Kokatat

MEASURING GUIDELINES

• Do not measure yourself. Measurements should be performed by an authorized and trained Kokatat retailer. Failing that, someone you trust to get in close with a cloth measuring tape.
• Just relax! Look forward and stand up straight with your feet about 12 inches apart. 
• Don’t move around and look straight ahead. Stop looking at your measuring partner or the floor. Remember, relax!
• Take measurements in street clothes and bare feet, preferably washed.
• DO NOT make allowances for insulation layers under the suit. Kokatat patterns are designed to allow for adequate layering under dry suits. 
• All circumferences should be taken at the widest point. If you happen to be measuring your wife or mother-in-law, you may want to refer to this as… oh, forget it.
• Again… measure twice, cut once.

The following measurements should be taken on the person’s front side:

CHEST: Take this measurement at the widest point. This is usually at the nipple area. Do not hold your breath, just relax. If the person is muscular, take a second measurement at the armpit area, across the upper chest. Use the larger of the two measurements. 

WAIST: At the widest point, usually across the navel. Just relax and breathe normally.

HIPS: Take this measurement from the side to ensure the correct placement of the tape. Place the tape around the hips and across the widest point of the buttocks. This might be a good time to come up with a descriptive word other than “widest”. Make sure that all pockets are empty.

INSEAM: This is also referred to as the “crotch to ankle bone” measurement for those very secure individuals. Have the person stand with legs straight and feet about 12" apart. Have them hold their hand to the side, with palm facing out. Place the end of the measuring tape between their first two fingers. Ask them to place the hand with the tape in their crotch area, snug up against the body. Just relax! Stretch the tape straight down your ankle bone. Ask the person to look straight ahead, turn their head to the right and cough.

GIRTH: This measurement is for the entire torso length. Place the tape at the base of the neck on top of the shoulder. Run the tape down the front, through the crotch and up the back to the starting point on the shoulder. 

This final measurement should be taken on the backside:

SPINE TO WRIST: Hold arm directly out to the side, parallel to the floor, palm down. Bend the elbow forward, stop hand in front of nose. Place the tape at the base of the neck, starting at the spine. Run tape along the arm, turn at the elbow, measuring to the wrist bone.

SIZING NOTES

Kokatat garments are sized with ample room for ventilation and to be comfortable over an insulating layer. For all stock product please refer to the stock sizes in the sizing chart. All dimensions are in inches; for metric sizing please go to our website.

If you don’t fit into the stock sizes, Kokatat can add and subtract length in the sleeves and arms, and add length to the torso of stock sizes. These custom sizes are special orders and will take 4-8 weeks to build. Contact customer service at 800.225.9749 (US only), 707.822.7621 or kokatat@kokatat.com with questions.

PRODUCT USAGE

Our product line allows you the freedom to mix and match products with added versatility for different paddling scenarios and conditions. We offer a multi-layered system of clothing that fits well, doesn't restrict movement and weighs as little as possible.

Dressing for paddle sports is largely a matter of common sense. What each individual decides to wear on the water is a balancing act involving safety, comfort and the risk one is willing to accept. Feeling comfortable and safe means you will enjoy the experience, and, after all, having fun is one of the best reasons to paddle!

As you look over the different products, try to focus on your intended use - both for now and into the future. Water temperatures, weather patterns and your present skill level should influence your decision. If you are unsure, seek out more information. Your local paddle sports dealer, an outfitter offering instruction or friends who paddle can be excellent resources. 

LAYERING system for watersports

The art of dressing for watersports is a matter of choosing the right tools for the job and using them properly. Kokatat garments are technologically sophisticated but, more than that, they make a complete system that balances heat loss with heat production and adjusts to deal with conditions that can change by the hour or the season. The best way to do this is with layers.

A layered system of garments finds its strength in versatility. Each layer performs a specific function and can be mixed and matched to adapt to different conditions. Kokatat garments are the ingredients of a multi-layered system that fits well, won’t restrict your movement, and weighs almost nothing. A good layering job goes something like this:: 

FIRST LAYER: MOISTURE MOVEMENT  - a thin garment next to the skin, like our Polartec® Power Dry® BaseCore wicks the body moisture away from the body, keeping the skin dry and decreasing evaporative heat loss.

