Surfski Knowledge Base

Reivers Dustin
11/30/13 #15184

Regards feet: I've had best luck with NRS booties with mens dress socks inside. For some reason direct skin-to-neoprene doesn't work for my feet. That thin layer of material makes a big difference.

When I've gone big with thicker socks, even woolies, it goes the wrong way and my feet get cold. When I've tried the water-barrier socks of various kinds, it's the same: freezing feetsies. Like my feet sweat when they cool off - so dry doesn't matter.

Of course dry-suit footies work great with thin socks also (best thing ever). But I can't handle dry suit unless it's blowing, very cold and big conditions where there's a lot of spray.

….

rd

Reivers Dustin
11/30/13 #15186

Forgot something important: I love the high boots, but they are bad trouble if you dump. I have a pair for dead flat and bitter cold. But I don't dare wear them if there's any chance of waves. word to the wise.

rd

Steve Scoggins

11/30/13 #15187

Booty wise…Patagonia 7mm wool lined haven't put a chill on my feet yet. Highly recommended.

Steve

bill

11/30/13 #15188

For feet check out the newest generation of NRS booties. I have these and really like them. They have a much bigger toe box than previous generations and are fuzzy inside. There much warmer than my previous NRS booties that pinched my toes. There also thin and flexible enough to work the peddles easily.

http://www.nrs.com/product/23051/nrs-freestyle-wetshoe

Without a doubt the best booties i have ever had in 25 years of paddling.

Bill

Sean

11/30/13 #15189

I agree with Bill on the feet thing. I have the new NRS Paddle Wetshoe. Boxed out toe keeps the blood flowing. Fleece lined adds a layer of warmth and makes them easier to slip on and off. I went with zippered side for better dryout between sessions and easier to slide in drysuit booties and/or a sock layers.

http://www.nrs.com/product/23071/nrs-paddle-wetshoe

Steve Scoggins

11/30/13 #15190

I agree with you about the fuzzy NRS boots…unless you paddle a Fenn. The big toe box foot doesn't allow for comfortable steering. I had to ditch them for the Patagonia round toe.

Steve

ALAN CLARK

11/30/13 #15192

Thanks for all the info. I paddle a Swordfish or a Fenn Elite SL, so I guess I have to go to the Patagoinia booties. My feet are size 11 -12.

Reivers, I presume that the dress socks are wool or a wool blend. I'll try that. It has to be really cold, really wet, or gnarly before I can wear a dry suit.

Thanks,
Alan