Clive - 20-4-2013 at 01:55 AM
Winter is on its way here, ( Victoria Australia ) typically the buggy scene just shuts down for months.
We don't have the huge wide beaches like the UK and Europe , and typically the surf beaches tend to be steeper and you get quite a wave run in, ( our
best beach sandy point is an exception ) but on the whole even if the weather is not too bad you will get a dunking at some stage of the day.
A drysuit would seem to be the answer, the riders in France seem to wear them given the videos that come out from there, as far as I'm aware no one
here in OZ has one.
So assuming you don't live in Florida, or warmer climes, what do you use ?
Tips for comfort, wearing, brands, would all be appreciated, even links to shop products. I'm trying to gather some information, but google hasn't
provided much in a KItebuggy/drysuit search, and I'm not sure how directly transferable diving/ yachting gear is to Buggying.
Hoping someone has the info.....
Cheers Clive
Windy Heap - 20-4-2013 at 04:47 AM
As a scuba diver, and dive instructor, I don't know if a dry suit is a "perfect" solution, but yes it's a thermal protection as well you stay
dry.............from outside water.............but you're going to be sweating like a pig from internal persperation and may overheat.
If you're just looking for the occasional splash protection, as you suggest maybe a one-piece jumpsuit of breathable Gore-tex waterproof boating-gear
shell is better.
But if you want a full on diving drysuit, meant for warmer tropical waters, DUI is one of the best on the market with a front zipper, and good quality
wrist and neck seals. Check it out here:
http://www.dui-online.com/3030.html
Windy Heap - 20-4-2013 at 05:36 AM
or there is this one meant for kiting too.
http://www.kitepaddlesurf.com/Ocean-Rodeo-Pyro-Pro-Kiteboard...
Bladerunner - 20-4-2013 at 07:47 AM
Ocean Rodeo make kiteboard specific suits. The extra strength build onto butt and knees would be and advantage in the buggy. I just use a layer of
rain gear but am not as hard core .
Scudley - 20-4-2013 at 07:58 AM
White water kayaking dry suits would probably be better than a dive suit. You probably could get a used one cheap. You won't really need the seals
intact.
S
ChrisH - 20-4-2013 at 12:31 PM
If I were gonna go all out for a dry suit I would buy this one.......
http://www.outdoorplay.com/Kokatat-Hydrus-3L-SuperNova-Angle...
It's what most saltwater kayak fisherman wear. They say that if you fall off the kayak (sit on top) you might get a couple teaspoons of water down the
neck seal.
John Holgate - 20-4-2013 at 04:42 PM
I occasionally use a kayaking top which seals at the cuffs and neck - the one I used at Sandy for the STB video. Try C-Kayaks or Melbourne Kayaks.
Have a chat to Shane (OBEwan) - I've seen him buggy in a wetsuit. Or you could just stay out of the water.....although you don't seem to be very good
at that!
stetson05 - 20-4-2013 at 10:15 PM
I wore some goretex boots at Sunset beach and they did very well. My boots have goretex in them too. I will try and post a bit of video tomorrow if
I can get it edited. I think you are talking about getting much more wet than I did though.
Clive - 21-4-2013 at 04:19 AM
Thanks for the links guys, like the breathable fabric with the neoprene cuffs, could be just what I need. Will make some enquiries.
John.... Fancy bumping into you halfway round the world, Yes I do have a problem staying dry, but the sand is so much smoother and harder near the
water, ( from an earlier trip) https://vimeo.com/54891405
I got dunked three times on Saturday, and it was cold.
Kokatat is one very good way to go
southpadreburt - 21-4-2013 at 10:42 AM
I use a Kokatat dry suit for windsurfing and kite boarding. Completely dry from outside water and perspiration inside. The suit if 100% Gortex with a
front zipper that is easy to get in and out. Very comfortable and rugged. Check them out.
dman - 21-4-2013 at 12:13 PM
I think you would be happier with a semi dry top like the stampede from NRS and a pair of dry pants. You'll spend less and it would be easier getting
off and on. If you were going for full submersion I would say dry suit, but I do fine with a jacket/pant set up for even mild white water runs.
abkayak - 21-4-2013 at 02:07 PM
I can understand pants and have been thinking about them as well. I keep filling up the seat with water and it doesn't drain out fast or
enough..usually happens when your having too much fun to think about stopping
crazymanme2 - 21-4-2013 at 06:04 PM
I have a Kokatat dry suit & have never regreted buying it.I bought mine quite a few years ago for $300 brand new & all I have done is replaced
the seals a few times.I even replaced the ankle seals with a latex booty that replaces the seals.You dress accordingly for warmth.I use mine in the
winter for jet skiing.
jimbocz - 22-4-2013 at 02:56 AM
In the UK, a lot of people use something like this
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Typhoon-Hypercurve-Drysuit-FREEFLEEC...
if the beach is wet. I've started wearing one this season and found that it keeps me very warm and dry and I don't sweat at all. I buggy when it's
just about (literally) freezing, once this winter I couldn't get down to snow on the roads. With some good thick fleece long underwear, I can stay
out for hours bombing through the creeks and water.
lives2fly - 22-4-2013 at 04:27 AM
A drysuit seems a bit excessive for getting caught by the odd wave. A kayak top and trosers would be more comfortable to wear, cheaper and keep enough
water off you that you won't get too soaked.
I never bother, but in the UK we are so used to getting rained on that a bit of a soaking is no big deal 