Long ago, when a friend's drysuit split open and quickly filled with water we had a hard time getting him back to shore, even though it was not far, because he immediately began to get super cold in the sub 50 degree (F) water. My parent's house was nearby so I quickly put him in the shower and he was ok. After that I decided wetsuits were much safer. I know the newer drysuits are much better but the addition of foils to the equation is not good at all. If you are a drysuiter, I would stress Gwen's suggestion that you stay fairly close to shore. My friend was no wimp but he was in serious trouble very quickly.
I switched to the Ocean Rodeo drysuit last winter and I am very happy about it. I definitely find it to be warmer, especially when I am walking around before and after the session. I can change at home and be comfortable the entire time. I generally don't wing though once I have to put on the thick gloves, with the reduction in grip strength I just can't hold on to the wing long enough.
I wing foil and surf year-round down to about 40 degrees. I had the Ocean Rodeo Soul a while back. It was very comfortable and breathable and so nice to finish a session completely dry but it only lasted a couple of years before it stopped being waterproof. Tried re-waterproofing but that didn't last long. Then the seals started leaking. The drawbacks to breathable drysuits are the high cost, they don't last, and you can't pee in them. Wetsuits are less comfortable but more affordable and you can pee all you want. I can live with that.
drysuit in winter is awesome. ocean rodeo soul is so comfortable especially with std hiking technical base, mid layers; light and wicks sweat well. if i'm doing 2 sessions hanging around in a wetsuit is not fun, but in drysuit just unzip neck and enjoy a warm cuppa. as for hands I just go through the initial pain and then all good. never more than 3mm gloves.
Agree 1000%. Wetsuit is the way to go. Sold my dry suit 10 years ago. I don’t think it is as safe- especially if stranded. Also, a dry suit doesn’t mix well with breaking waves, which can result in a flush of cold water.🤙
Hi Gwen, given the above, would you even recomend a dry suit for pumpfoiling ? Here the effort peaks during the pumping followed by some resting... i have doubts that the base layer would soack up with sweat and i'd be cold during rest - what is your point of view?
Ive used both on lake Ontario in Canda over the years. I prefer a thick hooded wetsuit. Much easier to paddle, pump, swim (if needed). When the wind chill gets really bad I put on a neoprene hoody over the wetsuit. Gives another layer of insulation and works as a wind breaker. I ride with a lot of guys who swear by a simple kway style windbreaker over the wetsuit for winging and kiting. Keeps the outer layer of water on wetsuit from evaporating quickly. Luckily I have a minivan I can get in and warm up and change out of my wetsuit after a really cold session. Ultimately its my feet or hands that are the weak link and force me off of the water. I've always tucked my wetsuit over my mitts and booties. In the video I see you do the opposite Gwen. Is that the better way to do it to keep warm overall? I imagine keeping your core nice and warm also helps the extremities stay warm by keeping good circulation distally.
Yes this jacket is a nice addition on really cold days: wingfoilprocenter.com/products/sooruz-neo-jacket-zip-hood-westside?variant=46912974422320 I put the booties over the wetsuit so when you fall feet first the water doesn't shoot up the legs. The booties and gloves are also not as tight as wetsuit ankles and wrists so it's just easier to put them over rather than under.
I love my drysuite (Ocean Rodeo Soul). It give much more freedom. And it is much warmer then WS. It is made of good membrane that allows steam to get out. Good quality thermal layer keeps me warm even if I sweat. Problem with WS is when it is wet it and is drying on wind it gets really cold. It is better to have WS with rubber layer, or spray it with a waterproof so water beads off.
I dig my ocean rodeo suit too, but as he said.. if I layer up adequately i also end up sweating. If I under dress a little more end I up sweating. In both scenarios I’ll get cold later. Looking forward to trying a thicker wet suit.
My drysuit is probably 14 years old with one replacement of gaskets. I have never had a thick cold water wetsuit stay fairly well sealed for more than a few years. Figure out your drysuit layering and it is great and worth the $$. But if you ever have to actually SWIM, the wetsuit mobility in the water will win that for sure. I use either type of suit depending on the circumstances.
What drysuit do you have? I have had a few and after a few years they are not water sealed anymore. They leak everywhere. I want to buy a new drysuit that will stay dry for years
I wear drysuit year round, the comfort of being dry and warm is a life hack that most people don't even know exists. Also, full booties. Dry feet is the best.
I'm just coming out of winter and I've being using a cheap 5mm wetsuit. It did keep me warm. But I'm not sure if it was because it was too tight on the arms or because I was not wearing gloves; my forearms where getting cramped way more than when I'm using the same suit on better weather. My advise don't get the cheapest suit out there. If anyone knows how to avoid arm fatigue as much as possible in cold weather please fill in.
