When I got into windsurfing just over a year ago, I purchased a few wet-suits (shortie, 3/2/, 4/3, etc.) and they worked more or less ok thorough last winter. Recently I noticed some veterans using dry suits and wondering about pros and cons.
If you like dry suits, I would be interested in suggestions on any you might know for sale (new or lightly used), models/brands to look for, features to look for, places to look for, etc. -thus listing this under "buy/sell"; and didn't know where else it would be appropriate to solicit this kind of feedback/suggestions.
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I love the Bare drysuit. Comfortable, easy on the arms and especially the forearms and can be worn on a 65 degree day or a 40 degree day.
Only downside is it takes a little more care and I need help with the zipper or I have to tie a string to zipper and tie the other end off on a stationary object.
Thanks Langdon. I will check that. The zipper across the back is something I haven't tried and have tried to avoid but that's based on thinking it would be difficult if you are alone. Does the string and stationary object work pretty well? I suppose it depends how tight the zipper runs?
Also, can you reliably wear regular (ski, biking,etc) clothes under them? That would be a huge plus over wetsuit, especially when changing in cold parking lots.
Btw, for anyone that might suggest a specific used or new item, I am a Large in most clothes including wet suits; don't know how dry suits run?
I agree with Langdon
PeelSkid
I thought Bare quit making windsurfing dry suits a long time ago (baggy top, neoprene bottom)???
Emailed Bare.
Waiting for a reply.
HamdiD
I have used the string many times without much trouble just tie it off to something at shoulder height. (Webguys trailer hitch does not work for thos purpose at all.
I do this so I can guide the zipper with my free hand to avoid yanking a zipper out.. ( which I have done to two other wetsuits.)
Maybe Zhik has a good drysuit.
Also the O neil Assault Hybrid Drysuit may be worth looking at.
Nevermind...they are saying the Assault is discontinued now.
+1 for the bare polar dry if you can find a used one.
Other than the neck and wrist seals being replaced mine is 19 yrs old.
Is there a significant difference between dry suits for sailing vs windsurfing? What are the key features to look for in a good drysuit for windsurfing? I see dry suits a where from $300 to $1500+.I am sure those extremes aren't built the same but I wonder what differences do/don't matter to my use?
I have this one for sale. I used it very little maybe less than 5 times. I don't sail much in cold weather months now. It is big on me, so it might fit you. If you care to try it send me a PM. I will make you a really good deal. It is quite warm and will keep you dry.
There is no off season.
ProMotion has a drysuit similar to Bare.
http://m.wetsuit.com/?url=http://www%2Ewetsuit%2Ecom%2F#3092
Ocean Rodeo has some nice looking drysuits: https://oceanrodeo.com/drywear/
http://stores.wetsuit.com/mens-4mm-dimension-drysuit-blue-j86/
Gene
Gene Mathis
What do you wear underneath the dry suits like mine? I can remember what I used to wear, and I didn't use mine much.
There is no off season.
A lot of interesting information:
https://youtu.be/xDG3whJ2e0k
Langdon
If you really want the ultimate in comfort - heated vests. I had a couple different versions of these. (I still have one, but the battery cable broke and I can't fix it.) They do work, even if they get wet - you won't get electrocuted or ruin it. There are probably lots more out there - I just found this one doing a quick search.
https://www.heatedwetsuits.com/product/thermalution-surf-series-15m/
There is no off season.
I had one of these and did not like it. Sure, it was very comfortable and non-restrictive, but once in cold water, it was dangerously cold, even with high-end fleece under it. I never found the magic undergarments to make it feel safe in really cold weather (not without being really overheated when not in the water)
Not sure if the pro motion is built like the Bare but my Bare polar dry has a full 5mm farmer John
Suit welded to the loose top. So even if the top tears
Your core is still protected. I wear the bare fleece top over the neoprene and under the loose top and it’s quite comfy.
Plus I usually don’t have too much of an issue with overheating since I spend a lot of time in the water anyway
I have 5/4 wetsuit that works good too. I usually don’t get real cold in it until I come back to land and stand around for a bit.
That's an interesting option Randy, thanks for bringing up. They're expensive and sounds like battery only good 1.5-2hrs but apparently they work well in that duration based on reviews.
Hey Peelskid
How old is the Bare I got from you?
I know the seals have been replaced at least once. Right?
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