So what is the well dressed Ribster wearing?

[scousefreddy]

I'm about to pick up my new rib next week and as a newbie I wondered what most people wear when they go out on their RIBS?

When I did my level 2 course I wore jeans, waterproof coat & wellies and stayed dry, but that was only because I didn't have to wade out to launch and recover and very little water came into the RIB as it was a calm day and it didn't rain.

I'd like to buy some clothing to keep my dry in all weathers and in different launching situations, should I be looking at waders or will a good pair of wellies do me? I don't really want to put a dry suit on every time I go out but neither do I want to spend a couple of hours on the water in wet clothes, can anyone offer some suggestions?

[wavelength]

Lifejacket/buoyancy aid then - breathable drysuit with wellies attached and undersuit between it and you. Or on that one day of summer per year-hat to stop your head burning , T shirt, shorts, sandals and an all over lobster red tan (and a bundle of warm clothes to put on when you realise its colder at sea than on land). If I'm goin fishing a floatation suit instead of the drysuit cos latex seals get a bit uncomfy after a day sitting about waiting for some fish. Some Oakley goggles or a helmet with visor are a neccessity if it rains cos high speed raindrops are like needles in the eyes.

[ADS]

Im able to lauch my boat without getting wet, so in the Rib I tended to wear breathable over trousers and jacket with auto life jacket and some gill wellies. In the summer generally a wet suit and buoyancy aid due to being in and out of the water the whole time, swimming and on the ringo etc.
Now that we have a hardboat though theres no need to go out dressed like Buzz Lightyear/ Ray Mears! Tempting to go out in a sleeping bag, although I wouldn't be able to use the foot throttle then

[Tim M]

Musto jacket, several thin cotton long-sleeved t-shirts underneath, pair of rowing leggins, then jeans and offshore trousers over the top, 2 pairs of socks, wellies, crewsaver gloves and Gecko helmet. I have a drysuite as well but prefer the jacket and trousers as it's easier to take stuff of your top when you get too hot or need the loo, and I find it warmer. The big collar on the jacket keeps the wind out too.

[ashbypower]

Originally Posted by wavelength

If I'm goin fishing a floatation suit instead of the drysuit cos latex seals get a bit uncomfy after a day sitting about waiting for some fish. Some Oakley goggles or a helmet with visor are a neccessity if it rains cos high speed raindrops are like needles in the eyes.

Dave, Get rid of the latex!!! the latest stretch neoprene is sooo much better, the best 90 squids I spent lat year, IMVHO.

regards

Brian

[wavelength]

Hi Brian yep we have decided the next lot of drysuits we have will be neoprene seals- have you had yours put onto a suit that used to have latex?
(its getting like a fettish forum on here with all this rubber!).
I launch without getting wet but prefer a drysuit plus buoyancy aid for cruising or training just in case one day I have to go into the water for someone. Like the other day when we pulled a girl (not one of ours)outa the water after she fell off the jetty Having a suit and a buoyancy aid as opposed to a l/j meant I could go into the water without a cold shock and without the jacket going off when I needed to be mobile.

[wavelength]

by the way Fred, welcome to the forum. You caught the rib bug then! What boat did you settle on eventually.

[jwalker]

Denim and cotton are poor when wet. A pair of wet denim jeans will take the heat out of your legs like you wouldn't believe if you're in a breeze. To stay warm it's wool or fleeces and something to keep the wind out.

[ashbypower]

Dave, Yes the suit was previously fitted with latex OThree dry suits in weymouth fitted the Neo seals brilliant material comfortable all day I wear the suit whilst training for the same reasons as you, only had to go into the water once to pick someone up who had been cought in a rip off mudeford

Regards

Brian

[Rogue Wave]

to answer your question about the slipway then I'd go for waders (if you didn't want to wear a drysuit). I'ts a downright bummer when the water comes over the top of your wellies.

I tend to wear shorts and a pair of flip flops on the Slipway but it does get cold in the winter so between December and April I try to wear my drysuit . If you are buying yourself a drysuit might I suggest you get yourself one with a ' comfort zip.......hmmm suits you sir!'

I always take dry clothes /waterproofs with me in case I get wet (shortly follwed by getting cold) If I go out and it's going to be a rough day I put me drysuit on if it's going to be a nice day then I wear less protective clothing! If you are going to buy waterproofs then make sure you buy ones that are above coastal grade.

don't go out underdressed so layer your clothing so you can whip a bit off if you start to overheat and remember to take sunscreen with you as your under attaack from three elements, reflected light, direct sunlight and windburn

I am not a great one for dressing up, but I do like to wear my "I am with this idiot T shirt ,,,,,,when in close proximity to David Manning"

does your boat come with safety euipment or do you need any advice on that

you might find something lik this useful for storing the dry stuff
http://www.sailgb.com/p/sailing_hold..._roll_top_bag/