I have a custom Snugg 6/5 and it’s amazing, but find for me 10C is my minimum water temp. This sadly means I’m grounded for 5-6 months of the year where I live. 😕
Used a drysuit for 3 winters. And I get out in +2 +3C. Never fell in love with it. While I stay warm inside, my butt always ends up wet from condensate anyways, so I still have to change on the shore. When you fall in - it is harder to swim. Hands and feet get even colder than with a wetsuit because of that cut off circulation. Not to mention the feeling of being strangled 😅 Thick warm wetsuit is my way to go. After 3 seasons you need a new one and the old one becomes “summer” wetsuit
I'd like to get one of those wet suits, but it's not made for my body. 5'7" with a 45" chest. The skinny chest size just makes it too hard to get off after the ride. Getting in isn't too hard but peeling it off my shoulders is impossible without help. I bought a chest entry 4/3 and could never get out of it without help.
At least out here I can just put a drysuit over my pajamas and get out to the water on freezing days warmly. Too cold to want to squeeze in and out of a wetsuit some days.
Gwen, I see that the wetsuit youre wearing is a bit loose on you. Do you use a slightly bigger wetsuit so it doesnt restrict hand circulation and causing forearm fatigue? I have a very tight wetsuit and during winter my forearm is dead within 20 min. (Im only using 2mm gloves). Someone suggested that my problem is most probably tight wetsuit around my arms. Do you thing that might cause forearm fatigue? Thank you for your time to respond.
Yes a wetsuit that's too tight will cause your forearm to get tired sooner. Gloves can do the same. In the winter the use of a harness can help for sure.
You forget one of the biggest advantage off a drysuit and that is not freezing your ass off after your session. You get out off your suit already wearing your clothes. Put on a jacket and your done. 👍👍
Long ago, when a friend's drysuit split open and quickly filled with water we had a hard time getting him back to shore, even though it was not far, because he immediately began to get super cold in the sub 50 degree (F) water. My parent's house was nearby so I quickly put him in the shower and he was ok. After that I decided wetsuits were much safer. I know the newer drysuits are much better but the addition of foils to the equation is not good at all. If you are a drysuiter, I would stress Gwen's suggestion that you stay fairly close to shore. My friend was no wimp but he was in serious trouble very quickly.
Thank you for sharing!
I still use max 4 mm yes in south France in winter. Tramontane is a cold wind, i put a windbarrier from Mystick it stops the wind chill perfectly.
I wear diving thermals under my wetsuit when really cold; vest and pants. With booties and gloves I can stay out in mid winter much longer.
Thank you we appreciate you!
I switched to the Ocean Rodeo drysuit last winter and I am very happy about it. I definitely find it to be warmer, especially when I am walking around before and after the session. I can change at home and be comfortable the entire time. I generally don't wing though once I have to put on the thick gloves, with the reduction in grip strength I just can't hold on to the wing long enough.
Right with thick gloves it’s hard but if you use a harness it helps
@@DamienLeroyTH-cam I have never tried the harness. It would certainly help in the cold months
I wing foil and surf year-round down to about 40 degrees. I had the Ocean Rodeo Soul a while back. It was very comfortable and breathable and so nice to finish a session completely dry but it only lasted a couple of years before it stopped being waterproof. Tried re-waterproofing but that didn't last long. Then the seals started leaking. The drawbacks to breathable drysuits are the high cost, they don't last, and you can't pee in them. Wetsuits are less comfortable but more affordable and you can pee all you want. I can live with that.
Thank you for sharing!
drysuit in winter is awesome. ocean rodeo soul is so comfortable especially with std hiking technical base, mid layers; light and wicks sweat well. if i'm doing 2 sessions hanging around in a wetsuit is not fun, but in drysuit just unzip neck and enjoy a warm cuppa. as for hands I just go through the initial pain and then all good. never more than 3mm gloves.
Thank you for sharing!
Agree 1000%. Wetsuit is the way to go. Sold my dry suit 10 years ago. I don’t think it is as safe- especially if stranded. Also, a dry suit doesn’t mix well with breaking waves, which can result in a flush of cold water.🤙
Thank you for sharing! We appreciate you.
Hi Gwen, given the above, would you even recomend a dry suit for pumpfoiling ? Here the effort peaks during the pumping followed by some resting... i have doubts that the base layer would soack up with sweat and i'd be cold during rest - what is your point of view?
Ive used both on lake Ontario in Canda over the years. I prefer a thick hooded wetsuit. Much easier to paddle, pump, swim (if needed). When the wind chill gets really bad I put on a neoprene hoody over the wetsuit. Gives another layer of insulation and works as a wind breaker. I ride with a lot of guys who swear by a simple kway style windbreaker over the wetsuit for winging and kiting. Keeps the outer layer of water on wetsuit from evaporating quickly. Luckily I have a minivan I can get in and warm up and change out of my wetsuit after a really cold session. Ultimately its my feet or hands that are the weak link and force me off of the water. I've always tucked my wetsuit over my mitts and booties. In the video I see you do the opposite Gwen. Is that the better way to do it to keep warm overall? I imagine keeping your core nice and warm also helps the extremities stay warm by keeping good circulation distally.
