Dry Suit for Ribbing

[GeoffChopper]

i've recently got hold of a dry suit to go ribbing in for a couple of reasons:

1. Staying dry while launching from slipways where there is no pontoon and less risk than using waders
2. Staying dry when out on the rib, thinking dry suit is better than sailing gear coats etc

i have a couple of questions:
1. the dry suit has a tear in the material on the arm, not a major problem that i could live with but if i could repair cheaply i will, any help in this direction? it's a thin tear about 100mm long
This is preferable also incase i actually go in sometime and require the suit for survival reasons in additioan to the life jacket
2. Having not actually worn it out, what do people generally wear with it? the recommended under layers or ordinary fleece type layers, and also with a coat on top(?!) Not sure what thermal is required to keep the warm in when ribbing in winter, obvioulsy these suits keep the wind out, so wind chill is not the problem but the temperature can still be pretty low at times

any comments and advice would be welcomed

[Nathan k]

I wear a wollybear all in one thing with the drysuit. been out in -3 + windchill and didn't feel cold at all. it's a great alternative to a dressing gown as well and only £30!

[treerat]

What's the material? If it's neoprene than Black Witch is the best thing to repair with and thin thermals such as Ron Hills, hellys, thin wolly bears etc.

If it's membrane than a glued repair with membrane fabric will do the job. Patches are available on the net or could get some one like Polar Bears to do it properly.

There are a number of undersuits on teh market for these, from basic ones from Decathalon, Millets etc to full on diving ones from Polar Bears, Fourth Element etc.

I use a polar bears one but I dive as well - Beaver, Lumo, Canon Gear each do a cheaper one.

[Ian M]

You must repair that tear. If you go in and the suit fills up you will have great difficulty getting out. Do NOT ask how I know

[mick]

I have some smart wool thermals a bit pricy but they are the dogs dangles for keeping warm.

[Nos4r2]

I usually wear a lot of thick layers under mine in the winter(membrane suit) as venting it properly will compress them and I've had trouble finding a woolly bear to fit.

Assuming it's a membrane suit, a coat over it will chill you if it gets wet through and windchill does happen, just not as much.

[Festinghouse]

i just wear my normal clothes. if its cold i will wear a fleace top underneath, i look like mr michelin but im warm!

[jyasaki]

Ideally, avoid cotton as any sweat or leakage saturates it and a) holds the moisture against the skin where it continues to draw heat away, and b) destroys any thermal value the material had when dry.

Polypropylene materials are ideal, be it fleece, double-knit, etc. Most serious mountaineering shops will have it at reasonable prices (as will many sports shops.)

The amount of insulation you need depends on the suit material (as stated above), and the conditions you'll be out in.

jky

[Leapy]

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

I've had trouble finding a woolly bear to fit

Nos...have you tried Gul wooly bears? Their sizes are far more generous than Crewsaver, both in width and length

[GeoffChopper]

Thanks for the advice and responses, its a membrane suit

Think i'll get shopping for a repair kit and some thermals

Cheers

[Phil Riley]

We wear footballers substitution suits over normal clothes-very cosy, kids have them too and used them for playing in the snow aswell!! Bought on the Internet for about £15.. Oh and a hat and gloves!!

[jambo]

Originally Posted by Phil Riley

We wear footballers substitution suits over normal clothes-very cosy, kids have them too and used them for playing in the snow aswell!! Bought on the Internet for about £15.. Oh and a hat and gloves!!

Hi phil being on the large size I am interested where on the net?

[kelson]

I would imagine that the proper insulation layers would be dependent on the temperature and how active you are. Those large insulating one piece undersuits are great for diving and some active surface use, but are just too bulky for me. Most of the hydrofoilers I ride with all year use layers from NRS Apparel > Base Layers > Midweight Layers at NRSweb.com They are compact, stretchy, snug fitting, warm and won't hold much water if you do burp in water or get a leak. A lot of layers and a life vest can make it very difficult to climb in and out of the boat and as Jyaski says anything that soaks up moisture is a poor choice. Dress for your activity level and don't get so bulky that you can't swim decently.

[Phil Riley]

Think it could have been sportsfront.co.uk- all sizes catered for..

[jambo]

Originally Posted by Phil Riley

Think it could have been sportsfront.co.uk- all sizes catered for..

Ta oblidged

[mick]

Originally Posted by discomick

I have some smart wool thermals a bit pricy but they are the dogs dangles for keeping warm.

Meant this stuff http://www.tamarackgroup.co.uk/acatalog/Woolpower.html

[SPR]

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

I usually wear a lot of thick layers under mine in the winter(membrane suit) as venting it properly will compress them and I've had trouble finding a woolly bear to fit.

Assuming it's a membrane suit, a coat over it will chill you if it gets wet through and windchill does happen, just not as much.

hamonds dry suit do made to measure wolly bears.,,,

I am six foot two, and 150kgs

[treerat]

Originally Posted by SPR

hamonds dry suit do made to measure wolly bears.,,,

As do Polar Bears and O3. Both make a 1 piece or now a two piece so no matter what the shape - it'll fit.