quote:
Originally posted by Sailhack
Actually, I forgot to tell you......'titanium' rashie under wetty, (I think it's equivalent to 2mm)
No hood, although I do wear a helmet when it's freezing cold, otherwise my head starts to ache (not a safe feeling).
No gloves, hands get cold, but I like to 'feel' my way.
No booties, again, feet get cold, but better than getting caught in straps...
I think that as long as your body (and head) stay warm, your extremities (hands, feet etc.) cope, as long as there's a RUM can and a warm shower waiting for you.
Yep, the titanium t-shirt, great for summer sailing with boardies, under a 4/3 works for me. Helps reduce teh cold flush effect down the back of the neck.
I wear booties- can't beat warm tootsies. And I find if my feet are frozen they get trashed on rocks more, as I can't feel the pain from the damage until they are thawed.
I've never found gloves that keep the hands warm without causing the forearms grief. I tried rubber dishwashing gloves once, which were probably the best at reducing windchill on wet skin while being thin in the grip and palm region so as not to stuff the forearms, but they just looked too dicky for any beach cred. So I just had to harden the f up.
I agree with Sailhack that keeping the head warm helps keep the extremities warmer. I wear a surfing hood for really cold days- if the ears are aching I can't enjoy a sail (had a 4mm diving hood once and the bonce was cooking) and a helmet otherwise.
Some of the best sailing in the bay is in winter- cranking northerlies, ugly, ugly cold fronts (last Friday arvo was a ripper, gusting to 35kts) No-one to avoid in the water, carparks empty. Plus people think you're mad going out in such crappy weather, so keeping the perception that this is an "extreme" sport for the dedicated doesn't hurt.
Get into it!!