Yes this jacket is a nice addition on really cold days: wingfoilprocenter.com/products/sooruz-neo-jacket-zip-hood-westside?variant=46912974422320
I put the booties over the wetsuit so when you fall feet first the water doesn't shoot up the legs. The booties and gloves are also not as tight as wetsuit ankles and wrists so it's just easier to put them over rather than under.
Ok thanks for the response. @@DamienLeroyTH-cam
I love my drysuite (Ocean Rodeo Soul). It give much more freedom. And it is much warmer then WS. It is made of good membrane that allows steam to get out. Good quality thermal layer keeps me warm even if I sweat.
Problem with WS is when it is wet it and is drying on wind it gets really cold. It is better to have WS with rubber layer, or spray it with a waterproof so water beads off.
Thank you for sharing!
I dig my ocean rodeo suit too, but as he said.. if I layer up adequately i also end up sweating. If I under dress a little more end I up sweating. In both scenarios I’ll get cold later. Looking forward to trying a thicker wet suit.
Thank you for sharing!
My drysuit is probably 14 years old with one replacement of gaskets. I have never had a thick cold water wetsuit stay fairly well sealed for more than a few years. Figure out your drysuit layering and it is great and worth the $$. But if you ever have to actually SWIM, the wetsuit mobility in the water will win that for sure. I use either type of suit depending on the circumstances.
Thank you for sharing!
What drysuit do you have? I have had a few and after a few years they are not water sealed anymore. They leak everywhere. I want to buy a new drysuit that will stay dry for years
I wear drysuit year round, the comfort of being dry and warm is a life hack that most people don't even know exists. Also, full booties. Dry feet is the best.
Thank you for sharing!
I'm just coming out of winter and I've being using a cheap 5mm wetsuit. It did keep me warm. But I'm not sure if it was because it was too tight on the arms or because I was not wearing gloves; my forearms where getting cramped way more than when I'm using the same suit on better weather. My advise don't get the cheapest suit out there. If anyone knows how to avoid arm fatigue as much as possible in cold weather please fill in.
Thank you for sharing!
I have a custom Snugg 6/5 and it’s amazing, but find for me 10C is my minimum water temp. This sadly means I’m grounded for 5-6 months of the year where I live. 😕
Would a drysuit with long diagonal chest zip work ok if wearing a harness?
Used a drysuit for 3 winters. And I get out in +2 +3C. Never fell in love with it. While I stay warm inside, my butt always ends up wet from condensate anyways, so I still have to change on the shore.
When you fall in - it is harder to swim. Hands and feet get even colder than with a wetsuit because of that cut off circulation. Not to mention the feeling of being strangled 😅
Thick warm wetsuit is my way to go. After 3 seasons you need a new one and the old one becomes “summer” wetsuit
Thank you for sharing!
what is your wetsuit/thickness of choice? ty
I'd like to get one of those wet suits, but it's not made for my body. 5'7" with a 45" chest. The skinny chest size just makes it too hard to get off after the ride. Getting in isn't too hard but peeling it off my shoulders is impossible without help. I bought a chest entry 4/3 and could never get out of it without help.
Thank you for sharing!
At least out here I can just put a drysuit over my pajamas and get out to the water on freezing days warmly. Too cold to want to squeeze in and out of a wetsuit some days.
Thank you for sharing!
Gwen,
I see that the wetsuit youre wearing is a bit loose on you. Do you use a slightly bigger wetsuit so it doesnt restrict hand circulation and causing forearm fatigue? I have a very tight wetsuit and during winter my forearm is dead within 20 min. (Im only using 2mm gloves). Someone suggested that my problem is most probably tight wetsuit around my arms. Do you thing that might cause forearm fatigue? Thank you for your time to respond.
Yes a wetsuit that's too tight will cause your forearm to get tired sooner. Gloves can do the same. In the winter the use of a harness can help for sure.
Is that air and water temperature rule in Fahrenheit or Celsius?
In Fahrenheit
@@dylan_the_wizard😂
@@dylan_the_wizard I have no point of reference. I only speak freedom units 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
How do you like the ppc m1 wing?
Absolutely love it, review coming soon: wingfoilprocenter.com/products/ppc-m1-wing?_pos=1&_psq=m1&_ss=e&_v=1.0
Thin wetsuit inside a dry suit?
Possible for sure, but from my experience it didn’t keep me warm on cold days. Maybe someone else found a trick to make this combo work?
You forget one of the biggest advantage off a drysuit and that is not freezing your ass off after your session. You get out off your suit already wearing your clothes. Put on a jacket and your done. 👍👍
Thank you for sharing!
Yeah that was my main reason for getting a drysuit. I got tired of getting naked, while wet, in a 35F, 20knt wind. That ruins the fun of any session.
ION FUSE the last 2 Winters. Nort Germany
Thank you for sharing!
How about neither😂. Move to a place that’s warm.
:)