Is a 3mm wetsuit warm enough?
Wetsuits This thickness is perfect if you feel the chill and a shorty wetsuit isn’t warm enough in the summer. They are especially handy if you surf at dusk or dawn and need something more protective than a shorty wetsuit, or as the end of the summer season develops into the autumnal months. Wetsuits are designed to keep us warm by retaining body heat. This is all well and good, but the increased body heat from swimming and the insulation from the wetsuit means we can’t offload this heat so easily, which could cause an increase in sweating (particularly in warmer water).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.If you want to put on your wetsuit easily and fully enjoy your time in the water, finding a proper-fitting wetsuit is key. A wetsuit that is too small is harder to put on and won’t be as comfortable during your activity in the water. In fact, it might even limit you in your movements.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!
How much weight to add for a 3mm wetsuit?
Start with weight equivalent to 10 percent of your body weight, which is a good baseline for a 6mm full wetsuit. For a 3mm suit, use 5 percent of your body weight. Remember that these percentages are simply starting points. Wetsuits are simpler, easier to move in, and suited to warmer water. Drysuits are best for cold water but need extra training and maintenance.Neoprene Tops and Shorts A 1-2mm neoprene top and shorts will give a good extra layer of warmth, more so than thermals and will give your core extra protection. Go for zip free options to wear under wetsuits, so you don’t get marks. Zips can get really uncomfortable when pressed close to you under the 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.A wetsuit should fit like a second skin. It should feel tight but not restrictive, with no gaps in the nooks and crannies of your body such as under your arms, the lower back and behind the knees.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.
What happens if your wetsuit is too thick?
Unfortunately, a wetsuit that is too thick does have a few downsides. It doesn’t allow you to lose excess heat and can make you feel too hot. Additionally, the thick neoprene fabric on the arms and legs can limit your range of movement, which is not what you want when surfing, swimming, windsurfing or kitesurfing. So in theory not wearing anything that can interfere with that layer will make your wetsuit work more efficiently. Also wearing anything under an already tight-fitting wetsuit will reduce flexibility, so if you want the maximum range of movement in your wetsuit, it’s probably best to wear nothing under it.Is a 3mm wetsuit ok for the UK? A 3mm wetsuit is ideal for UK summer months (June–September) when water temperatures range between 14–18°C, offering warmth and flexibility for surfing and swimming.USAT rules state that competitors may wear wetsuits if the water temperature is 78 degrees or lower.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.
Should I get a wetsuit with a hood?
If you plan on spending time in cold water, a hooded wetsuit is a must. Not only will it make for a more comfortable experience overall, but it will slow heat loss down, ultimately allowing you to stay in the water longer. By wearing a wetsuit hood, you’re protecting your head from the cold and insulating your entire body more efficiently – meaning you can surf for longer! Whether the wetsuit is hooded or you wear a detachable wetsuit hood, they both work excellently at protecting your head from all wintery water issues.Despite their name, wetsuits do not entirely dry you out. They instead produce a thin water barrier between the suit and your skin. After reaching body temperature, this layer becomes an insulating barrier. Wetsuits maintain this layer of warmth to keep you warm even when you’re submerged in chilly water.Cons of Using Wetsuits While wetsuits offer great insulation, they are bulkier and restrict mobility more compared to spring suits. The thicker neoprene material limits flexibility, making paddling and maneuvering slightly more challenging.A 3mm wetsuit is perfect for warmer waters, typically suited for temperatures around 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F). It provides enough insulation for those who enjoy swimming, surfing, or snorkeling in milder conditions.Sun Protection: Spending extended periods in the water, especially during surface intervals or snorkelling, can expose your skin to the sun’s harmful UV rays. Wetsuits offer an extra layer of sun protection and prevent sunburn.
Should I buy a 3mm or 5mm wetsuit?
If you’re primarily in warmer waters, a 3mm suit should be sufficient, if you’re primarily in waters where temperatures hover around the mid-teens, a 4mm suit should be more than enough. But if you plan to tackle cold waters or winter waves, a 5mm wetsuit will keep you toasty and ready for anything. 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.Ultimately, what you wear under your wetsuit is your choice. Whether you choose swim shorts, a swimsuit, a bikini, a rash vest, or nothing at all, the goal is optimum comfort, ease of movement and total confidence when in the water. If you’re unsure, try out some options before settling on what suits you best.Recommended Budget for a Wetsuit 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.A wetsuit should fit as tightly as you can comfortably get into. What you need to avoid are slack areas where water can pool, or loose seals around the ankles, wrists, and neck. If your wetsuit is too loose, cold water will enter the suit freely or “flush through”.
What is a 3mm wetsuit used for?
F to 70°F (15°C to 21°C). They provide adequate insulation to keep you comfortable without overheating. 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.Choosing the Right Wetsuit for You If you’re competing in colder water conditions or looking for maximum coverage and buoyancy, a sleeved wetsuit may be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize freedom of movement and breathability, a sleeveless wetsuit may be the better choice.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.With a wetsuit, yes, you still get wet but you’ll be warmer. That’s pretty much it. Like others have said, it keeps the water surrounding your body warmer so you don’t lose body heat as much on top of it being another layer against cold water.The sooner you wash your wetsuit after getting out of the water, the better. No washing machine, no hot water, no laundry detergent, no fabric softener, and no bleach. You can hose down your wetsuit, or you can fill a tub with fresh water and give your suit a few dunks.