the new high zoot fabrics really work well to keep you dry and comfy, but all the synthetics that work well in this capacity really stink quick.  I like merino wool stuff.  I wear cycling tights under my splash gear.  fine Merino doesn’t itch and is a great natural material for keeping you dry and warm and it doesn’t get rank.. 

James

Under paddling jacket and trousers.  Kokotat stuff, I don’t recall which model.    Neoprene gaskets at the waste, neck wrists and ankles, but adjustable at the neck wrists and ankles so if submerged I will get wet, but heavy splashing doesn’t get in.  They are loose enough to put a few layers under, so when it gets cool out, I can keep stepping it up till the water gets hard.  They are of some high-tech fabric that breathes but doesn’t let water in. 

When I used to surf in San Diego 20 years ago, I wore a rip curl wet suit and went sans speedo.  there you wrapped a towel around yourself to don and doff the wetsuit, swapping with a pair of baggy shorts.  And yes, those were the days. 

I’ve got one word for you… pyrotechnic diversion. Oh, that was two words. See how I did that?

I can picture in my mind a blurred, jerky, raw video (possibly from a pole mounted security camera) of people running from right to left in a frenzied panic away from a constantly growing cloud of billowing smoke. The camera momentarily searches for focus and then through wisps of light gray smoke we see a guy in the background changing out of a wetsuit…

As usual the confused network reporters (working without a script) attempt to explain the scene unfolding before us.

“Look Bob, It appears as though a rescue worker has already arrived on the scene.”

“That’s good news for all those frightened victims Dan.”

“Yes, I wonder how he was able to get to the scene so quickly?”

“I wonder if he is an off duty volunteer rescue worker?”

“Let’s watch and see if he calls for backup Bob.”

“It looks like he is putting on his gear.”

“No wait, he’s taking off his gear… the rescue worker is now naked and he must be getting ready to put on his protective fire fighting clothing.”

“What’s happening?” “I can’t see through the smoke.”

“There he is Dan.”

“What the hell?”

“He’s in his car, he’s pulling out of the parking lot… no wait… he’s leaving.”

“Are you sure Bob?”

“Quick let’s go to commercial.”

The commercial comes up and it is a shot of a guy in the woods on a river bank, looking out at the water. He turns his head slowly and takes a long drink from a cold frosty can of… Moose Drool Ale… A flock of geese fly by in the background as the scene fades to black.

Hey it’s the same guy from the parking lot video.

Mike-
That sounds like a much better plan than what Dennis prescribed. I think I am going to try it nude or with some Patagonia Capilene under it and get back to you all on my personal preference.

Now, to get my wife to buy me the wetsuit for my birthday.