Wetsuit vs Drysuit for Kayaking: How to Chooose
Kayaking is a perfect past time to clear your mind, be one with nature, and paddle until your heart is content. The only thing that may ruin your otherwise blissful experience is feeling cold or uncomfortably wet.
There's nothing worse than a freezing cold shock of water penetrating your clothes, and as the icy wind repeatedly hits the patch of damp left behind, you'll be wishing you had better water wear!
Fear not, our friends! You can think about purchasing a wetsuit, which will keep you warm even when you can get wet or if you prefer a dry suit, which will keep you warm and dry even when the waves leap up unexpectedly. So the ultimate question - what's the difference between a wetsuit vs drysuit for kayaking?
Why Do You Need a Wetsuit or Dry Suit for Kayaking?
Like a lot of equipment you should use when paddling, the answer to this question is safety. The main dangers of 'yaking are all temperature related. This is why it is essential when you are kayaking in cold weather to dress appropriately. The key to cold water kayaking is to keep warm and stay safe by doing so.
The main dangers of kayaking without the correct insulating garments are swim failure, where it is vital to protect and insulate your core so that your vital organs are pumping the goods to your limbs; otherwise, they may fail and result in swim failure.
Hyperthermia causes a drop in core temperature and results in a loss of consciousness.
Cold Shock occurs when the body is exposed to sudden cold shock submergence in the water, where an automatic response causes you to take a sharp intake of breath and increase in breathing rate and an increase in blood pressure.
What is a Wetsuit?
A wetsuit is thermal insulation, almost like a second skin. Paddlers, surfers, and watersports enthusiasts use them when they are going on a watersports adventure that is predicted to be a little chilly!
How Do They Work?
Most wetsuits are made using a neoprene fabric, which is a synthetic foam-like fabric which contains tiny air bubbles. These bubbles allow a thin layer of water to penetrate the fabric and create a water barrier between you and the fabric. The body will heat this layer of water, and it will keep the paddler warm.
Types and Cuts
Wetsuits are best used for 'yaking in cold water conditions, and this is why they come in a different thickness suitable for different temperatures. There are also different types and cuts of wetsuit built for an array of purposes.
Full Body
A full-body wetsuit is one that covers your core, arms, and legs. The full-body wetsuit is best for cold water temperatures where both the water and the air temperature will be low. And if the full-body wet suit didn't cover you enough, there are options to add a hood or cap and gloves to the ensemble.
Spring-Suit
A spring suit is made for a warm climate and a cool water temperature. It covers the thighs and the torso, almost reminiscent of a Victorian swimsuit. They are generally used to protect against the water temperature while allowing enough movement to paddle comfortably.
The Long John
The long john wetsuit is similar to a spring suit in that it lacks sleeves. Unlike the spring suit, however, the long john extends to the full length of your legs, providing extra insulation. This type of wetsuit is also best used in warm climates where it's still a little too cold to be skinny dipping!
Pros and Cons of Wetsuits
PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
Wetsuits are non-restrictive and flexible, making them comfortable to paddle while wearing them | Every body's biggest gripe with wetsuits is that they can be incredibly challenging to put on and get off, especially if they are wet |
When you damage a wetsuit with a split or a hole, the wetsuit will still keep you warm | If you find the water temperature will be less than 45°f, the wetsuit doesn't function & will not offer enough thermal protection |
They come in different thickness to suit your chosen environment | |
There is an array of styles the wetsuits come in to tailor to your climate or watersport |
When Should a Wetsuit be Used?
Wetsuits are best when the water is cold enough to drop your core temperature dangerously low while the air is warm enough to make wearing a dry suit too warm to the point where it's uncomfortable.
For example, if you are paddling on a body of open water, the lake's depth or the sea will keep the water temperature cold even in the hottest summer sun.
What is a Drysuit?
Unlike a wetsuit, a drysuit does not act as a second skin; that is, of course, unless your skin is particularly baggy. A drysuit is more like an oversized waterproof bag with sealed closures at the wrists, ankles, and neck. They are not an insulating layer, which means to remain warm, you must wear warm clothing underneath your drysuit.
How Do Drysuits Work?
Without sounding obvious, drysuits work by keeping your body dry! Drysuits usually include gaskets at the neck and around the wrists as well as built-in boots that prevent any water from getting in the suit and remaining watertight.
Types of Drysuit
Unlike wetsuits, drysuits come in far fewer types and styles. A dry suit tends to come in one shape, similar to a full-body wetsuit, just baggier. However, drysuits can come with different features, such as pockets or vent systems. The main question here is, what is the difference between a wetsuit and a dry suit?
Semi Drysuits
Semi drysuits are more like a traditional wetsuit. They are made using neoprene but have similar seals to traditional drysuits. They are designed to minimize the amount of water getting in the suit. Semi drysuits are also designed for diving in cold water, and drysuits are designed for even colder water.
Drysuit
It is made using more heavy-duty materials, and the idea is to keep all of the water out of the suit using better tighter seals.