SECOND LAYER: NSULATION - thicker pieces, like our Polartec® Power Dry® Liner and OuterCore insulate against the cold and move body moisture to the outer shell. The thickness of this layer is determined by conditions and your level of activity.

THIRD LAYER: PROTECTIVE OUTER SHELL - the outer garment protects against incoming water, wind, or sun. Kokatat’s dry suits, dry tops, paddling jackets and pants will do just fine, thanks

Now you are ready for the water! Before you warm up, you may need all layers to maintain your body heat. As you become more active, balance clothing layers to your body temperature to avoid overheating. You can use the ventilating features found on Kokatat apparel, remove a layer or replace it with a thinner one as conditions change.

DRESS FOR THE SWIM, NOT FOR THE WEATHER

 
Rain, sleet, spray, swims in the river and capsizes in the ocean affect everyone who participates in water sports. You’ll be safer, more comfortable and have more fun on the water if you have the right clothing for each paddling scenario. Being comfortable in all conditions comes down to one basic principle: maintaining a balance between the heat our bodies produce and the heat we lose to the environment. We highly recommend that you dress for the water temperature.

HEAT IS LOST TO THE ENVIRONMENT IN FOUR WAYS:

Radiation - Heat flows from a warmer object to a cooler one. Since your body is often warmer than the air, you lose heat when your skin is exposed. With the right clothing covering your body and a hat, you’ll probably be more comfortable.

Convection - Heat is lost through air movement. A cold, windy day will steal your heat and energy faster than a calm day. Windproof garments will cut convective heat loss.

Conduction - Heat is lost with contact with something cold and that loss is up to 32 times faster when that something cold is water. Conductive heat loss can be balanced with good insulation.

Evaporation - Heat dissipates when moisture leaves the body as vapor (perspiration). Even though it may be cold outside, if you are exerting yourself, you will sweat. As that sweat evaporates your body will get colder. You can manage that moisture with a good system of moisture wicking, hydrophobic insulation and breathable, waterproof clothing. By the way, cotton holds moisture, so it is not the best clothing to wear if you are trying to stay warm and dry.

HOW TO PUT ON A DRY SUIT

 
Trying on a dry suit for the first time can be awkward. An assistant who knows how a dry suit should fit would be advisable (your local dealer, a friend who paddles, etc.) Find something to sit on- a chair or bench is better than the floor. Remove rings, earrings, watches and other sharp objects that might tear a gasket. Take your shoes & socks off, step into each leg, pull suit up to waist and push feet through ankle gaskets or socks. Cinch the waist draw cord. Slide left hand all the way through the sleeve and gasket; follow with the right hand. With both hands, grab the opening of the neck gasket and stretch the gasket a bit while ducking into the suit and up through the neck gasket (this should be one motion). Do not pull the gasket over your head by pulling on the fabric or the base of the gasket. (Use the same care when removing.)

HOW TO JOIN DOUBLE SKIRTED DRY TOPS AND WHIRLPOOL BIBS

 
If you use a dry top the majority of the time but need protection for colder weather and water, try the Whirlpool bib. This versatile two-piece system is as dry as you make it. Practice makes perfect - take the time to fold correctly, and immerse yourself to check for leaks before you paddle in moving or cold water.

You can download the whirlpool bib and skirt folding instructions from the Gasket Repair and Other Instructions page.

TRIMMING IS NOT TABOO!

 
The neck gasket on your Kokatat dry suit is designed to be trimmed (Kokatat wrist gaskets are not designed this way). The neck gasket should fit tightly without being too constricting. If stretching the gasket over a form does not increase the comfort, trim the gasket one ring at a time until it is comfortable but does not allow water in when you are swimming (see gasket trimming instructions). Consult your dealer or Kokatat customer service if you have any questions, and remember, cut once and test before cutting again!