Why do most surfers wear black wetsuits?
Wetsuits are black for a couple of reasons. For one, it’s the color that keeps you the warmest by absorbing UV rays. Also, it’s dyed with carbon black, which strengthens the neoprene and makes the suit more durable. Carbon black is used in the production of neoprene to offer protection from harmful ultraviolet radiation. It traps photons emitted from sunlight. Darker colours like black and navy blue absorb UV rays more rapidly than lighter shades like a white wetsuit.The color black acts as a shield from UV rays that can be harmful to your wetsuit, slowly compromising the neoprene over time. The color black helps absorb the UV rays from direct sunlight on the water, limiting the damage they can do to your wetsuit and keeping it working as long as it can.The color black helps retain body heat better than lighter colors, which is helpful for surfers, SCUBA divers, and swimmers who need to stay in the water longer and need optimum temperature regulation.
Do surfers wear anything under a wetsuit?
Some people do choose to wear nothing or “go commando” underneath their wetsuit – especially surfers. To some, the idea of a barrier between wetsuit and flesh is as distasteful and absurd as that of underwear to a kilt-wearing Highlands soldier. Swimwear We wouldn’t recommend boardshorts as your wetsuit is meant to be really tight and boardshorts are usually not. They tend to bunch up and could cause chafing and generally lead to discomfort. Women can wear a swimsuit or bikini, it’s just important to pick the right one.If your suit fits properly, that single thin layer of water becomes securely trapped, and because it’s trapped it will heat up. You’ll feel warm, lightweight, and happy when swimming. So a wetsuit should be a tight fit.Get it Wet Wearing your wetsuit in water helps it adapt more quickly to your shape. Take a short swim or soak it before your first full session.The most common faux pas among men is wearing boardshorts under a swim wetsuit. This is a classic rookie error. Boardshorts will tend to bunch up under a wetsuit, giving the wearer a wedgie, generally feeling horrible, and if anything increasing the chances of a rash.
Is there a difference between a swimming wetsuit and a surfing wetsuit?
Generally, a lower thickness is recommended for open water swimming. As swimming involves more constant movement, your body heat will be higher than when surfing, naturally keeping you warmer. Alongside the overall thickness, where that neoprene is placed also differs between swimming and surfing suits. You’ll feel cold, weighed down, and sad. If your suit fits properly, that single thin layer of water becomes securely trapped, and because it’s trapped it will heat up. You’ll feel warm, lightweight, and happy when swimming. So a wetsuit should be a tight fit.High-end 3/2 wetsuits feature premium neoprene, advanced seam sealing, and thermal liners designed for lightweight warmth and max flexibility. They’re also more durable and comfortable over long sessions. Are high-end wetsuits worth the price? If you surf often or demand high performance, yes.If your suit fits properly, that single thin layer of water becomes securely trapped, and because it’s trapped it will heat up. You’ll feel warm, lightweight, and happy when swimming. So a wetsuit should be a tight fit.A 5mm neoprene thickness is ideal for water temperatures between 10°C and 15°C, offering warmth and a fair amount of flexibility for activities like surfing or diving. In warmer waters above 15°C, it may feel too warm, and a thinner wetsuit (3mm or 2mm) is a better choice.
How tight should a wetsuit be when surfing?
In general, a wetsuit should fit snugly, like a second skin, but not so tight that your range of motion is limited. The sleeves should fall at the wrist bone and the legs just above the ankle bone, and there should be no gaps, pockets, or rolls of neoprene. If you land between two sizes, or you’re at the top of the size range and are unsure which would be best suited to you then we would always advise sizing up, wetsuits are already designed for a tighter fit without restricting your range of movement therefore its best to accommodate for this by sizing up.So, do you put on a wetsuit wet or dry? Totally up to you. But we hope that by the time you’ve finished reading this post, you’ll know that in order to save yourself time and grief, it’s simply easier to get into a wetsuit when you’re wet and to get into a dry wetsuit when you’re dry.There are four key attributes to consider when selecting the right wetsuit: Warmth, Flexibility, Durability, and Fit. Balancing these four attributes makes the perfect wetsuit.While a woman can technically wear a men’s wetsuit, the fit might not be ideal. Women’s wetsuits are specifically designed to support and accommodate the female form. A men’s wetsuit might not fit snugly in the right areas, which can allow cold water to circulate and reduce the suit’s ability to keep the wearer warm.
What to know before buying a wetsuit?
Whatever you use your wetsuit for, the most important thing to get right is the fit. Your wetsuit should feel snug and tight all over. If there’s excess material in places like the neck and cuffs, it will let water in and negate all its insulating properties. Don’t be too taken aback by the tightness of a wetsuit. It should fit like a second skin, tightly wrapped around your body. After all, a wetsuit only works when the fit is right. On the other hand, you don’t want it to be too restrictive or tight, and want to avoid excess material in areas like your armpits, lower back and behind your knees.Do wetsuits stretch over time? First, you have to remember that wetsuits are made for the water. If you buy a wetsuit in the wrong size, it isn’t going to stretch to fit you better. Sure, after many years of wear, the wetsuit might stretch out a bit, but you want to buy a wetsuit in the right size to begin with.There are four key attributes to consider when selecting the right wetsuit: Warmth, Flexibility, Durability, and Fit. Balancing these four attributes makes the perfect wetsuit.There are four key attributes to consider when selecting the right wetsuit: Warmth, Flexibility, Durability, and Fit. Balancing these four attributes makes the perfect wetsuit.Back-zip wetsuits feature a long zip along the back of the wetsuit. They are the easiest and fastest wetsuits to get in and out of. However, the longer zipper tends to make the wetsuit less flexible and let more water into your suit.
Why do surfers wear shirts over their wetsuits?
Rash Guard: A rash guard is a lightweight, moisture-wicking shirt that helps prevent chafing and provides sun protection. It can be worn under a wetsuit or on its own in warm conditions. Wearing it on top of your wetsuit allows you to be more visible – just avoid blue! The Basics: Swimsuits and Rash Guards They’re lightweight, quick-drying, and designed specifically for surfing. If you’re new to surfing, a rash guard is a smart addition. These snug, lightweight tops help protect your skin from board wax, chafing, and UV rays. They also keep you a bit warmer if the wind picks up.Ocean and Earth wetsuits are constructed using the latest materials and technologies available. This means that you can stay warmer and surf longer without any annoying movement restrictions. Tested and trusted by the world’s best surfers since 79.In warmer waters (68–75°F), most surfers go for a springsuit – short legs, long sleeves, or both. If you’re headed somewhere tropical (75°F+), a UPF rash guard or surf suit will give you sun protection without weighing you down.