To know your gears is a 101 course for all water sport enthusiasts. Beginners should pay extra attention to dress properly and professionally, as the right equipment can absolutely bring you more fun and less injury. However, it can be confusing for newbies to find the right equipment in the market as the varieties are many.
Drysuit
Common drysuits' main feature is that they are made of thin membrane fabric, which is light, elastic and breathable.They do not constrain movement making it easier to row and paddle. They do not prevent heat and water from passing through, making it ideal for summer and hot weathers. For winter and chill days, you may wear extra clothes inside to keep warmth.
Overall, drysuit's main benefits are
A. keep you dry;
B. greater mobility (it may look chunky, but it doesn't take extra effort even when you try to swim in water)
C. can fit with a wider range of temperature by changing the layers of clothes underneath the suit.
D. more comfortable to wear for long hours compared to wetsuit.
The major downsides of drysuit are the potential risks. Drysuit provides zero buoyancy on water, and zipper failures could happen. Sometimes you may see people in drysuits floating on the surface due to air trapped inside the suit, but remember that THE AIR MAY LEAK. When a drysuit is damaged, water will sink into it and in a few minutes you may feel the drag and heaviness on your body. However, it is possible to avoid the risks by wearing a life jacket.
Wetsuits will be discussed in the next part of the article.