Dinghy development: Junior Winter Kit

Junior Winter Kit

Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: Dinghy classes
Forum Name: Dinghy development
Forum Discription: The latest moves in the dinghy market
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=13218
Printed Date: 30 Jun 25 at 5:33am
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Topic: Junior Winter Kit

Posted By: Jamie600
Subject: Junior Winter Kit
Date Posted: 20 Nov 18 at 2:53pm

Just looking at what Santa needs to bring for the boy to keep him warm when doing his Topper zone squad training through the winter.

11 years old, currently wearing a 0.7mm Crewsaver long john, 3mm Gul thermal top, Crewsaver hikers and an Aquafleece.

There are two obvious choices - Crewsaver do a 3mm version of the long john but he is between sizes so I'm reluctant to get the smaller size in case of a sudden growth spurt and the larger size is way too big.

Other obvious choice is a Rooster Supertherm long john(like all the other kids...) but seems expensive.

Does anyone have any recommendations for a Supertherm alternative, or advise if there really is a measurable difference between a Supertherm and other brands?

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RS600 1001

Replies:

Posted By: H2
Date Posted: 20 Nov 18 at 5:14pm

No idea if they make them in kids sizes but I just picked up a 3mm Gul code zero long john from P&B for £100 which I was very happy with and is a big step up on the 1mm rooster kit I was shivering in

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H2 #115 (sold)
H2 145
OK 2082

Posted By: Neptune
Date Posted: 20 Nov 18 at 5:36pm

I was looking at a Zhik kids steamer for my crew to eek out some more sails, at £85 seemed like good value, but I don’t know how warm they are.

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Musto Skiff and Solo sailor

Posted By: iGRF
Date Posted: 20 Nov 18 at 7:00pm

Don't buy anything from dinghy brands, check out brands like Rip Curl their flashbomb steamer stuff is good, Oneil, in fact any surf, windsurf, kitesurf brand will be more cost effective in the wetsuit arena. Zhik? is the worse rip off I've come across avoid it like the plague.

As dinghy sailors just about everything that is aimed at us is a total rip off, go to other markets where maybe there is more volume or better consumer ethics... Especially for kids where you should make certain they are not charging vat which is 20%, something I've not seen reduced that often in dinghy world.

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https://www.corekite.co.uk/snow-accessories-11-c.asp" rel="nofollow - Snow Equipment Deals https://www.corekite.co.uk" rel="nofollow - New Core Kite website

Posted By: ClubRacer
Date Posted: 20 Nov 18 at 7:40pm

I've had 2 of the gul code zero 3mm long johns now and both have been fantastic.

I've also tried the rooster supertherm long john which was very good. Both of these have the ability to put pads behind them too

My winter kit is;

-Wolley hat (any seems to be fine) + some festive ear muffs

-Any Rash vest

-3mm Code zero long john

-Rooster 1.5mm thermaflex top (wish i would have gotten the 4mm supertherm though)

-Aqua fleece/Spray top (not noticed any difference other than the aquafleece is nicer to put on and take off when wet)

-gloves are a tough one, they need to fit well and keep water out to keep the warmth. I'm currently using gill 3 seasons gloves but might look to change them if I can find something better at the dinghy show

-Socks, I use knee length seal skin socks, they're waterproof and work really really well as long as you don't put other socks underneath them

-Boots again are preference, I've found socks to be the key to feet warmth as any boots will do

Posted By: Rupert
Date Posted: 20 Nov 18 at 9:51pm

What's wrong with a 30 quid eBay wetsuit? It's only going to fit for one winter anyway. Does the same job, been using them for decades. As an adult, I get several seasons from one.

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Firefly 2324, Puffin 229, Minisail 3446 Mirror 70686

Posted By: Jamie600
Date Posted: 21 Nov 18 at 12:57pm

Thanks all, very good advice as always. Never fully considered the amount of usage, on that basis he is definitely not getting a supertherm at c.£140!

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RS600 1001

Posted By: Gordon 1430
Date Posted: 21 Nov 18 at 4:16pm

I think clubs in an area could try to organise a bring and buy sail (swap shop) for junior kit.

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Gordon
Phantom 1430

Posted By: GarethT
Date Posted: 21 Nov 18 at 7:41pm

When my boy was that age in squads it was layering that kept him warm.

Poly pro top and trousers under rooster race skin long john and hot top, with hikers over. Gill thermal aqua fleece on the top.

Neck gaiter and a good hat.

For feet, poly pro socks under wet socks in boots.

Another top tip, a pair of vinyl surgical type gloves under neoprene gloves make them much warmer.

Posted By: sargesail
Date Posted: 21 Nov 18 at 7:42pm

Originally posted by Jamie600

Thanks all, very good advice as always. Never fully considered the amount of usage, on that basis he is definitely not getting a supertherm at c.£140!

I guess that’s a factor in all the decisions. I think the Supertherm is an awesome bit of kit and justified because it gets as many as 60-70 wears a year. It seems a false economy to save money on kit when spending on boats and lessons: amazing how much time on the water is wasted or becomes a negative experience due to inadequate clothing being worn.

Posted By: Rupert
Date Posted: 21 Nov 18 at 8:27pm

Glad someone else wears knee-length seal skin socks in their boots! Makes launching off the slipway so much more pleasant.

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Firefly 2324, Puffin 229, Minisail 3446 Mirror 70686

Posted By: Oinks
Date Posted: 21 Nov 18 at 9:17pm

Slightly hijacking the thread...what do people wear under their drysuits these days? I've a great drysuit but the old woolly bear is starting to fall to bits!

Posted By: Sam.Spoons
Date Posted: 21 Nov 18 at 9:43pm

Thermals so far (bought my first dry suit last winter) but plan to buy a wooly bear this winter.

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Spice 346 "Flat Broke"
Blaze 671 "supersonic soap dish"

Posted By: The Moo
Date Posted: 22 Nov 18 at 12:02pm

Originally posted by Oinks

Slightly hijacking the thread...what do people wear under their drysuits these days? I've a great drysuit but the old woolly bear is starting to fall to bits!

I would have a range of options. On cold windless days when you are not moving around much a woolly bear type suit is ideal. If you are dashing about generating heat a thinner garment will stop you cooking.

Posted By: Noah
Date Posted: 22 Nov 18 at 12:30pm

When it's been really Baltic, I've worn a merino wool base layer - long johns & long sleeved top - and the wooly bear under the drysuit.

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Nick
D-Zero 316