What is the best type of clothing to wear in a rib?

[Pogo_stix]

OK a simple kind of question.
What is the best type of clothing to wear in a rib?
I will be crossing the Irish Sea as a support boat in May. Should I go with the normal Henri Lloyds, Musto etc...? Or a 2 piece floatation suit such as Fladen.

[kerny]

I would go for a good quality dry suit expect to pay £300 upwards but try and avoid The Black Shadow brand as in the post below

[mick]

Gul shadow drysuit of course on offer at robin hood water sports

[Avocet]

Originally Posted by Pogo_stix

What is the best type of clothing to wear in a rib?

If you're a 40-28-36 blonde (OK: I like them big up top) and I'm crewing, the answer is: nothing.

Out of my dreams and in an effort to be helpful, the answer will depend upon the weather and what your supporting (... and that's nothing to do with size up top).

Without going into rocket science: supporting a record breaking speed dash to Ireland in whatever weather will need more subtantially heavier gear than accompanying a SIB trying to make the crossing in good weather. Nice weather and a small chance of going into the water yourself will dictate lightish gear (T-shirt and shorts with a change into Henri Lloyd/Mustos available); bad weather and the possibility of going overboard (or needing to in order to rescue) will need something more serious.

More info needed but the Irish Sea is never to be underestimated.

[9D280]

If you go down the "waterpreoofs" route - layer up with lots of thin layers. That way if your misty damp cold morning turns into a scorcher you can de- layer to suit.

For a drysuit the same could be said, but getting the layers off wil be more of a faff.

[tony t]

Originally Posted by Pogo_stix

OK a simple kind of question.
What is the best type of clothing to wear in a rib?
I will be crossing the Irish Sea as a support boat in May. Should I go with the normal Henri Lloyds, Musto etc...? Or a 2 piece floatation suit such as Fladen.

If i was you i would go for a drysuit, you will more then likely be doing a night crossing and if the weather is not to kind you will be cold and wet. Being a support boat for a team of rowers is slow going just make sure you keep warm and dry .

If its the Celtic Challenge your doing what team are you support boat for ? our local club Aberdyfi Rowing Club mens team won it in 2010 in record time of 14.14. we will be out early on the water that day and intend to meet the teams as they arrive back.

[jambo]

Fladden suits are warmer but are not completely watertight, as if you have heavy constant contact areas say the upper legs it can cause a little seapage. But they are warmer.

[wavelength]

breathable dry suit...with the euphamistic comfort zip or a long range bladder.If you're a support boat perhaps you should be dressed so as to be able to enter the water in case of a mishap with your Clients ??
Fladens are good, we have racks of them for our clients, but they dont breathe & over a long period the wearer gets damp and then cold. As our suppliers told us even floatation suits sold as breathable have that foam lining which negates the advantage of the material.
Layers inderneath and a dry bag for the layers you've stripped off cos its too hot on the day(you wish) . Its always colder at sea than on shore esp if there is a bit of fog.
Eye protection in case it rains, as it occasionally does in the Irish Sea, helmet/visor or Oakley ski goggles.

[Simon B]

If you have the cash buy new drysuit, if not keep an eye out for any postings on eBay for Immersion suits; look out specifically for the Typhoon (yellow top black legs) it's a breathable MOD suit used widely in surface applications. Well made, pockets, diagonal zip so blokes can take a leak, wear patches on seat and knees.

I paid £75 for mine it was brand new still wrapped up. Do not go for the camo SBS type, whilst tough they are not breathable. I've got one at home thoug hif you are interested.