Water Temps and Wetsuit

Tranner · Posted: Sep 17, 2010 10:40 am Post subject: Water Temps and Wetsuit

A friend invited me to ride at his local lake a few hours from my house this weekend and he says the water temperature is 65 degrees and air temperature is also right in that range but no wind.

I'm normally used to riding 75-80 degree water and was curious what others do with 65 degree water. Do you still trunk it? Do you wear a wetsuit top or spring suit? Just curious.

OperationROL · Criminal Joined: 11 Aug 2009 Posts: 92 City: Rockford

I wear a shortie wetsuit once the water temps drop into the 60's. Last weekend was the first this year and I will probably ride until the middle of October.

Wakebrad · Ladies Man Joined: 11 Dec 2003 Posts: 12257 City: Dallas

I'd go full wetsuit at that temp, ideally. 65 is pretty cold air temp when the water's splashing on you at 22mph. I'd go 3/2 full suit if you have one.

Tranner · Posted: Sep 17, 2010 1:05 pm Post subject:

Appreciate the feedback. I was sort of thinking I could get away with just a wetsuit top but I hear you guys about the boat speed/wind at 22 mph so I may need to rethink since I don't own anything aside from a top.

Wakebrad · Ladies Man Joined: 11 Dec 2003 Posts: 12257 City: Dallas

Tranner, it's too late for this, but what I did was buy wetsuit bottoms for my heater top. They make the bottoms for kayaking. I didn't want to buy a full suit when I already had the top so this is a cheaper/easier way. Then you can just pull off the top when you're on the boat rather than have half the thing draping off you.

I've never seen any in stores though and it's too late to order one online. You can find header-shorts locally.

hawkster0001 · Soul Rider Joined: 21 Jul 2010 Posts: 441 City: GR

i only wetsuit in spring, in the fall im too busy, and the when im not busy its already snowing

cadunkle · Criminal Joined: 16 Jul 2009 Posts: 60 City: NJ

65 is plenty warm. When I hit hte river this weekend air temps should be low 50s and water high 60s, maybe mid 60s since we've had some rain. I'll be wearing a heater top, it makes it a little nicer but is not really necessary in these temps. I've trunked it plenty of times in 55* water with same temp air, just had to warm up a bit between sets. Don't sweat it, bring your heater top and have fun. Bring a towel and a hoodie or whatever to stay warm in the boat.

HHI Dave · Posted: Nov 04, 2010 7:35 pm Post subject:

150* combined air and water temp is my general rule. If it falls below that I usually start wearing neoprene. I have a 2mm shirt, a 2mm shorty, and a 3/2 full suit that get me through the year. Water surface temp here usually hovers around 50* during the coldest months.

fd2blk · Criminal Joined: 23 May 2010 Posts: 82

HHI Dave · Posted: Nov 07, 2010 7:08 am Post subject: