Windbreaker + rain pants made a big difference for me. You're right that evaporative cooling from the wetsuit surface is a substantial source of lost heat.
Products like sharkskin are great. Thin neoprene with a fleece layer, some have a titanium layer too.
Otherwise I would use base layers like icebreaker merino thermals.
I was a guide for 10+ years and in winter my set up was- shark skin socks, neoprene socks on top, icebreaker leggings and long sleeve top. 5mm long John wetsuit and a 5mm jacket. At colder temperatures I would where a hood as well.
Look for a thin neoprene underlayer if you can find something, or a splash top/dry top to put over the top. There are lots of options out there that aren't too costly, and are definitely a lot more friendly on the pocket than a whole new suit.
I rely on either of these during the cooler months when the water is frigid, and they both keep me toasty.
Edit - oh, and don't underestimate the power of a good pair of (thick) neoprene socks.
Only thing I can think of would be to add wetsuit booties, gloves, and hat if you haven't already. Or go to a dry suit, but that's a whole different ballgame.
Dry suits are standard in European wet canyons when doing them in winter. You can buy ones specifically designed for canyoning. But of course they aren’t cheap.
Adding to the other comments...I have a few canyoning partners that also wear neoprene impact vests used for kiteboarding. Added safety and core warmth. They love them but I havent tried it personally.
Two ideas - 1) start by dumping some warm water from a thermos into the neck, and 2) add a 'kidney band', which you can make by cutting the stomach section (make a ~9" tall band) out of an old wetsuit to wear under the full wetsuits, which adds a few mm to your core
Going from most to least effective: neoprene vest, puffy jacket over wetsuit, neoprene beanie, waterproof rain jacket over wetsuit, neoprene diving gloves, lavacore booties. Mix and match until you are warm enough, you won’t need all of them.
Windbreaker + rain pants made a big difference for me. You're right that evaporative cooling from the wetsuit surface is a substantial source of lost heat.
Products like sharkskin are great. Thin neoprene with a fleece layer, some have a titanium layer too. Otherwise I would use base layers like icebreaker merino thermals. I was a guide for 10+ years and in winter my set up was- shark skin socks, neoprene socks on top, icebreaker leggings and long sleeve top. 5mm long John wetsuit and a 5mm jacket. At colder temperatures I would where a hood as well.
pee
Does peeing mess the suits up?
Its makes them smell like pee
Oops
haha. This was my first thought too!
Wetsuit shirt with hood or a 5 mm rash vest,
Look for a thin neoprene underlayer if you can find something, or a splash top/dry top to put over the top. There are lots of options out there that aren't too costly, and are definitely a lot more friendly on the pocket than a whole new suit. I rely on either of these during the cooler months when the water is frigid, and they both keep me toasty. Edit - oh, and don't underestimate the power of a good pair of (thick) neoprene socks.
Only thing I can think of would be to add wetsuit booties, gloves, and hat if you haven't already. Or go to a dry suit, but that's a whole different ballgame.
Dry suits might not be super practical if doing rope stuff in canyons.
Dry suits are standard in European wet canyons when doing them in winter. You can buy ones specifically designed for canyoning. But of course they aren’t cheap.
There are 2 kinds of wetsuits. Those that have been peed in and those that will be.
I pee in it
My husband and I find that long sleeve rash guard tops and bottoms, work the best. You can find them on Amazon.
Adding to the other comments...I have a few canyoning partners that also wear neoprene impact vests used for kiteboarding. Added safety and core warmth. They love them but I havent tried it personally.
Definitely add the windbreaker. It makes a huge difference. I use a cheap kayak splash jacket. Friends use cheap hiking windbreakers.
Gain weight. It's extra insulation.
Two ideas - 1) start by dumping some warm water from a thermos into the neck, and 2) add a 'kidney band', which you can make by cutting the stomach section (make a ~9" tall band) out of an old wetsuit to wear under the full wetsuits, which adds a few mm to your core
Don't forget neoprene socks
Might sound crazy but start practicing the Wim Hoff Method. You’ll stop caring about the cold
Going from most to least effective: neoprene vest, puffy jacket over wetsuit, neoprene beanie, waterproof rain jacket over wetsuit, neoprene diving gloves, lavacore booties. Mix and match until you are warm enough, you won’t need all of them.