Hey, I'm Matt and am new to the forums, but have been looking around for a couple of weeks, and have found the site very helpful.
I took a lesson from Chuck Hardin a month ago. Since then I've been out 3 times at Lanier on equipment purchased from Whitecap, and am loving it. With cold weather looming in the next few months, I am looking into purchasing a wetsuit and probably a shorty. I've got the shorty taken care of, but am unsure of where to go between the following options on the other suit.
Two options:
1. Neil Pryde Series 3000 4/3 semi dry - 2008 model
2. Neil Pryde Series 5000 4/3 steamer - 2004 model. The steamer is not used, just an old closeout. With attachable sleeves it is $20 cheaper than the first option.
But I wasn't sure how the steamer would compare to the full suit, even with the convertible arms on. Does anybody here have experience with those? Thanks for your help!
Matt
Since you already have a shorty, get the semi-dry. I find that I can usually go straight from a shorty to a dry-suit (or semi dry) -- even though I do have a convertible, I rarely use it. The Semi-dry will be warmer, and should allow you sail through winter.
Thx for the info. Also, I just realized I implied that I already have a shorty. I do not, I just plan on buying one and there is only one option there, so when I say it's taken care of I should have said already have a 3/2 shorty picked out in my size but have not yet bought it.
I am guessing your recommendation is probably still the same though...get a semi dry and a shorty and I should be covered year round (provided I get boots, gloves, head gear for the cold as well)?
For just a $20 difference I would go with the newer suit. Wetsuits have improved in the last 4 years.
Also, think how cold blooded you are? If you get cold easily or if you ever lived in Florida you might want to look at 5/3s ....
YMMV
Albert
If you are a new sailor get the warmest suit possible for winter, it will make it easier to bear the cold water while you learn to waterstart and swim after your board. Lanier water temps can get down to around 45deg. brrrrr :shock:
alan
Alan
If you are planning on sailing Lanier this winter, you may want to consider a 5/3 suit. The sailors in Atlanta who sail all winter, including Jan & Feb when the air temps are as cold as low 40's and high 30's, are usually in 5/3 semi-drys or total dry suits. Also needed are a hood or hooded vest (recommended), warm boots, and mittens, either palmless or closed. Hooded vests are nice as they add an extra layer of warmth and they keep the cold water off the back of your neck. Palmless mittens don’t cause as much forearm fatigue but aren’t as warm as closed palm mittens. But no matter, your hands will probably get cold.
Gene
Gene Mathis
And a cooler full of hot water to stick your hands and feet in wouldn't hurt either.
Alan
Alan's warm water cooler (mini hot tub) and other tips are included on WindSense's Windsurfing Tips page : http://www.windsensewindsurfing.com/oddsnends.html
Everyone knew I'd get WindSense in here somewhere.
As for Neil Prydes suits, the Series 5000’s are more comfortable (stretchy) but the Series 3000’s are more durable and a good bit cheaper.
Gene
Gene Mathis
Some people have pointed out that a 5/3 suit would be best (verses a 4/3), and I agree. But you can layer to add more warmth. I use a base layer shirt and shorts made by Mysterioso -- it is a tight-nit fleece that still keeps you warm when wet and it will turn that 4/3 into a 5/4. A neoprene vest / hood is also a good idea.
Thx for the info everyone! I am not a cold weather person, but I don't get cold that easily either...I was a year round swimmer growing up in Atlanta. In the winter our outdoor pool we practiced in had one of those bubble things over it...if you've seen one before it's basically like being inside a giant moonwalk as it is held up by air and attached to the ground around the pool. With a heater going in the bubble, the air was warmer than outside, but still cold! Of course that was probably my least favorite thing about the sport. So I will definitely get the booties, mittens, and hood. And I like the idea of layering. I can try to find a 5/3 if it is really that much warmer than a 4/3. I just wasn't sure if I'd notice that much of a difference. Right now my option seems to be a 2008 4/3 Series 3000 from our local Whitecap shop, or a 2006 5/3 from some internet store. This is assuming I stick with Neil Pryde as they currently don't have anything else in my size. The reason I put the two 4/3 options above is I wasn't sure how much difference there was in a 5/3 and I felt better buying from Chuck plus the 4/3 is 2008 model, so it's from the future and is endorsed by Marty McFly.
Anyway, thx for all the help,
Matt
You should buy the one I am selling (if it fits). It's an O'Neill convertible- size small. It's maybe 15 yrs old but only worn a few times, years ago. So it is truly like new. $30.
Sorry forgot to give Gene at windsence http://www.windsensewindsurfing.com/
a plug for the mini hot tub Idea.
My NP series 3000 is extremely comfortable but they seem to run one size smaller than other suits. I agree with nitrojiber you will probably need layers on the coldest days if you go with a 4/3 so I wouldnt buy one too tight.
Alan
Depending on your size, WindSense's Consignment Shop has a very good Neil Pryde 5/3 Semi Dry suit size 50 for $50, and a OK condition Neil Pryde 5/3 Semi Dry suit size 52 for $40. Sizing on wetsuits is a little weird, I wear a size 52 (5'10", 165 lbs,) the size 50 is a little on the smaller size. And for some reason, it does seem wetsuits tend to get tighter over the years. The reason being.........
Also, WindSense currently has a special on Pro Limit Hooded vest for only $30, (due to the weird sizing.) Colder weather and hopefully some wind will be here soon, everyone.
http://www.windsensewindsurfing.com/specials.html
Gene
Gene Mathis
Mark,
One more thing to consider is whether, as a beginner, you will like sailing at Lanier in the winter. Conditions are usually very challenging and the temps don't lend themselves to learning. Dipping yourself in 40degree water every 10 minutes gets old really quickly ....
I would really suggest trying one of the used / older wetsuits and go out there a few times to make sure you are enjoying yourself. If and when you do then go get the nicest wetsuit you can afford.
Albert
Hey, nitrojiber, tell us where you got that Mysterioso fleece shirt. I used to have one of those and found it the perfect warmth layer underneath.
Wow...we live in the tropics over here at Clarks Hill. The coldest water I have measured is 46 degrees, and that only once. (I carry a thermometer in the trailer and measure it often.) The normal lowest water temp we get in Feb. for the water is 48. My personal experience is that the modern wetsuit changed my life. I thought I hated cold weather, much less cold water; but, give Renee Jenkins the credit - -when she told me back in '96 to shut up, quit whining, get a good, modern semi-dry suit... and get OUT THERE...well, she was right. There is nothing like being out on the water with your pals on a gleaming, brilliant day after the gloom of the cold front is blown away by a 30mph wave, whooping and hollering. That is, vs. the option of being back there on the couch watching yet another football game. Why observe when you can be doing? A good wind-rated "wet" suit will put you out there.
These Neil Pryde suits are amazin' technology -- if it's a sunny day and you keep generating some muscle heat, even into the low 40's air temp and 25+ wind and 50degree water, their effectiveness is...well, effective. They are designed to work that way. Some sun and body heat makes all the difference.
Chuck Hardin
Whitecap Windsurfing, Inc.
c:706-833-WIND (9463)
I got it at REI in Atlanta. The retail price is very steep, but they have store sales occasionally (I found them for 30% off). Mysterioso is much more comfortable than just plain neoprene shirts / pants, although the neoprene will certainly keep you warm.
I have gotten kind of spoiled after living in Augusta the last few years. The temps are noticeably warmer. Lake Juliette also makes a good alternative too...