Getting ready for winter kiting?

[OliverG]

Many kiters are happy to put away their gear for the Winter, but many of us will still pounce at the opportunity for a wild winter session during pre, during and post-storm winds. Although it seems like along time ago, I can remember being pretty cold kiting in chilly bay waters with 45 degree air temps.

You can get some killer deal on wetsuits at Sierra Trading Post. I was just ordering some Carhartt stuff for work and ordered a 5mm suit and short sleeve rashie with built-in hood:

http://www.SierraTradingPost.com/xq/asp ... roduct.htm

http://www.SierraTradingPost.com/xq/asp ... roduct.htm

The complete wetsuit listings are here:

http://www.SierraTradingPost.com/xq/asp ... isplay.htm

Thought I'd pass the info along, the sites a great resource for lots of sport clothing and apparel.

[jowall]

Hi Ollie:

I was just planning on wearing my shorty under my 4/3. Might be a little less flexible, but that should do it right?

john

[Guest]

shorty under the the 4/3 works ok, but it really does limit your mobility.

However, one of the best things you could do is get a hood, makes a big difference, more so than wearing a shorty under your wetsuit. You lose a lot of heat off of your melon, best to cover it.

[OliverG]

Yes, I considered that last year but thought that neither was especially roomy, so I just used a straight 3/2 all winter, and at times it got pretty cold. I decided to splurge this year. No session will end short for lack of warmth!

[charlie]

hoodies and booties, i know you all dont want to hear it
but you lose alot of heat out the top of your head and bottom of your feet

also i have back up kites i use for winter so i dont trash my good ones
and i check my bar and lines real good before i go strom sailing!

and mr ollie that is a good price for 5mills!

[Pablito]

There's some good wetsuit deals on Ebay, too. I got a brand new 5 mm a month ago and used it a few times. It's warm.

[Guest]

Cheap wetsuits don't last very long. They're good for a season of heavy use then they fall apart. A quality wetsuit lasts for many years and stays warmer.

I usually buy cheap 3mm's because they get used in the summer when a small leak isn't a big deal.

For winter, consider a real quality $$ suit, they're much warmer after a dozen sessions than the cheap stuff. You'll really notice that freezing water leaking in.

[KillaHz]

Cheap wetsuits don't last very long. They're good for a season of heavy use then they fall apart. A quality wetsuit lasts for many years and stays warmer.

I usually buy cheap 3mm's because they get used in the summer when a small leak isn't a big deal.

For winter, consider a real quality $$ suit, they're much warmer after a dozen sessions than the cheap stuff. You'll really notice that freezing water leaking in.

Yes and no....I've also had $300+ wetsuits rip on me after just one season in the surf.

[sflinux]

Hoody and booties are good suggestions. I don't know if you guys are in the habit of wearing an impact vest, but for me, wearing one definately drops down the wind chill factor. I've talked to a maverick rider and he wears a vest tank top over his full suit (he believes the tight fit of the vest helps keep the full suit inside warmer). From my experience, an impact does the same thing for me.

[Pablito]

Hmmm. My philosophy was this: I think I'd rather spend more money on a summer wetsuit than a winter one, because I sure as hell hope to put in alot more kite miles in the summer...

The sun is what's going to damage a wetsuit the most, isn't it. I mean other than blackberry bushes and rocks...