YYJ Paddler
Paddler
Hi all
I have read through several of the drysuit threads. The Kokatat Odyssey reviews seem to be a couple of years old and focus on fit, which is pretty individual. The Level Six reviews don't seem to positive on waterproofness around the wrists in particular, possibly due to lower grade material in that area. It seems to me that a drysuit should be - first and foremost - dry! Not just while paddling and dipping one's wrists, but even in the water.
I am looking to replace a low-end Kokatat "semi-"dry suit with the neoprene (instead of latex) neck. I am now an instructor and spend much more time in the water than expected and can be rough on my gear. I've already broken a kayak teaching and realize that I need to have robust gear that can stand up to significant wear. The semi-dry suit is just no longer an option as I teach more. Paddling a few times a week where I might end up in the water only in an emergency is different from being in the water multiple times in an hour twice a week.
If budget were not an issue, what would be the most durable drysuit that you would recommend? What if budget were an issue? I really would prefer to buy Canadian (Level Six or Orange, for example), but want something that will last for many years.
In current times availability also counts, since I'm signed up to teach clinics next month where I might end up in the water quite a bit!
Thanks!
I have read through several of the drysuit threads. The Kokatat Odyssey reviews seem to be a couple of years old and focus on fit, which is pretty individual. The Level Six reviews don't seem to positive on waterproofness around the wrists in particular, possibly due to lower grade material in that area. It seems to me that a drysuit should be - first and foremost - dry! Not just while paddling and dipping one's wrists, but even in the water.
I am looking to replace a low-end Kokatat "semi-"dry suit with the neoprene (instead of latex) neck. I am now an instructor and spend much more time in the water than expected and can be rough on my gear. I've already broken a kayak teaching and realize that I need to have robust gear that can stand up to significant wear. The semi-dry suit is just no longer an option as I teach more. Paddling a few times a week where I might end up in the water only in an emergency is different from being in the water multiple times in an hour twice a week.
If budget were not an issue, what would be the most durable drysuit that you would recommend? What if budget were an issue? I really would prefer to buy Canadian (Level Six or Orange, for example), but want something that will last for many years.
In current times availability also counts, since I'm signed up to teach clinics next month where I might end up in the water quite a bit!
Thanks!