I have not kayaked the northeast, so it might be good to ping guys who have....but these are my thoughts....take them with a grain of salt.
1. I agree with ChefChris' suggestion. Think Layers.
2. For the past several seasons surfcasting, I have been using the farmer john front zips. When nature calls, there is nothing as nice to have that feature. Pealing off all the layers to do the same....just is the worst in cold conditions.
The reason for layers is to regulate your heat for the activity. Even with surfcasting, the hiking will quickly raise my heat level in the spring/fall. To be able to quickly change the insulation you have on your core, can help you be more comfortable. Kayaking is much more strenuous on the core than hiking or surfcasting. I would imagine that layering would have its benefits.
I sort of feel the farmer john is the most economical and versatile wetsuit form for the layering approach. When I surfcast a 3mm...can be even worn in the summer...as well as fall. I layer in different tops and jackets to warm my core. In summer I pair a 1.5mm top with the 3mm farmer john. Late fall. I layer an underarmor cold gear top, the 1.5mm top, and a stormr jacket. Total insulation is about 7mm on my core.
In addition to neoprene, you will also need to think about a wind breaker to reduce evaporative cooling. For this you really need to see what other kayakers do. Splash tops and pants????
I hope it helps.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Zeal
Happy holidays everyone!
Having a hell of a time trying to find a wetsuit that I'll be using during the Spring and Fall while kayaking.
What I could gather is that I would take a Farmer John 5mm wetsuit that's a 2 piece.
On a budget and knowing our water temps, can anyone help me out here? Any other recommendations other than it being smooth rubber?
I think the hooded ones would be nice and not the cut off sleeves either that I see all over now. I'd rather be more restricted and safe than take cold water to the arms causing problems.
I'd also probably wade in them
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