Kayak Dry Suits - What Are They?
Kayak dry suits are a watertight suit used by kayakers and sailors in order to stay dry and insulated even when in the coldest of waters. Whereas a wet suit uses a thin layer of the water to create what is effectively an insulated layer of protection, a dry suit relies on watertight seals around the neck, wrists, and ankles, as well as the zipper opening. The dry suit may be made from any of several materials or a combination of these materials while a thermal undersuit layer is used to insulate the body.
Making A Seal
The nature of dry suits and how they work means that a waterproof seal must be created around certain points. Essentially this means that the openings at the wrists, the ankles and the neck should be waterproof although some suits have feet coverings incorporated into their design and there are even those with a hood built in and gloves connected, negating the need for effective seals in all of these locations.
Watertight Entry
Consider the type and quality of entry that is used. This will usually be a special watertight zipper because it prevents water from getting into the suit from here. The zipper should still be easy to open but it should not leave or form any kind of a gap where water may seep into the suit and come into contact with the skin. If this watertight seal breaks and water does get in it means that the effectiveness of the suit will be diminished if not completely destroyed.
Cold Water Use
Dry suits are most commonly used in cold water conditions because while they may be difficult to get into and out of they do offer greater protection against the cold water than a wet suit or no suit at all. They can be uncomfortable, however, if you choose the incorrect type of suit and if you find that you are out of the water more often than in it. While you should expect to spend at least some time in the water when kayaking, you will hopefully be the right way up more often than not.
A Note On Semi-Dry Suits
Is it worth mentioning that so called semi dry suits are not, in actual fact, a dry suit at all. They work in much the same way as a wet suit and use a thin layer of water against the skin so that the body can warm the water and use this as insulation. As such, the name semi-dry suit may be considered something of a misnomer and it is misleading especially if you are an inexperienced suit buyer.
Kayak Dry Suits
For the best quality kayak dry suits you should consider purchasing a neoprene, membrane, or hybrid suit such as the ones seen here. Neoprene sits tightly against the skin while rubber membrane is usually looser, which makes it easier to don the suit. If you are heading into especially cold water or will be entering and exiting the water frequently then an additional insulation layer should be considered vital too.
Making A Seal
The nature of dry suits and how they work means that a waterproof seal must be created around certain points. Essentially this means that the openings at the wrists, the ankles and the neck should be waterproof although some suits have feet coverings incorporated into their design and there are even those with a hood built in and gloves connected, negating the need for effective seals in all of these locations.
Watertight Entry
Consider the type and quality of entry that is used. This will usually be a special watertight zipper because it prevents water from getting into the suit from here. The zipper should still be easy to open but it should not leave or form any kind of a gap where water may seep into the suit and come into contact with the skin. If this watertight seal breaks and water does get in it means that the effectiveness of the suit will be diminished if not completely destroyed.
Cold Water Use
Dry suits are most commonly used in cold water conditions because while they may be difficult to get into and out of they do offer greater protection against the cold water than a wet suit or no suit at all. They can be uncomfortable, however, if you choose the incorrect type of suit and if you find that you are out of the water more often than in it. While you should expect to spend at least some time in the water when kayaking, you will hopefully be the right way up more often than not.
A Note On Semi-Dry Suits
Is it worth mentioning that so called semi dry suits are not, in actual fact, a dry suit at all. They work in much the same way as a wet suit and use a thin layer of water against the skin so that the body can warm the water and use this as insulation. As such, the name semi-dry suit may be considered something of a misnomer and it is misleading especially if you are an inexperienced suit buyer.
Kayak Dry Suits
For the best quality kayak dry suits you should consider purchasing a neoprene, membrane, or hybrid suit such as the ones seen here. Neoprene sits tightly against the skin while rubber membrane is usually looser, which makes it easier to don the suit. If you are heading into especially cold water or will be entering and exiting the water frequently then an additional insulation layer should be considered vital too.