Pros and Cons of Using a Drysuit
PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
When using a drysuit for kayaking you will be kept warm even in extremely cold temperatures | If a dry suit gets damaged with a rip, tear or a faulty gasket, it becomes useless and ceases to work, making it an expensive repair |
A drysuit's thermal properties are dictated by what kind of clothes you choose to wear underneath. Therefore you are able to personalize your level of warmth | Drysuits can be bulky and compared to wetsuits, more restrictive to wear |
It is easy to remove and with no need to change into your spare clothes, you can throw the drysuit in the trunk of your car and hit the road | If worn in warm weather, drysuits are unforgiving when it comes to sweat |
Wetsuit vs Drysuit
When it comes to comparing wetsuit vs drysuit, it's essential to consider the activity, type of kayaking, location, weather, and water temperature.
Activity
If you will be doing activities where you'll more than likely be in the water, like stand up paddleboarding or surfing, then it's best to wear a wetsuit. If you are going to be heading out on cold water in a boat canoeing or kayaking, then it's best to wear a drysuit.
Types of Kayaking
When it comes to wetsuits and drysuits, it can sometimes be confusing which type of kayaking suits which type of garment, so we've put together a handy guide to settle any confusion.
Kayak Tourism
When touring, you are less likely to dunk yourself in the water and more likely to remain completely dry. Therefore, depending on how cold it is, you may want to go with the drysuit option to remain toasty and dry.
Recreational Kayaking
When you're recreational paddling, chances are you're out, having fun and potentially splashing around and maybe having a plunge. In which case, we recommend using a wetsuit to keep you warm encase you're a beginner, or there are any accidental capsizes.
Whitewater Kayaking
It goes without saying, whitewater paddling is going to be wet. There's an inevitable chance that you will be getting splashed or soaked when battling the rapids. Therefore, a wetsuit would be a better choice. However, if you are taking on the rapids in cold weather, then make sure to wear the right thickness to insulate your core.
Location
When you are considering a wetsuit or a drysuit, it is crucial to take the location into account. The location depicts the average temperature and the type of conditions you'll most likely face.
> 24 °C or >75,2 °F
In the likes of Bali, Hawaii, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines, no wetsuit or drysuit will be required. You may want to protect yourself from friction and UV rays with a rash vest or some Lycra.
22 – 24 °C or 71,6 – 75,2 °F
Ocean city USA in the summer or the likes of the Mediterranean Sea, you may want to go with a wetsuit with a 1-2 mm thickness.
19 – 22 °C or 66,2 – 75,2 °F
The Mediterranean Sea, Gold Coast, and wintertime Australia require a 2 mm spring suit wetsuit.
17 – 20 °C or 62,6 – 68 °F
This is where you might want to start thinking about a drysuit your cold water tolerance level. These temperatures suggest locations such as Portugal Algarve in the summertime or South Africa. If you prefer a wetsuit, a 2 mm long john would suffice
13 – 18 °C or 55,4 – 64,4 °F
Either Atlantic southern Spain, Cape Town water, or wintertime France these temperatures require a 2 mm or 3/2 mm full wetsuit or a drysuit with some warm base layers to keep you completely dry.
10 – 14 °C or 50 – 57,2 °F
These water temperatures suggest places like California/ USA in the winter or England. We suggest you wear a full suit that is 4/3 mm thick paired with 3 mm boots and 2-3 mm gloves with an optional hood or cap. Should you prefer to go with a drysuit, be sure to wear thermal base layers.
8 – 12 °C or 46,4 – 53,6 °F
If you're planning on going to Scotland, or Canada you'r looking at a 5/4 mm hooded full suit plus 5 mm gloves and 5 mm boots. If you want to use a drysuit, be sure to wear layered thermal clothing underneath to protect your core temperature.
< 8 °C or < 46,4 °F
Ready for extreme cold water temperatures? If you're off to Antarctica, its best to wear a drysuit with plenty of warm clothing underneath or a wetsuit that's 6/5 mm or 6/4mm with hood, gloves, and boots all 7mm.
Conclusion
Wetsuit vs drysuit for kayaking, the ultimate showdown. When trying to choose between wetsuits and dry suits, keep this in mind.
Wetsuits are wet but keep you warm, whereas a drysuit will stay dry, and the amount of warmth is dictated by the layers you wear underneath. Above anything else, you want to make sure it's a good comfortable fit and that your suit, wet or dry, is made from high-quality materials so that you can enjoy your suit that will last for paddling adventures to come.
Whichever suit you choose, keep warm, stay safe, get in the water, and happy paddling!
Common Questions and Answers
1. Do I need a drysuit?
Not unless you intend on paddling in very cold weather.
2. What kind of wetsuit do I need for paddling?
The temperature level dictates the kind of wetsuit; see our temperature guide above for more info.
3. What's the difference between a wetsuit and a drysuit?
A wet suit provides thermal insulation, whereas a dry suit keeps you dry.
4. Can you swim in a dry suit?
Swimming wearing a drysuit is generally pretty difficult. This is because of the baggy nature of the suit. If you have scuba gear on it makes it easier but depending on the water temperature you would be better with a wetsuit. Wetsuits are ergonomic as they are treated as an extra layer. This is why triatheletes aren't struggling to get drysuits to unzip at the next leg of the race!