Plurring session on Malletts Bay

[Phyl Newbeck]

Nine of us went to Malletts Bay this afternoon for a plurring session. After initially working with a shallow hole near shore, we moved further into the bay for a more realistic situation where the water was over our heads. Everyone was able to get out on their own without need for a throw rope. One skater wearing a two-piece "semi dry suit" and another with a one-piece semi dry suit were able to stay as dry as those in dry suits. Some were convinced that their PFDs helped them exit the ice while others felt that the lack of PFDs made things easier for them. 

For what it's worth, the ice is not in horrible shape and might be worth an outing tomorrow although we did not go very far. The ice is still quite thick.

Thanks to the SK802 folks for setting this up. It's the first one we've had in several years and it was a great idea. 

-Phyl

[Priscilla Bolte]

Thanks for info!

Id be interested to know what brand/style the different drysuits were. Im in the market for.one for next year.

(5' 2"  116 lbs if size is an important factor in the decisions)

Also if there was a style of PFD that is "plurring preferred".

Thanks again to all who shared lake condition info again this year - very generous and especially helpful for those of us that live a couple.hours drive away!

Peace,

Priscilla 

Priscilla Bolte NP, RN

she/her/hers 

(508) 320-1723

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[Evan Perkins]

Hi Priscilla , in general skaters have been happy with semi dry suits, meaning that they have a neoprene neck and not a latex gasket at the neck. The advantage of these suits is that they are more comfortable to wear and cheaper to maintain overtime. They also have a lower price point to start with. The latex gasket on the neck, although it does seal out water perfectly, is often irritating to folks and they are prone to tearing. The Nerene gasket actually keeps out water quite well unless you are submerged for a period of time like rolling a kayak or something.which is very unlikely in a Skating situation. The Kota supernova is popular, there is a Gore-Tex and a non-Gore-Tex version which is cheaper. I think both are good, although the Gore-Tex fabric does last longer and maybe breaths  a little better. The NRS version of this is the nomad. As far as PFD's, it really depends on your body type, but the key thing with the PFD is to find one that has a low profile in the front with no pockets or bumps of flotation. So going to a store where you're able to try them on as best although I know that is hard these days, you're just looking for a lower profile with nothing to catch on in the front. There is also more information about this topic on Nordicskaters.squarespace.com.

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[kittyw...@gmail.com]

I’ll hop in and say that I’ve been really happy with my NRS semi-dry. I went up a size from what they recommended on their sizing chart, following some reviews I saw. 

It’s comfortable, easy to get in and out of, keeps the water out on a plurr and has made dressing for skating less of a guessing game.

Sent from my iPhone

On Mar 29, 2026, at 11:33 AM, Evan Perkins <evanwpe...@gmail.com> wrote:



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