What is the best wetsuit for warmth in winter?
Best overall winter wetsuit: Patagonia R4 Regulator front zip hooded full suit. Whenever I mention Patagonia wetsuits to surfer friends, there’s an understandable gripe about the price. But the R4 Regulator has the perfect blend of warmth and flexibility for surfing throughout winter. A recent thesis comparing Yulex and traditional neoprene showed comparable insulation performance, especially in milder open water temps — a great fit for our wild swimming community (Master’s Thesis, UiT Arctic University).Best winter wetsuit for warmth: finisterre nieuwland 5. Yulex chest zip hooded wetsuit. The nieuwland was by far the warmest wetsuit i tested, even in frigid water and icy winds.A hooded wetsuit is the better option for the surfer who fears no weather and is ready to chase the winter swells, come snow or shine. This is because they offer more protection from the cold water due to the minimal gaps and seams in the neoprene.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.
Do thicker wetsuits keep you warmer?
The thicker the neoprene, the warmer you will be, so thicker wetsuits are better suited for colder water. Wetsuit thickness usually ranges from 2mm for hot summer days to 7mm for very cold conditions. For cold-water surfing, you’re going to want a full suit, which covers both arms and legs. The thicker the suit, the warmer it will keep you. Wetsuits generally come in three, four, and six millimeter thicknesses. Not all wetsuits are created equal; generally, you get what you pay for.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”.A 7mm wetsuit is needed when diving or swimming in colder waters. These wetsuits are designed to keep you warm in water with temperatures between 7 and 16 degrees Celsius (depending on class). If you dive into these waters without the proper wetsuit, you run the risk of hypothermia, which can have serious consequences.Just like with most things in life, wetsuits naturally lose warmth over time due to factors like neoprene degradation, frequent use, exposure to UV rays, and improper care.
Is a 4:3 wetsuit too warm?
FULL. 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. For cold water surfing, you’ll need a full-length wetsuit, often called a “steamer,” made from thick neoprene. A good quality wetsuit will have sealed seams to prevent water from entering, and will fit snugly to prevent water from flushing through the suit.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.Yes because when you are out of the water your own body heat can’t escape. When you go in cold water in a wet suit, you open the neck area to let water in and your body heat warms the water and creates a barrier to keep you warm. Either inside or outside of the water.For warmth and comfort during your dive, it’s hard to beat a drysuit. As all divers know, water is a heat-stealer. Unless you’re diving in water warmer than 98. F, your body starts losing heat as soon as you hit the water. But in a drysuit, water never touches your body, only air does.
Is it okay to wear nothing under a wetsuit?
Yes, it is. Many people choose to wear nothing under their wetsuit. Wetsuits are designed to fit snugly against your body, and the fewer layers underneath, the better the insulating effect. For some, this is the most comfortable option, especially during short sessions or in warm conditions. This is a practice known as going commando. Because of the wetsuit’s tight fit, wearing anything under it can feel unpleasant at times. Wearing nothing between your wetsuit and your skin reduces the quantity of water that can enter. You’ll be warmer if you decide to go nude beneath your wetsuit.Do you 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.You may not choose to wear these briefs to a beach, but they are the standard attire for wearing under your wetsuit. These MAKO lycra suits totally eliminate uncomfortable bulges, often experienced when wearing other shorts, such as board shorts, under your suit.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.
Is a 5mm wetsuit too thick for surfing?
They will often come with a range of features specifically designed to keep you warm as the water temperature starts to seriously dip. Superior Warmth: With full coverage extending to the wrists, long-sleeved wetsuits provide excellent insulation, retaining body heat even in chilly waters. This additional warmth can be crucial, especially during colder seasons or in regions with frigid ocean temperatures.When the water temperature measures between 50 and 65 degrees, wetsuits are strongly encouraged, and some races may require their use. Between 65 and 78 degrees, it’s typically the athlete’s choice of whether to wear a wetsuit.Wetsuits. There are a handful of warmwater wetsuit options that — for many professional surfers — is the suit of choice for a high-performance surf session. This tends to be because wetsuits perform like a single skin on the body and also offer added protection with coverage and the light neoprene padding.Thermals are not just for the winter months. They offer great versatility to water sports fans since they can be worn alone – in the form of a top, shorts, or leggings – or worn underneath your wetsuit to enhance your experience in or around the water.
Should I wear a bra under my wetsuit?
Sports bras and appropriate underwear provide extra support and comfort under a wetsuit. A sports bra enhances warmth and helps prevent chafing and these undergarments ensure a snug fit, allowing for freedom of movement and added comfort during water activities. If you’re going to be wearing a wetsuit, then a thermal rash guard is a good option. Not only will it prevent chafing from the wetsuit, but it gives you a little extra insulation for warmth keeping your core warmer. A decent thermal under a kayak jacket can make all the difference in Autumn.Wetsuits are designed to trap a thin layer of water between you and your suit, your body then heats that water to help keep you warm. So in theory not wearing anything that can interfere with that layer will make your wetsuit work more efficiently.Swimming wetsuits aren’t designed to be rubbing up against a board all the time, so you’ll soon find your swimming wetsuit being worn down if you take it surfing. Wearing a surfing wetsuit while swimming will feel like a drag. Wearing a swimming wetsuit while surfing will cause it to wear out quickly.Swim Shorts for Men For comfort when taking part in activities, many men choose to wear tight fitting swim shorts under their wetsuit. This can minimise any chafing or irritation, and also makes changing easier.While you’ll rarely see a surfer wearing a rash guard under their wetsuit, rash guards are still very commonly used and worn for sun protection. Another key reason for going commando under your wetsuit is due to the technological advances in neoprene wetsuit linings.