Kiteboarding Forums

HAAA, When times are a bit on the hard side...

I can't laugh! I had to resort to a blackbag once covered by a rash vest. Keeps a slight chill out, but damn i missed my suit!!

Nice work on hiding the identity!!!

WOW, u know times are real tough.
i dont even wanna know how the pastic bags are holding the kite together.

you got to give it to the guy on dedication_
good thing NO ONE KNOWS who the poor guy is...

My advice, based on years of experience and mistakes is...

Buy a tough as nails suit for kiting. I recommend anything by reef. Kiting is hard on suits and as you are not completely immersed when kiting you do not need as much cold protection as the more expensive suits offer.

The more expensive a suit, the warmer it is, the more brittle it is. This because there is a higher air to rubber ratio which makes for warmer but weaker neoprene. If you surf then spend the money and get a suit that will keep you warm when the water dips below 10 degreed. If you try in kite in the larney suit, chances you will be full of fins cuts, abbrassion damaged spots and you ass will be hanging out.

Seeing as I kite more than I surf I go the cheap and tough route.

Tried it the other way around and it simply cost money. all the holes in my fancy suit didn't help the warmth factor anyway.

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Warmer and windier in CT

I have experienced this before but I don't think it's from the suit, it's a result of abuse and usage whenever we get banged up.

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kiteboards are the best!

My friend got an NPX Assassin 5/4/3 semi-dry suit ($200 Cdn).  He loves it.  We went out early in the season when the water was just above freezing (~4 C), when all the guys were in their dry suits, but this one was pretty toasty if you were moving (also needed 7 mm boots, neo mitts and a hood).  I've got the girl version (NPX Vamp 5/4/3), and I'm really happy with it too.  It's very warm and if you get the right fit, it really IS semi-dry.   Good luck!

http://www.tropical-paradise-kitesurfing.com/NPX-wetsuits-assassin.html

Hey Guys,

 

I am plagued by the balloon leg vibe....I am using a quicksilver with the aforementioned neck thingy. At the end of each session my ankle line bulges as much as my waist line. One of the okes on the beach reckons you just make a whole in the legs.....just above the ankle (the wetsuits, not mine) with a hot poker.

I never really had this vibe as a surfer...looks like a kiting affliction?

What to do???? (  other than buying another suit   )

 

 

 

 

It's a Quicksilver thing. Mine does it and so does my mates.

Mine gathers water, but not so much worth worrying about! If it bothers you or affects your session it's worth sorting.

Poking a hole sounds dodgy cause the "little hole" might become a "big hole"!!

At least that gathered water is warm!! Interested to see if there is a solution........??

Hi

I've tried a lot of suits over the years, and the one which has been the most durable and comfortable is the O'Neill Psycho II. They are pricey, but the one I am using is now in its third season and still in fantastic nick. They are super comfortable and very warm. O'Neill in SA dived into the gate in the wake of the world ending, but I see that they have now been bought out and the shop in the V&A is open again.

In terms of the balloon legs, I use board leash ankle straps and that solves the problem.

 

 

To solve the balloon leg thing have it cut just below the knee, your lower legs don't need to be that warm.