Is a 4:3 wetsuit warm enough?
MM WETSUIT: WATER TEMPERATURES AROUND 12~15°C A 4/3 mm is most often classified as an all-season wetsuit rather than a full winter wetsuit, but for southern Europe, this is the perfect wetsuit to wear all winter. So location and water temperatures play a big role in defining the perfect winter wetsuit for you. By wearing a properly fitted wetsuit, you can maintain your normal body temperature (an average of 98. F) under cold water conditions. The thickness and length of your wetsuit can determine just how warm a wetsuit will keep you. Other factors aside from water temperature are sun and wind conditions.Wetsuits If you’re inclined to surf at water temperatures ranging from 42°- 50° F, you should have a 5/4 mm winter wetsuit. These fullsuits come with hoods, and accessories like booties and gloves are no longer optional.Your choice depends on several factors: Water Temperature: In water above 15°C (59°F), a wetsuit is usually sufficient. For colder conditions, a drysuit is recommended. Duration of Activity: For prolonged exposure, such as ice diving or cold-water kayaking, a drysuit offers better thermal protection.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.
Should I buy a 3/2 or 4:3 wetsuit?
Just ask yourself If my suit doesn’t perfectly match the water temp would I rather be a little too warm or a little too cold? Most would probably go for a 4/3 as a winter suit. A 3mm or 2mm shorty for summer, a 3mm fullsuit with watertight seams for dawn patrols and general later spring and early Autumn surfing. A 4mm suit for early spring and late Autumn before the winter really kicks in. A 5mm wetsuit for winter in most locations is fine, especially when couple with boots gloves and a hood.A bit thicker than the 3/2, the 4/3 wetsuit is a warmer option and a must have for all surfers in the North East. The 4/3 wetsuit features 4mm neoprene in the core and back with 3mm through the extremities. Surfers in NE typically wear these suits in the Spring and through the Fall and early Winter.A 4/3 suit is also a good choice for temperatures ranging from 8°to 11°Celsius (48° -54°Fahrenheit), but in those conditions, you can also go for the added warmth of a 5/4 mm suit. In cold winter water, a hooded 5/4 mm suit is a must, along withsurf glovesandsurf bootsto keep your hands and feet warm.What kind of wetsuit is recommended? If you plan on diving on the liveaboard you might want to consider bringing a long 3mm suit.A 4/3 suit is also a good choice for temperatures ranging from 8°to 11°Celsius (48° -54°Fahrenheit), but in those conditions, you can also go for the added warmth of a 5/4 mm suit. In cold winter water, a hooded 5/4 mm suit is a must, along withsurf glovesandsurf bootsto keep your hands and feet warm.
How much is a 4:3 wetsuit?
An affordable 4/3 suit typically falls within the $200-300 price range. Generally, a 4/3 wetsuit is recommended for water temperatures ranging from 52-60 degrees F (or 11. C). This will give you several thickness options. The prices of decent fullsuits start at $100 for warm water surfing and over $300 for cold water surfing. But if you have extra money, spend it on suits that range from $200 to $350.
How do I size a wetsuit?
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. Neoprene: The Shield Against UV Rays An additional benefit of neoprene is its inherent ability to block UV radiation. The dense structure of neoprene prevents the penetration of both UVA and UVB rays, effectively safeguarding the skin covered by the wetsuit.Wetsuits as Sun Protection Wherever there’s rubber, your skin should be pretty safe from the sun, but that doesn’t mean you still don’t have to use sunscreen. If you’re wearing a springy with arms and legs exposed, give those a spray with a reef safe zinc oxide spray and cover your face and neck with a zinc paste.The last thing you want to do is to leave your wetsuit hanging in direct sunlight to dry. Neoprene takes a beating from UV radiation, and will begin to break it down quickly. Coupled with heat, you can take a brand new wetsuit to completely destroyed in a matter of weeks.Your body heats that water, and the neoprene helps retain the warmth. The thicker the neoprene, the warmer you will be, so thicker wetsuits are better suited for colder water.
How much does a good wetsuit cost?
Recommended Budget for a Wetsuit This will give you several thickness options. The prices of decent fullsuits start at $100 for warm water surfing and over $300 for cold water surfing. But if you have extra money, spend it on suits that range from $200 to $350. Wetsuits have a water-repellent inner layer that prevents water from entering your body. However, wetsuits do not keep you dry when you are completely submerged in water because water enters the wetsuit through the neck, zipper, wrists, and ankles. Your body heats up this thin layer of water quickly.Peeing in Wetsuits Keeps Your Body Warm: LIE It is a fact that urine has body temperature. Therefore, yes. Your body will be warmer for a while, but then the thermal sensation will make you colder, even, if you are in very cold waters, it can bring you closer to hypothermia.Normally you don’t wear anything under a wet suit, because your insulation is actually coming from the layer of water that gets trapped between your skin and the wetsuit.Wetsuits are suitable cold water gear and will keep you warm. However, depending on water temperature, when dealing with extreme conditions, we suggest using a drysuit. Conversely, drysuits anticipate the wearer being dry, with their construction and materials engineered to be completely watertight.
Are Aldi wetsuits any good?
Please avoid buying any wetsuits from Sports Direct or Aldi. They will be very poor quality and probably not the right size. We’ve recently reviewed the best women’s wetsuits available in the UK, have a read of the article here. Here’s how to achieve the ideal wetsuit fit: Snug but Not Restrictive: The wetsuit should fit snugly around your body without restricting your breathing or movement. If you feel constricted or unable to bend comfortably, the wetsuit might be too small.Obviously, it is also possible to have a wetsuit that’s too tight. If it constricts your breathing, if moving your arms up and down feels like you’re lifting deadweights, if you need to call the fire brigade to get it on or off, there is a chance your wetsuit is too small for you.If you’re not used to a wetsuit or yours doesn’t fit, you may have a problem. It could end up causing your technique to change and affect your breathing rhythm. Both of which will lead to a slower swim!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.