Wetsuits vs Drysuits : What's better for kayaking?

Which is better? It's a super common question for paddlers who are new to getting out in colder weather. Seth is an expert in cold weather paddling, and is here to give the run down on how drysuits and wetsuits work to keep you on the water no matter what the thermometer says!

[robtangent]

For a wing foiler, the advantage of drysuits is the ease of putting it on and taking it off. Moreover, taking off your drysuit with your dry clothes underneath is priceless. No more chilly wet body to worry about.

[FeldwebelWolfenstool]

5:00...I was lucky to get a Zoan Floating Smart Suit, new for only 100 Canadian Pesos. It's a jacket and farmer john made from neoprene, but it was actually designed for flotation and insulation under a snowmobile suit...

[Critical_Zero]

I would also have included their failure modes...wet-suits don't really fail, they can tear and leave an area exposed but even a wet-suit with a hole will work. A dry suit will not help you at all if there is a failure. If anything they will make matters worse. Just something to keep in mind.

[obsidianzarok]

thanks for the really helpful advice and tips

[nancyhainline]

Thank you. Very straightforward information. Is there a flexible sealant for seam leaks?

[KainOutdoors]

Thanks for the great info. I need one but the price tag... I have some hunting waders that are 1200 gram thinsulate. Stand in ice water for hours with little issue. Add sleeves and neck and the price triples. Seems crazy to me.

[parrotladder]

Great video. What about a surfski application where one is paddling fairly hard, doing a few high tempo drills, ultimately wanting to do a 30km ocean ski race. Just thinking of overheating and sweating? Another thought as a surfski paddler it’s imperative that my bum and seat are slippery to allow for smooth foot drive rotation . Appreciate any thoughts?

[Leebrosfishing]

Thanks for the great video - definitely learned a lot! Any recommendations for budget dry suits in the low to mid price range? Or for someone winter kayaking for their first season?

[Aestheticnerdlife]

that wetsuit looks poorly fitted; you want them skin tight or else the water just flows through making you cold

[khelben]

Very informative and thanks for that! I recommend removing the annoying background music, it made it more difficult to concentrate on what you're saying..

[saleen]

How does the drysuit not fill with water and drown you if you fall in

[sashavoitoff]

Can I wear my rash guard and water shoes for kayaking

[savageoffroadmowers]

So um considering that I swim almost every other rapid because I'm a reckless moron with a g-ride 6.5 playboat....do you think I would be okay with just a wet suit?

[theopinson]

Wait how the hell would you pee off a kayak?

[scubadivingrickydamiano]

i am a certified scuba diver you have to take a Drysuit training course before you can get a drysuite do your research don't tell people that they can bye a drysuit because if you didn't take a drysuit training course the dive shop will not sell you a Drysuits until you get certified to wear a drysuit.