Here at SPIDER we have been testing and using our parafoils and traction equipment in all sorts of weather. The search for perfect clothing has been a long, cold and wet one.
The nature of parakarting dictates the need for something that not only keeps you warm but also provides some protection from the knocks and spills that are the inevitable part of the learning process.
We started off with fully lined one piece motor cycle suits. These had a number of advantages:
The use of polyester for the parafoils, plus the ability of low pressure designs to sail in wet or flooded conditions, really meant that we had to find a solution. Parakarting is after all a semi - maritime sport. Dismissing "wet suits" because of the chilling down and changing problems, we have found 2 piece dry suits to be a good solution.
Under the dry suits a liner is worn. In the summer this can be layers of cotton, a t- shirt, sweat shirts, and jogging pants. (Avoid jeans because the corners of the pockets catch on the webbing of the seat, preventing movement.) Or better still is a one piece cotton fleece liner. Remember that you will lose a lot of heat over a long session. Wind chill is a serious consideration.
Other items:
TIPS:
Reduce spray by using a mudguard and/or fitting a
spraydeck.
Work on the layer principle, and keep your body core as dry as possible.
If you do not have the right clothing to stay dry, the trick is to keep warm when your wet. One of the big problems in winter is freezing cold bums! It's no joke, you can do yourself some real damage if your not careful. The answer is to swallow your pride and stuff a nappy down your pants!! It works, you may still have a wet bum but it will be a nice and warm one!
A Helmet - mandatory! Protection from the ground and the buggy. And there is a very real danger of being hit by the buggy! The Combi helmet provides good ear and back of the neck protection. It's light, highly visible and lined with waterproof foam.
The disadvantages however were:
So we experimented with custom made suits with RF welded seams, in an attempt to keep the water out. These were better but still not perfect.
2 Piece dry suit
This guarantees waterproofness, and being 2 piece "comfort breaks" are easily taken. They are light weight and low volume. They can be hosed off (even while being worn) and dry quickly. This is particularly useful over buggy weekends etc where there are limited drying facilities. 7oz/198 gm neoprene coated nylon with latex seals. Waistband is smoothskin neoprene. They are re-inforced at the knees and bum. We use elasticated braces with the trousers.
THINBEARS
For Autumn/Winter/Spring use, we thoroughly recommend THINBEARS. These are quality one piece suits with the warmest "thinsulate" material available. Over which there is a "pertex" outer skin. Since there will be condensation on the inside of the dry suit, these serve to wick away moisture and they keep the Pilot warm and dry. Once the dry suit is removed the THINBEAR dries very quickly. The THINBEARS are designed for deep sea divers and are extremely warm. They are re - inforced at the elbows and shoulders. They can be worn on their own and are water resistant on the outside.