Wetsuit or Drysuit

Ive got a nice toasty drysuit and wooly bear and can honestly say ive never ever had a problem with my body movement being restricted!  Its a front zip one and its probably on the big side but i figure that it being baggy is probably why it doesnt restrict me in any way.  I cant stand neoprene so it goes from me wearing my 1mm neoprene shorts and just putting more and more top layers on to the point wear i transition to my drysuit and wooly bear.......  love it!!

Doug.H

Nick, it all really depends on the boat your sailing. If you are sailing a class where you move about a lot, the movement generally keeps your body heat up. I'll layer up with a thermo rash vest under my summer 3mm wetsuit most times during the winter with a breathable smock. If it's really chilly, I'll air on the side of caution and put a dry-suit on, caught hypothermia once sailing a 5000 in winter so don't really think twice about it, and if the drysuit fits well, it's not too much less manouverable than a wetsuit. Don't have too much time for front zipped drysuits, due to the zip getting in the way whilst bending. Rear zips may be a hassle to get on but work better on the boat. Wearing a spray top over the top is a good idea for preventing the zip from catching on the boom.

Ive not owned a drysuit for some years now and have sailed the winter in either 3/4 length hikers or last year in a 3mm long john with plenty of layers up top.

I must admit im considering one now im all the way oup north though. If you plan to trapeze you'll probibly want a front zip one to stop the zip chafing against your harness. Otherwise I found a back zip to be more comfy and less restrictive in the boat... ive not worn one for quite a while though so im not the best persn to give advice, just my 2c.


Edited by Isis

Mines a steamer. I can't get on with a drysuit (only wear it when I'm on rescue)

(I sail 49ers and 5000's)

I wear a 3mm shortie mostly all year round in the cherub unless it looks horrible out there.

Edited by tgruitt