Dry Suit for Ribbing

[GeoffChopper]

i've recently got hold of a dry suit to go ribbing in for a couple of reasons:

1. Staying dry while launching from slipways where there is no pontoon and less risk than using waders
2. Staying dry when out on the rib, thinking dry suit is better than sailing gear coats etc

i have a couple of questions:
1. the dry suit has a tear in the material on the arm, not a major problem that i could live with but if i could repair cheaply i will, any help in this direction? it's a thin tear about 100mm long
This is preferable also incase i actually go in sometime and require the suit for survival reasons in additioan to the life jacket
2. Having not actually worn it out, what do people generally wear with it? the recommended under layers or ordinary fleece type layers, and also with a coat on top(?!) Not sure what thermal is required to keep the warm in when ribbing in winter, obvioulsy these suits keep the wind out, so wind chill is not the problem but the temperature can still be pretty low at times

any comments and advice would be welcomed

[Nathan k]

I wear a wollybear all in one thing with the drysuit. been out in -3 + windchill and didn't feel cold at all. it's a great alternative to a dressing gown as well and only £30!

[treerat]

What's the material? If it's neoprene than Black Witch is the best thing to repair with and thin thermals such as Ron Hills, hellys, thin wolly bears etc.

If it's membrane than a glued repair with membrane fabric will do the job. Patches are available on the net or could get some one like Polar Bears to do it properly.

There are a number of undersuits on teh market for these, from basic ones from Decathalon, Millets etc to full on diving ones from Polar Bears, Fourth Element etc.

I use a polar bears one but I dive as well - Beaver, Lumo, Canon Gear each do a cheaper one.

[Ian M]

You must repair that tear. If you go in and the suit fills up you will have great difficulty getting out. Do NOT ask how I know

[mick]

I have some smart wool thermals a bit pricy but they are the dogs dangles for keeping warm.

[Nos4r2]

I usually wear a lot of thick layers under mine in the winter(membrane suit) as venting it properly will compress them and I've had trouble finding a woolly bear to fit.

Assuming it's a membrane suit, a coat over it will chill you if it gets wet through and windchill does happen, just not as much.

[Festinghouse]

i just wear my normal clothes. if its cold i will wear a fleace top underneath, i look like mr michelin but im warm!

[jyasaki]

Ideally, avoid cotton as any sweat or leakage saturates it and a) holds the moisture against the skin where it continues to draw heat away, and b) destroys any thermal value the material had when dry.

Polypropylene materials are ideal, be it fleece, double-knit, etc. Most serious mountaineering shops will have it at reasonable prices (as will many sports shops.)

The amount of insulation you need depends on the suit material (as stated above), and the conditions you'll be out in.

jky

[Leapy]

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

I've had trouble finding a woolly bear to fit

Nos...have you tried Gul wooly bears? Their sizes are far more generous than Crewsaver, both in width and length

[GeoffChopper]

Thanks for the advice and responses, its a membrane suit

Think i'll get shopping for a repair kit and some thermals

Cheers