VANCOUVER ISLAND WINDTALK

Warning: photos may contain traces of cheese

http://www.skypilotkiteboarding.com/mod ... le&sid=180

or


http://river-rippers.net/modules.php?na ... cle&sid=82

dude, that last photo is just sooo you, it captures your essence

....and to think that could've been me in that suit demo Another chance at fame lost

.....I would have still let you and Steph write the review tho, Doc, maybe even paste your GQ looks into the pictures
Nice work

Kook St. Kite Kook wrote:dude, that last photo is just sooo you, it captures your essence

agreed ... you shood make that puppy your avatar doc

Great article. I too have used an OR Pyro this past winter season, and had similar results. I bought a [barely] used 2005 one off Jeff from www.kitesource.ca here in Calgary. I used it twice windsurfing in December (CB and Piper's) when air temps were 8-10 degrees and water temps were ~7-8 (I think). It was eerie how impervious it made me to the cold! I wore it with polyester long underwear, an acrylic sweater and a full layer of fleece. I also had a great Sea-Tux neoprene hood and booties. I didn't need to wear gloves, I guess since my scorching core was able to pump warm blood through my hands. I sometimes even had to float around a bit in the waves to cool off. Standing on the windy beach between or after sessions I was still warm, even without the gloves and hood. It does cause some drag when swimming, and there was some wetness on my lower legs, but as you mention in the article, this was not noticable until I took the suit off. I was able to open/close the rear zip of the Pyro myself, with the aid of tie-down strap (the design of the 2006 Pyro Pro with the front zip looks brilliant). The construction looks very durable and well thought out.

Mr. GQ -

I am definately considering warmer gear. My 4-3 in the winter is inadequate even with a 2 ml shorty under.

Turtle

I have used a Pyro for 3 winters. The amazing thing is that even if you get fairly wet inside (it sometimes happens after a hard wipe-out), you still stay warm. With a Pyro, cold is not an issue during Vancouver Island winters. One of the more important benefits that Chris points out, is that you stay toasty warm between sessions, or when you are just standing around-huge benefit.

Would any of you have tried this drysuit use it all the time, say durring an average day in June at the Gorge? Or do you still prefer to use a wetsuit when it gets a little warmer?

Personally I prefer getting wet in the summer, however, quite a few people use them all year round, including at Nitnat,which has a similar summer water temp to the Gorge. You just put less clothing under it. That is the beauty of it, you layer up according to the water and air temp.

How is a dry suit surfing? Anyone tried it?

not a good option, its very slippery when belly paddling and you cant duck dive. Ive seen trev give it a go and it wasnt pretty!

Hi Guest,

You may find the Pyro a bit warm in the Gorge in June, unless you tend to be on the chilly side of the spectrum of sailors. I know that my wife, Stephanie, would like the drysuit idea even in June. She can't be warm enough! I will likely go to a wetsuit for late spring and summer sailing as I like to get wet if it's warmer out. In the winter, late fall, and early spring, nothing beats the Pyro for me however.

Chris

Just traded my old Pyro for a new Pyro. I'm still amazed at how functional it is. Kudo's to the OR team for bringing it to us. Thanks again.

I'm shivering with envy !

Could you wear a life jacket/vest under it or would it need to go over top?