2014 Season Begins!!

D-Krep It Kiter · Since 18 Jul 2011 417 Posts Obsessed

What better way to spend New Years Day than with good friends, sunny skies and nice wind at Rooster Rock! We counted at least eight hearty souls gettin the goods today... Tracy didn't get pics of everyone; Ron & and one other 2nd shifter missed the camera shoot... btw, drysuit is amazing... was not the least bit cold today!

WindSki · Since 14 Dec 2012 411 Posts Portland Obsessed

That's it I'm buying a drysuit!!!!!

Blazeheliski · Since 30 Mar 2011 659 Posts Mosier Addicted

Dry suit not required though - I was out there in just double layer wetsuit. But I did have to take a warming break. The drysuit people were definitely warmer! Smile

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

Great photos! So Jelly!

BeerKite · Since 29 Mar 2011 471 Posts Obsessed

Nice Work! I'm saving up for an avalanche beacon so I don't think I'll be getting a drysuit this year.

jerp · Since 22 Feb 2013 453 Posts Obsessed

[Dry suit not required though - I was out there in just double layer wetsuit. But I did have to take a warming break. The drysuit people were definitely warmer! ]

hey,
what do you mean double layer wetsuit? this just a 5/4 with some king of thermal T-shirt on over the top? i also can;t afford a drysuit right now so if i can limp along with my 5/4 i will Smile

<Wolverine> · Since 07 Jul 2013 71 Posts PDX

Don't know if a 5/3 Wetsuit would cut it out there and would feel safer in a full dry. I've looked around and find them priced anywhere from $300 and change to $800 plus. Anybody have any recommendations or suggestions?

jerp · Since 22 Feb 2013 453 Posts Obsessed

this Drysuit looks ideal for kiteboarding Smile

[http://www.scuba.com/US/scuba-gear-19/166350/Viking-HDS-1500-Surveyor-Drysuit.html?gclid=CLOHiYHm4LsCFYw1QgodLCgANA]

Blazeheliski · Since 30 Mar 2011 659 Posts Mosier Addicted

MikeZ · Thu Jan 02, 14 11:19 pm

Ahh well, I was late by one day. Excellent afternoon all by my lonesome today at the shipwreck.

At a minimum I'm guessing I at least had better surf, and warmer water...

D-Krep It Kiter · Since 18 Jul 2011 417 Posts Obsessed

<Wolverine> · Since 07 Jul 2013 71 Posts PDX

Thanks to all who replied. Great suggestions.

Johnb · Since 02 Aug 2010 494 Posts Obsessed

I went with the Soul because I tend to run warm and thought the Ion would be to hot for me being 4 mm neoprene. I am also a sweater so I though the Soul would be a better choice since it has breathable material.

I like that I can layer under the suit based on the conditions. I was nice and warn that session and was actually sweating. I have their long Johns that are like fleece and wick moisture away from the skin so even with sweating I don't feel wet.

I also like that you can zip yourself with the soul and like the pull over head design. I don't pull the neck seal over and zip until I am ready to hit the water, this helps me keep cool while rigging. I have put the suit on at home driven to rooster (30 min) without being overheated. I even stopped at a 7-11 to get a snack and didn't get any odd looks.

The soul has fleece lined pockets which are nice when standing around after a session. Pockets are also nice when I don't want to wear gloves. I put the gloves in the pockets in case I have a long self rescue, I can put the gloves on if my hands get cold.

The soul is kind of spendy at $800 although you can find deals on Amazon and get them for around $725 . I also like they have sizing for us short stocky guys, I have a large king and it fits me nicely. Large king has a bigger opening to allow for wide shoulders.

Drawbacks I notice with the soul is that it tends to trap more air as it is a baggier design. This takes a bit to get used to being you float like a bobber, and makes it a little harder to swim. With practice you can figure out how to burb or purge air out when zipping or when in the water by breaking the neck seal. While trapped air is a negative for swimming it is a plus if you get tired as helps to float you. I don't have any problems bodydragging with the trapped air.

One session I when doing a long body drag I noticed I was feeling a bit of moisture around my chest area. So after getting my board and was back riding I unzipped the jacket to find that I didn't dip the suit before heading out. I was able to zip on the go and continue kiting. That impressed me since had kitted about an hour, had several spills during that hour and didn't notice any moisture until I had to body drag a few minutes. Having the outer jacket kept water from getting to the unzipped area.

I did get a leak on my suit at one of the seams after a few months of use and was able to get a replacement suit within a week at no cost other than the $10 shipping fees.

If price is an issue I would have probably went with the Ion when they were on sale for $400. But I am happy with the soul now.

zig zag 158 · Since 16 Jul 2012 19 Posts Vic BC Canada

I've easily had over 40 sessions in the Soul and must say its like night and day compared to a wetsuit for warmth and movement. It's very easy to don and has great zippers as well as a relief one! It needs to be purged to avoid air bubbles and requires more maintainence than a wetsuit but is worth every penny for comfort.

The seals should be treated often with 'Seal Saver' and the T-zipper with the supplied lube. as well if you get some funk after improper rinsing use 'Myra-Zyme'... as for fixing a hole - its very easy to cut a patch and iron it on.

The suit has taken over the local scene on Vancouver Island in the winter/shoulder seasons and instructors' use it in the summer for lessons as well. Personally I use it for keelboat sailing, snorkelling / shallow diving, and SUP'in!!!

You won't be unhappy with it!