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fredf
Since 10 Jan 2009
80 Posts
Eugene. Or
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Wed Jul 30, 14 10:47 am help with wetsuit selection |
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Not finding any recent advice on the Forum and not sure about giving commercial advice here I "risk" asking for opinions re: wetsuits suitable for kiting on the Oregon coast. I do not kite in the very coldest conditions so something appropriate for late spring-summer-fall is what I am looking for.
As I see it one of the most important requirements is a material that limits the effects of cooling due to wind on wet rubber. My present old suit protects me well while immersed in the water but very poorly above water, even tho the water temp is lower than the air temp.
Thanks for any tips. |
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JeffT
Since 07 Jul 2012
238 Posts
Deep Southern Portland
Stoked
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Wed Jul 30, 14 11:05 am |
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Interested in this as well. _________________ Jeff |
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Gman
Since 11 Feb 2006
4907 Posts
Portland
Unstrapped
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Moto
Since 03 Sep 2006
2698 Posts
Still a gojo pimp!
Moto Mouth
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Wed Jul 30, 14 11:27 am |
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Promotion wetsuits have kititing specific wetsuits that focus on reducing the evap cooling effect. www.wetsuit.com
I use a 5/4 excel infinity to kite in the winter. Keeps me plenty warm.
What is also important are booties - you loose a lot of heat in your feet. I used to use 3 mils - but switched over to five mils a couple of years ago and have not looked back. My whole body feels warmer if my feet are warmer.
Whichever wetsuit you go with - make sure it fits correctly. If it is too baggy in places then you will get colder. _________________ Still rockin gojos, *ssless chaps, and ankle weights! |
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Dern
Since 11 Jul 2010
544 Posts
Vancouver, WA
Addicted
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Wed Jul 30, 14 12:25 pm |
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I second the Promotion wetsuits, the rubber skin stuff really keeps the wind chill down. Works great for those Rooster Nuker sessions in late fall/winter! |
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macgruber
Since 06 Dec 2011
490 Posts
SE PDX volcano
Obsessed
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Wed Jul 30, 14 12:30 pm |
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I have a 5/4 billabong backzip from the Gorge House last year for under $200. I wear booties and a promotion beanie when it's extra cold. I can't stand hoods since they are so restrictive. Never been cold in it at Manzanita. |
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user124
Since 02 Aug 2012
390 Posts
Portland
Obsessed
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Wed Jul 30, 14 12:34 pm |
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I second the Xcel INfinity 5/4. It's some work to put on, but not any more restrictive than my 3/2. With 5mm booties and 3mm gloves I have never been cold.
Also hard to go wrong with Promotion - plus they are based in Hood River. |
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JeffT
Since 07 Jul 2012
238 Posts
Deep Southern Portland
Stoked
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Wed Jul 30, 14 12:48 pm |
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I have found the Promotion suits are very baggy under the arms on me and I don't like the strapped/velcro leg closures they use. _________________ Jeff |
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kieran
Since 06 Jul 2011
45 Posts
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Wed Jul 30, 14 2:33 pm |
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Real Watersports has killer pricing on Patagucci wetsuits right now. I'd think an R3 would cover your needs pretty well, with the right booties. |
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AKkiter
Since 31 Aug 2008
181 Posts
Montavilla
Stoked
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Wed Jul 30, 14 4:00 pm |
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I have been rockin' the Patagucci R4 for my surfing now for a couple of years and it is beyond warm but perfect for the oregon coast if you are one who "runs cold" while traditional surfing.
For kiting on the coast I have a old 4-3 Ripcurl hoodless that does fine as long as your not in the water dragging alot looking for your board! Really any quality 4-3mm will do you well, like others have said paired with booties and gloves for the cold days. |
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Justsmile
Since 20 Jul 2009
1526 Posts
Not Portland
XTreme Poster
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Wed Jul 30, 14 4:28 pm |
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AKkiter wrote: | I have been rockin' the Patagucci R4 for my surfing now for a couple of years and it is beyond warm but perfect for the oregon coast if you are one who "runs cold" while traditional surfing.
For kiting on the coast I have a old 4-3 Ripcurl hoodless that does fine as long as your not in the water dragging alot looking for your board! Really any quality 4-3mm will do you well, like others have said paired with booties and gloves for the cold days. |
there is never good enough pricing for a pataguchi!!!! _________________ Take a breath; inhale |
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Anthony
Since 07 Oct 2008
362 Posts
Salem
Obsessed
CGKA Member
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Wed Jul 30, 14 6:44 pm |
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Always suit up for the coldest temps. You never know when the water will turn over and be 50F or a little less. You can always drop in to cool off. |
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jerp
Since 22 Feb 2013
451 Posts
Obsessed
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Wed Jul 30, 14 7:52 pm |
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its a shame to already be thinking of fall/winter kiteboarding but anyhow..... I have a 5/4 O neill and love it. I been wanting to extend my season for while now but don't want to fork out the cash on a dry suit
does anyone have any experience with the Oneill pyrotech 5.5/4 or the Oneil 6/5/4 Heat? |
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OG
Since 07 Jun 2011
544 Posts
Addicted
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Wed Jul 30, 14 8:06 pm |
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ive got the npx zealout 4/3, also been in an assassin 4/3. Both are killer. Plenty warm, very comfy, reinforced for kiting (or so it says). Anyway, last 2 wet suits were a huge pain and I like the npx stuff a lot. I believe that NPX has rebranded to Neil Pryde Surf, but you can still get NPX stuff on the internet.
Ive also heard good things about many of the other suggestions people have made on this thread. |
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ShiverMeTimbers
Since 26 Feb 2013
381 Posts
Gig Harbor
Obsessed
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Wed Jul 30, 14 10:43 pm |
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For the money, I think the O'neill Mutant 5/4 or 4/3 is one of the best deals out there. I use it for surfing and kiting.
But remember, the best suit is the one that fits! Everything else is secondary. Some manufacturers fit stocky builds, other lanky builds. Some run tall, some run short. |
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jerp
Since 22 Feb 2013
451 Posts
Obsessed
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Thu Jul 31, 14 6:06 am |
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[quote="ShiverMeTimbers"]
But remember, the best suit is the one that fits! quote]
agreed.... this is kind of why I want to stick with oneill and get the pyrotech WS |
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hilton
Since 15 Aug 2008
791 Posts
Opinionated
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Thu Jul 31, 14 6:47 am |
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JeffT wrote: | I have found the Promotion suits are very baggy under the arms on me and I don't like the strapped/velcro leg closures they use. |
New 2015 ProMotion 5/4/3 Storm Kite available now.
Smoothskin neoprene in the upper body to fight wind chill.
Nylon II in the lower body for durability.
Slimmer cut in the sleeves than the windsurfing suits.
Removable cinch straps with drain holes on the ankles, but no more Velcro closures.
http://stores.wetsuit.com/mens-5-4-3-spark-kite-fullsuit-jet-black-j67/ Last edited by hilton on Fri Sep 05, 14 6:01 am; edited 1 time in total |
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