wetsuit question

$ociopath · Since 28 Nov 2007 523 Posts Twilight Zone Addicted

Finally got my 5,4 wetsuit with boots and gloves. Ready to hit the coast. Being that I live right down the street from Gorge Performance. The fact that they are giving 20% store credit with wetsuit purchase. I am tempted to pick up a 4,3. I already have a 3,2. Will I wish I had if I don't, is what I guess I am getting at.

Chooch · Sat Mar 21, 09 10:08 am

From my experience a 5/4 or 5/3 is great for the fall, winter, and spring.

All you need after that is the 3/2 for the early/late summer.

You might be a bit warm at times in the 5/3 but its not really worth spending the cash on the third suit unless you just like to buy shit, kind of like owning 7 kites and 5 boards Cool

Stormy · Since 19 Mar 2009 3 Posts The Gorge New Member

Well....if money isn't an issue, it's nice to have everything you need. Be comfortable. You can always pick up a used suit at Second Wind.

$ociopath · Since 28 Nov 2007 523 Posts Twilight Zone Addicted

The minnow · Since 26 Jan 2009 395 Posts argentina Obsessed

pdxmonkeyboy · Mon Mar 23, 09 8:22 am

I think it is a good rule to only buy new wetsuits. The rubber degrades rather quickly and seams get stretched and start to leak. And there is the whole pee thing.

genek · Since 21 Jul 2006 2165 Posts East Po KGB

Come on people pee is sterile. Stop being such babies. Also, there's nothing like getting into a cold and wet wetsuit when the air temp is in the 40s. Oh, yeah!

Save the money for something else. You don't need every type of wetsuit out there.

mschulz · Since 29 May 2007 530 Posts Reno, NV Addicted

forrest · Mon Mar 23, 09 10:12 am

Pee is sterile but your brown eye isn't. Once your piss comes out of your weewee your crotch becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. Unless your suit flushes well (definition of a bad suit), don't pee in your suit.

I heard the ammonia in your piss can break down the neoprene, not sure if that's true.

pdxmonkeyboy · Mon Mar 23, 09 10:19 am

when are they going to make a wetsuit with a pee hole? And while we are on the subject, they should design a slit near the ankles that will drain out and water that you get flushed in down the neck or up through your ankles.

tekko · Since 20 Feb 2006 376 Posts White Salmon Liquid Force

Yeah, good to have everything, or at least what you can. I don't have 4 or 5 wetsuits, but those that i know that do and ride frequently really seem much happier because of it.

Especially if doubling down or taking multiple sessions, a dry wetsuit can go a long way.. and most will start the day with the thinner of two and then go up a thickness for the 2nd session when you're already a bit worked and chilled.

I moved out here in 2005 to be with Tonia after 4 years in Hatteras kiting. Took me a bit to adapt to how long(suit season) and how thick wetsuits had to be to keep you stoked and comfortable. It's obvious in the spring and fall in the parking lot who has their suit situation dialed and who's freezing and unhappy.

After all this time, and despite the fact that I have as much Liquid Force kites and boards to ride as I choose, I will say that THE BEST THING I did for my enjoyment and riding in the NW was the purchase of my Oneil psycho II 6,5,4 and 3/2 wetsuits.

Really changed everything and I started spending much more driving from the Hood to the coast whenever it was good.. or even kind of good.

If Bob at Gorge Performance is selling suits and giving %20 credit !! WOW!! Then it really is a good time to get tight with a new quiver of suits. If you stay in this sport for a long time, you will eventually buy each size and rebuy them to upgrade when they where out every other year or so. The more suits you have the longer they will last.

Do your part, be a good american, stimulate the economy go to your local retailer and buy things you want, will love and will eventually buy anyways!!!

With all that credit built up, and then when you realize how much more you're riding because you're so comfortable and warm in a variety of conditions.. use that credit and score yourself a new board or kite size to ride and enjoy even more!!!

(I am not endorsed or supported by Oneil in any way. In fact, I buy my wetsuits. After over 7 years kiting and owning MANY suits, I have NEVER been as happy as my Oneil Psycho II's!!)

pdxmonkeyboy · Mon Mar 23, 09 3:52 pm

I'll jump on the nice wetsuit bus. I smashed the piggy bank 2 years ago and bought a brand new oneil mutant 5/4/3 at Gorge P. It is stretchy as shit, has no zippers, and has a removable hood that can be taken off and reaplced by a simple collar. it was like $350 but with the 20% credit i walked away with a really nice pair of booties (those oneil ninja looking things).

I absolutely love that wetsuit and have never been cold in it. not even a little chilled. My hands and feet..that's another story.

If you want tot get out in the spring and fall and enjoy yourself, there is no better feeling than knowing you have a nice, water tight wetsuit to urinate in.

And by the way, a 3/2 full suit over a 3/2 shorty does not equal a full 5/4 suite.

Kataku2k3 · Since 14 Aug 2005 3754 Posts PDX-LA Videographer