Thanks John - I feel so much better now after watching a couple of those videos!!!

I'm going to buy a drysuit - I've been putting it off because of the money, I guess this is a good opportunity to make myself finally get one.

I'm going to have to get out this winter - unfortunately, I'm going to be down for a few weeks due a sore neck and shoulder (I had to cancel on Morro Bay) hopefully I'll be out again sooner than later.

sue

You should seriously think hard about buying a drysuit. They are expensive, very hot and really unnecessary for So Cal. If you are planning just to use it for a symposium, you should see if they are available for rent. If you are planning cold water forays on a regular basis then go for a drysuit. Neoprene is a better choice for this environment.
I am a cold water paddler. SF Bay is not all that cold.. waters in the 50s. neoprene is a good choice. It is what the surfers wear.

$140 for 3 nights and 8 meals in SF ?!?!
The kayaking is way out of my league but I wish I could go just to hang out and to sneak away to explore SF :)

I think I would get some good use out of a dry suit over the years. I can't afford the Gore-tex, I'm going to go with the Tropos fabric. I remember when I was taking a rolling lesson during the winter in Newport Harbor and it was cooooold. Since I'm taking the combat rescue class I figure that I'm going to spending a lot of time in the water.

Lenora- you should go, we need some more girls on the trip!

I think I would get some good use out of a dry suit over the years. I can't afford the Gore-tex, I'm going to go with the Tropos fabric. I remember when I was taking a rolling lesson during the winter in Newport Harbor and it was cooooold. Since I'm taking the combat rescue class I figure that I'm going to spending a lot of time in the water.

Lenora- you should go, we need some more girls on the trip!

I am going to offer up some advice. I have used drysuits, 1 and 2 pieceregularly in cold water,
1. Take a look at NRS suits. I have used one in Tahoe for 2 years. They are on sale at Outdoorplay.com
2. Know there is maintenance and gasket replacements.
3. Know that a drysuit tear exiting your boat can be disasterous, carry a knife that you can cut your suit with
4. Wear adequate head protection. Most body heat is lost through your head.
5. If you think this water is cold, learn to acclimate yourself in colder environments. That means swimming before every outing
6. Urinating is going to be a real pain
7 Look at other alternatives.. ie Reed Chillcheater products and good neoprene
8 realize overheating is a real possibility with a drysuit in these climes.
9 Get a suit with integral booties. Latex ankle gaskets cut off circulation and make for cold feet

Lenora, hopefully you'll be able to join us at San Onofre! Surf is the kayaker's gateway drug.

I'd love to!! I need to get my roll down!! Had a class with Scott! He's helped me start rollin' but it's not bomb proof and I need to practice. I seem to have lost it a bit (tried in my pool) and was only able to do with with training wheels (paddle float)... missin' a piece or two. Gotta get more practice in! I'm dyin' to do San Onofre with ya'... just gotta find a Sunday I can go, lol!! These next weeks are pretty crazy! Have wetsuits... need to get a helmet and soon upgrade my skirt to neoprene... get a semi-dry jacket...etc :D

Thanks for the vote of confidence and encouragement, John!!

$140 for 3 nights and 8 meals in SF ?!?!
The kayaking is way out of my league but I wish I could go just to hang out and to sneak away to explore SF :)

I second this!! I ADORE SF... and I can't imagine a better weekend than hangin' out in SF kayaking! :D Hm.... I'll have to consider lining up the stars (kid sitting, etc) so I can do this! :D... I'll consider it Sue!! :D

Well, I just cancelled my registration - shoulder and neck are not going to be up for it by then....Right now the new goal is some easy paddles in the bay in a few weeks and the SD symposium. I'm glad my new Greenland paddle hasn't come yet - too much of a bummer.

Definitely going next year

sue

Bummer Sue, hope you're getting good help if your shoulder is that bad.

btw, found out that kayakacademy.com also rents dry suits. They'll even send it out early enough to try on an exchange before the event (but only pay for days actually used). And then you can deduct up to $150 rental for a purchase within the year.

OK... I've got the bug and got it bad... I want to start playin' in the ROUGH water, lol!! The wilder the better, lol! I'm gonna dedicate some time in the next few months to perfecting my roll and getting some more boat handling instruction. I'm scheduling a lesson with Jen from AquaAdventures early December and will ask for her input on classes etc.

I'm seriously wanting and planning to go. Once I get registered I'll be lookin' for a carpool buddy or two (kayaks are the challenge)...

Hey buddy ...

A-A will transport your kayak for you, if you want to fly.
If Jen thinks we would be able to handle this and benefit and you sign up I will, too. :o)

Hey buddy ...

A-A will transport your kayak for you, if you want to fly.
If Jen thinks we would be able to handle this and benefit and you sign up I will, too. :o)

Yeah!! I'll let you know what feedback I get from Jen. Not sure if it makes sense for me to drive 4 hours (2 hrs @way) to drop off/pick up my kayak from AA just so I can fly... I think driving/carpooling might make more sense. I'll have to weigh it etc.