DN NA Class

 I would appreciate any info on what skippers feel are the best suits for racing...to keep warm and flexibility is what I am interested in.  There are suits from 1.5 mm up to 7 mm thick available.   

How does one choose the right one...and what brand is best for our sport?

Regards Peter

I have a Henderson fleece-lined wet suit which has been popular for many years, but was discontinued.  I have seen some Descente downhill suits  and some  Lavacore suits recently purchased that the owners seem to like.  One trick is to purchase several sizes too big...  you will have underwear layers underneath (I wear one layer of thin-thermals plus a second layer of thick thermals - depending on how cold it is)   What you hope for is when you are laying flat in the boat, there is no excess material bunching up at your stomach creating a barrier that you have to see over.  This is tough on the neck!  My Henderson is a size or two smaller than I would want, but it was a good Ebay deal so I have stretched it out to fit better now.

IF you want to contact the sailors I know of about Lavacore you can try Potcova (216) or Francis (807).
Kjoller (5435) has a new Descente suit.

-Kent

Thanks for the info Kent...at lease now I won 't go out and get a tight suit which is what I will check out the ones you mentioned...thanks!   I will have to work on the extra bunching up in the stomach which is not do to clothing as well.  Thanks Kent!

I prefer winter bicycling tights.  I wear long johns under then bike tights to race, so buy a one size bigger.  Sources: Performance Bicycle, BikeNashbar.com

A wind layer goes over between races, and many use one of the following depending on temperatures:

Lined work Cover-alls
Lined nylon shell warm-ups or warm-up pants
A surfer cloak
Goretex rain suit (great if it rains, too)

On top, winter bike gear is great, and available, too.  If it is warmer, a vest is OK and underarmor or similar shirt under.  If colder, a storm jacket.  If colder still, both.  If still cold, add pocket warmers in your armpits.

Hunting socks and a waterproof goretex or similar sock completes the outfit.

10 years with this set-up and never cold.

I forgot to mention, I wear normal thick wool socks (one pair) over a pair of thin Gore-Tex socks.  Then track spikes.   In between races I put on a pair of "NEO"-style boots which slip right over the spikes and allows my feet to stay warm.  Unfortunately, I don't use hand or foot warmers as they cause sweating which is worse for me in the long-run.
One thing about iceboating wear, you have to switch gears.  In racing you exert calories, your pulse and blood pressure are up, and you generate heat and even some perspiration.  But it is important when you are done to put warm clothes back on and gradually zip back up as you cool and your clothing begins to dry.  I even found this to be true racing in 10 degree weather and higher winds.  I just don't remember wasting any time putting my snow pants, coat, and neos back on!

If there are long periods between races and you are cooling off too much, do some push-ups, or if possible (and safe) go for a practice run.

-Kent

All good information guys...Thanks for your insight and help!   Merry Christmas.   Regards Peter