Heat Loss through Wetsuits

A quick dip over the side between Nationals races when out at sea fine, but it does need to be wet. Rots the stitching, mind!

As for wind chill, why not just wear a spray top? And hightop trousers if colder weather? Not cool, OK, but simple and it works.

And to think they used to ban US from reservoirs..

And then make us wear death bags when they eventually let us on..

Originally posted by turnturtle Originally posted by kanga Peeing in wetsuits...

Mind you guys don't get nappy rash! Actually, i believe that on a hot day peeing in your otherwise dry wetsuit can bring about serious itching (believe it or not, I've not done it myself, just heard). Jumping overboard or capsizing is the answer, I think.

But come on, what can I put on my outer nylon lining?

Simon, your reply crossed with my previous.

Thanks for contributing a professional view. I think you've summed up the problem very well. As for layering and using a combination of garments, I usually try to wear the minimum number of items of clothing just to minimise the hassle of rinsing salt out of each, lugging the lot home and drying it out, but then I am very idle. So a water-repellent 3mm on its own (or maybe with a dry top) is what i need this summer!

Very interesting stuff re heat loss through wetsuits. At Neil Pryde we've been facing the problem for years as Windsurfers probably face the worse possible combination of water, high wind and cold. The answer is of course mesh as opposed to nylon. However mesh can be more susceptible to nicks so it needs to be protected by an outer garment. Another possible solution would be to wear thicker and thicker double lined suits. The problem then is that a, you can't actually move in them and b, what happens when conditions ease, or warm and you're still stuck in your Michelin suit. Bulk is a real problem particularly in sailing and its something which the industry has been really slow in addressing, paticularly when compared to the outdoor or snow sports industry. Maintaining warmth, or indeed not over heating whilst keeping fexiblity to the max is all about reducing bulk through layering. The best way to stay warm and flexible is to use a combination of garments, designed to be worn as a system that mean that whatever the conditions you can select the right combination. Several sailing companies ae now providing this type of product and what began as a concept only top competitors used is now spreading through all levels of sailing. worth checking out.