Drysuit for kiteboarding

brantpage · Since 31 Oct 2007 4 Posts California New Member

Hi!

I would like to make my own drysuit. I would like to use something like the stretchy rubber in vintgage scuba diving drysuits like those made by the "Aquala" company. I would like to know what kind of rubber that is.

Can anyone tell me what kind of rubber is used in vintage drysuits like Aquala or that kind of suit?

Thanks in advance.

Brant Page
California

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6549 Posts Couve / Hood Honored Founder

Seems like if its cold enough to warrant a drysuit I wouldn't be messing around with some homemade thing.

Spike · Since 13 May 2007 1414 Posts Alameda Spelling Expert

look out for something like this next year

brantpage · Since 31 Oct 2007 4 Posts California New Member

I want to make something new. Something that's not available on the market. I need some info about the rubber and where to get it.

Is there anybody here who can give me a real answer to my question?

Brant

scottnorby · Wed Oct 31, 07 6:06 pm

Old rubber is heavy...very.
The suit will be unbelievably heavy, bulky, restricting, and unbelievably unreliable.
Dangerous actually.

Real advance would be using some of the thin gortex materials with titanium thread to act as ripstop etc.

You can dip wool in lard if you want to be real old school--- like to old timers used to do surfing in Oregon in the 50s.

Reaper356 · Since 10 Dec 2006 781 Posts Salem / LC Oregon Opinionated

Spike, lol - Built in ankle weights! You could really charge it in that thing! Very Happy

But seriously, I'd look at what the best modern drysuits are built out of and go for it. They usually advertise the materials. It'll probably cost you a lot on material tho cuz those suits are expensive for a reason! Then you're gonna need the thread, the gaskets, the tape, & the zippers etc. Time you're done you could probably pick up a $500+ suit & it's probably a lot safer.

Good Luck man!

chefjaredagcc · Since 12 Jul 2007 106 Posts Seaside Stoked

huggies claim to be the driest diapers you can get

Cozumel Tom · Since 14 Aug 2007 18 Posts Toronto / Cozumel

If you really want to make your own "Death Bag" try Gore-Tex. Rubber conducts the cold, is restrictive and does not breath. The fishing industry is heavy into breathable Gore-Tex and I think Navy pilot flight suits are Gore-Tex or a similar breathable. With polyprop fleece underneath, it is like wearing pajamas. It is expensive and perfect for kiteboarding. You could probably do it for around $1,500 on your own. Some sewing experience would be an asset. Or...you could buy my Ocean Rodeo for $200.00 and spend more time on the water. I don't need the suit anymore because when the water is 44 degrees, I would rather be standing in a big river wearing my Gore-Tex waders catching 20 lb Steelhead. "A warm day fishing is better than a cold day kiting".

Hein · Since 08 Mar 2005 1314 Posts Possessed

I've had drysuits and don't like them.
In fact, I have an old Bare dry suit that
needs new seals that I'd give away. pm me
It's an interesting design with a neoprene
bottom and loose top that starts just above
the harness.

Recently, I've been adding a layer over
my wetsuit and harness. I mentioned
earlier this year that Promotion modified
their Exo top with the 'Heiny hole' for my
spreader bar. Amazing how much warmth
that top adds when I wear it over my 4/3.

Now if some one would come out with
a stylish surf cap. How about doing that
brantpage?

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6549 Posts Couve / Hood Honored Founder

Hein - the photo of the Exo on the site looks kind of tight fit style, but I noticed yours looked much looser when you wore it. Is that just because you got a big size or is it naturally loose?

blowhard · Since 26 Dec 2005 2027 Posts Windward

Well it was pretty good yesterday
but fuckin cold
I had my hoodie up and some surf gloves that didn't work to well but was bettern nuttin

I've heard that POSSUM grease is the best for waterproofing (smells a little)
But I can't seem to find any of the lil devils
pm me if you have some possums that are spare.
Or better yet if you have already made soup out of them just send the lard.

I would think anything much lower than 52 degrees and blowing 20 would be pretty much out for the water thing

tstansbury · Since 06 Jun 2006 649 Posts Rowena and P.C Addicted

I think vikeing still makes rubber dry suits you could check their web site.

Hein · Since 08 Mar 2005 1314 Posts Possessed

Yeah, I wasn't sure that was even the right one.
I did get an XL so it would fit over my harness.

Blowhard, Go hunt a Sasquatch, skin it and add
a zipper in the back so you can crawl in.

Sasquatch not cold, Sasquatch got fur.

blowhard · Since 26 Dec 2005 2027 Posts Windward

oh ya
I like the zipper in the front
but great idea

Sasquatch
you gots any relatives you don't like ?

NW. SWELL
GOING TO 10 '
tomorrow

Sasquatch · Since 09 Mar 2005 2103 Posts PNW Bigfoot

pdxmonkeyboy · Thu Nov 01, 07 12:13 pm

come on guys, don't be a hater. Dude, I think you could charge it big time in a homemade wetsuit. Why not get a bunch of big inner tubes and glue them together?

I would LOVE to see your end product.

stringy · Since 23 Jun 2006 1738 Posts vancouver XTreme Poster