX]

I've seen folks paddle surf skis in both wetsuits and drysuits, it seems to me like it's more commonly wetsuits though. I'm not sure the reasoning behind that, strictly an observation I've made over the years.

[@Leebrosfishing]

Thanks for the great video - definitely learned a lot! Any recommendations for budget dry suits in the low to mid price range? Or for someone winter kayaking for their first season?

[@NextAdventurePDX]

Thanks! Supply and demand has gotten so out of whack during COVID, especially in paddling since so many folks have just gotten into it this year. Because of this, it's extremely difficult to find any of the least expensive stuff. In the mid price range, the NRS Crux is a great option. Very dry, and breathes quite well, which is rare for a suit that's under $1000. The Stohlquist AMP is another great option, but they were recently discontinued and are quickly getting tougher to find. You can check out the Crux from NRS here: www.nextadventure.net/ms-crux-drysuit-ms-crux-drysuit.html

[@KainOutdoors]

Thanks for the great info. I need one but the price tag... I have some hunting waders that are 1200 gram thinsulate. Stand in ice water for hours with little issue. Add sleeves and neck and the price triples. Seems crazy to me.

[@NextAdventurePDX]

We get a lot of folks asking why drysuits are so expensive as well, I actually have another video in the works that explains some of the breakdown of the material costs and labor that goes into make suits of varying qualities. The general idea is that it's a lot easier to make waders or a jacket waterproof since they aren't intended for total submersion. Drysuits, especially ones that are made of breathable materials like Goretex or an equivalent, are genuinely much more expensive to make!

[@Kankudai]

​@NextAdventurePDX waders are literally made for constant immersion.

[@sashavoitoff7514]

Can I wear my rash guard and water shoes for kayaking

[@saleen12]

How does the drysuit not fill with water and drown you if you fall in

[@savageoffroadmowers6199]

So um considering that I swim almost every other rapid because I'm a reckless moron with a g-ride 6.5 playboat....do you think I would be okay with just a wet suit?

[@sluin]

I would advise on at least wearing a dry top/some other paddling jacket to keep you drier and warmer while you are not swimming

[@Aestheticnerdlife]

that wetsuit looks poorly fitted; you want them skin tight or else the water just flows through making you cold

[@khelben1979]

Very informative and thanks for that! I recommend removing the annoying background music, it made it more difficult to concentrate on what you're saying..

[@theopinson3851]

Wait how the hell would you pee off a kayak?

[@snorttroll4379]

Up and over, then shut off the stream hard so it doesnt trickle

[@bwickham54]

Why are kayakers so afraid of water?

[@NextAdventurePDX]

😂 We'll have to go for a swim next time you're up for a visit!

[@theragingswede7561]

When the water temp is down in the 40s-50s in the pnw we typically just don't want to die of hypothermia if you get knocked off.

[@keithmacomber5707]

On much of the Pacific coast, even most of California, the ocean is ~40-50F for 6+ months every year. Rivers and lakes can be even lower. We're talking unable to grab a whistle or hold a paddle in 10-15 mins and completely unconscious in 30-60mins. Even in the summer you have to be careful. Beyond hypothermia, the cold shock that happens when you first hit the water can also be deadly without a wet/dry suit. Many fatalities happen very close to shore. If the air temp and water temp combined (in Fahrenheit) aren't 120+ you should really consider some protection.

[@d1427]

'cause it's wet

[@scubadivingrickydamiano]

i am a certified scuba diver you have to take a Drysuit training course before you can get a drysuite do your research don't tell people that they can bye a drysuit because if you didn't take a drysuit training course the dive shop will not sell you a Drysuits until you get certified to wear a drysuit.

[@kennyfnpowers707]

I definitely bought a couple dry suits and I was never asked about a training course. Now maybe if you buy a dry suit that is specifically made for diving they will ask you.

[@2testtest2]

That may be required for scubadiving, but diving is not the same as padeling. When padling you typically wear a PFD, which helps you keep your head out of the water, scubadiving, not so much.

[@ansleygant9979]

The dry suit for scuba diving is not the same as a dry suit for kayaking. A kayaking dry suit is more like a really expensive waterproof yet breathable rain gear that is designed for athletic activities that happen on the water but not really in the water. A scuba dry suit is made to be submerged at depth with water pressure etc. hence the need for certification.

[@sluin]

Well, there are no kayaking drysuit courses because the sport is entirely different than diving. Its like comparing a moon rover to a car, similar function but entirely different circumstances.