What are the advantages/disadvantages of using a dry-suit for kite boarding?
Its time for me to replace my old 3/2 wetsuit and I'm considering a drysuit (of the Ocean Rodeo variety). I do not surf, or wind surf. I only kitesurf in various places along the California coast. The one disadvantages I see to a drysuit is the inability to relieve yourself when your bladder tells you its full without actually getting out of the water and partially removing the suit.
You could go with a hybrid like the O'Neill Assault Hybrid Dry suit. The bottom half from the waste down is neoprene. I use a dry suit for wakeboarding and you definitely wouldn't want to relieve yourself in it. As far a the previous comment about it filling up and sinking to the bottom, I've never had any problems with any water getting in mine even after catching an edge and taking a violent face plant. Mine is so air tight that any excess air trapped in it increases your buoyancy. Wetsuits are fine, but you are wet. I'm wakeboarding in upper 40's water temp, you can layer clothing under it for extra warmth. Can't beat that. Why be wet if you don't have to? I've never used a hybrid but I think the neoprene lower half is 5mm or somewhere close to that. That will keep you toasty.
Thy hybrids run about $300 - $350. I got my dry suit from Adrenaline Water Sports online. (www.adreanlinewatersports.com)
I paid $254 for my drysuit and the guy garantees them for three years against leakage. Pretty good deal to stay dry.
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US $3.00
