Kayaking dry top?

Question

I just bought my first dry top for kayaking, and I have some issues with it...

1. Does anyone have advice for putting it on and taking it off? I'm sure it'll get easier once I'm used to it but...

2. Do you get used to the feeling that the neoprene neck is choking you? lol

The guys at the place where I bought mine know everything about kayaking and told me the top fits perfect but...please help!

Answer 1

It's a trade off.  Comfort for safety and warmth.  The neck will probably always feel like it is "choking" you, but, unless you start to turn blue, it's ok.  It will relax a little with time and use...plus, you will get more used to it.  I wear a dry suit rafting in the spring out here in Idaho, and it has undoubtedly saved my life on more than one icy swim!!

Answer 2

1. Nope, its gonna be hard...

2.Its supposed to, its a seal and keeps the water out...

Answer 3

To get on my dry top I like to put my hands in the sleeves first and then pull out the neck gasket to strectch it and put my head through, then just pull it down and as you wear it will stretch out a little more. As for getting it off I like to do the same in reverse. pull out my head so that only my arems are in the sleeves and then get out my hands. As for the neck chocking feeling you notice it when you are not in the water but as soon as you start to paddle and it get wet you tend to get oblivious to it. My dry top fits perfect too but it is an art to learn how to get in and out of them and used to it.