This questions is probably geared toward New Englanders...<br /><br />Has/does anyone wear a 1-2mm top/bottom under their 4/3 in the colder months. Its getting to that time of year and I am hesitant to buy a 5 or 6. If I can cheat and throw an extra 1mm layer underneath...<br /><br />Now here are a bunch of faces that don't reflect my feelings in any way...
last year i was given a ripcurl 1.5mm heated vest and wore that under my hooded 4/3. i wore that until the beginning of January in new hampshire. i wore the vest under an old winter suit but never turned it on after that. for the winter, i recommend doing whatever it takes to get in the water and have as long of a session as you want.
I've done it before. It works a bit in that it will keep you warmer (marginally), but I really was not a fan of paddling, with the two suits stretching independently and what have you. Short-term solution. Those heated, sleeveless (emphasis on sleeveless) vests seem like they could do some good though.
I've done the heated vest and layering options and theyre both nice extensions on the 4/3 season but in the end youre really just delaying the inevitable. If the water temp is in the 30s, sky is cloudy (solar helps w/suit warmth), with a temp in the 20s and say about a 10mph wind then there is no getting around it, you'll really need a wintersuit. And lets face it those are pretty typical new england conditions for January till almost April.
I got a thin hooded vest as a gift. Coupled with my cheap 4/3, I was able to have a quick session in low 40's water and air. Beyond that was pushing it. Find a deal on a 5 mil.
Yeah I think thats about where the line is too but I like to have a little longer session generally so I make the switch a litttle before those temps.
i do it all the time with my 3/2. keeps the core nice and toasty. your legs might get a little cold but you'll have more flex. it might also be helpful to buy 3 carver skateboards. 5 hours before every session should do the trick.
