NRS Men's Nomad GORE-TEX Pro Semi-Dry Suit

OK, I haven’t used it yet. however, the concept of the neoprene neck gasket seems pretty brilliant. I have no doubt that it will be more than adequate for kayaking and the occasional intentional and more than likely, unscheduled water encounters.

I think the real point of interest is why in the world I would have ever purchased a dry suit semi or full. Though I scuba dove in my teens and 20s in the dreaded torture device known as a wet suit, dry suits or just over the top expensive and I never would’ve considered one. And when I took up dinghy sailing, again a dry suit would’ve been the best thing since sliced bread. by the way, never get into a dinghy, particularly a sailing one without the full expectation and being prepared to find yourself in the water. So no, it was not just price but more to the point a strong combination of youthyness, being fit, and stupidity, not necessarily in that order.
I am what was be described as, swims like a fish or commonly known as a “water rat“ (60’s insulting children was the norm).
Warm water, cold water, freshwater saltwater if there was water, I was more than likely to be in it. So why in the world did I get one? It 1000% comes down to a fantastic experience and day. It may have been decades since I had a good experience with buying something. So yes the store is very well designed and acquitted with all the right stuff, however, the person, Trina made the day. She was knowledgeable, sharp, thinking on her toes, open to learning, had great common sense, and perhaps most of all was friendly, kind, and did not come from a place of us versus them. I called my old work wife (its a thing) and buddy and we had what I’d consider the best three-way phone conference call ever! Karen has taken up kayaking since retiring, and is certainly one of the best water, safety and survival at sea trainers in the world. So when I asked what she thought would be the best complementary purchase to go with the kayak and she said a dry suit, well Trina‘s abilities had me immediately responding, to something I would never have considered, with OK what do you have? I think I spent almost 3 times when I had intended to pay for the kayak alone.

So who am I? I have participated in and trained nearly every kind of water activity you can think of. Swimming, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, diving, cold water, survival and safety. Lots and lots of safety and survival. for a solid 55 of my 65 years. 25+ years, teaching vessel, safety, and survival at sea with the number one organization training scientists going to Alaska and the bearing sea on research and commercial fishing vessels. Roughly 500 students a year. Oh and I worked at REI for several years where I learned the employee side of Customer service. And of course I’m 65 years old and recognize competent intelligent, friendly people.
Thanks for listening if you got this far.
Cheers,
Dan.