Are oneill wetsuits any good?
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-performance wetsuit for cold water surfing with excellent flexibility, warmth, and comfort, the O’Neill Heat is a standout choice in the back zip category. Many models also feature strategic body mapping for improved fit and comfort, alongside thermal linings like TechnoButter Firewall that provide exceptional insulation. This combination of innovative materials and design features makes O’Neill wetsuits a top choice for surfers seeking both performance and warmth.Wetsuits are designed to be snug, but they should never cause pain or significantly restrict movement. If you feel uncomfortable or unable to move freely, it’s a sign that the wetsuit might not be the right size.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.Thermal Layers In colder waters, thermal layers can enhance warmth and comfort. Thermal Rash Guards: Designed for insulation, these are made from materials like neoprene or fleece-lined fabric. Neoprene Shorts or Tops: Add extra warmth without too much bulk. These pair well with wetsuits in extremely cold conditions.When considering wetsuit vs drysuit, it’s important to note that dry suits offer significantly better waterproofing and thermal protection, making them ideal for colder conditions or extended use.
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. Ultimately wetsuits should feel relatively tight and fit snuggly to your skin – there should be no pockets of air or wrinkles when you put one on. However, they shouldn’t be so tight as to limit your range of motion or dig in uncomfortably. Wetsuits work by trapping a layer of water between your body and the suit.Wetsuits should be close fitting to your body without any bagginess, while still being able to move your arms and legs comfortably. However, it shouldn’t be too easy to get on and off, if it is easily done without much effort, it may be too big.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.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”.Do Wetsuits Work In Very Cold Water? A lot of people will tell you that wetsuits don’t work in very cold water. That’s incorrect. Long before we had drysuits, safety-conscious paddlers wore wetsuits – even when paddling on freezing cold water.
Is it okay if a wetsuit is a little big?
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. If you follow these basic care steps, your wetsuit should last at least a year. With occasional use and attentive care, wetsuits can last up to five years. Generally, the more flexible and high performance a suit is the shorter its lifespan. No matter what type of suit you own, it will have a shelf life.You are correct in that the elasticity of a wetsuit will change. A suit that is used daily will stretch out over time, whereas in contrast, a suit that is never used will begin to harden and seem to have “shrunk” when put on.On average, a wetsuit lasts between 1 to 3 years, but this depends heavily on how often and how intensely you use it. Let’s take a closer look at what to expect.
Can plus-size people wear wetsuits?
Yes, but choose a thinner plus size wetsuit (3mm or less) for comfort in warmer water. 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.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.O’Neill and Rip Curl seem to have the more reliable sizing for wetsuits. If you wear an LS in O’Neill, then order an LS, their tolerances are insanely accurate. For most companies, the accuracy of sizes is so much better now than in the past.Wetsuit sizing is based on a combination of height, chest circumference, and waist width. For women, hip measurement is also an important factor. To help you find the perfect fit, we developed an intuitive online Size Finder that makes choosing the right wetsuit size easier than ever.
Is a 5mm wetsuit too thick for summer?
The thickness of a wetsuit is measured in millimetres (mm); generally speaking, the thicker the neoprene, the warmer the wetsuit will be. For example, a winter wetsuit typically has 5mm neoprene in the arms and legs, while a summer wetsuit only has 2 or 3mm. A good-fitting wetsuit is easier to put on In fact, it might even limit you in your movements. A wetsuit that is too big, on the other hand, might result in accumulations of excess neoprene that can fill up with cold water.Wetsuit sizing is based on a combination of height, chest circumference, and waist width. For women, hip measurement is also an important factor. To help you find the perfect fit, we developed an intuitive online Size Finder that makes choosing the right wetsuit size easier than ever.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.One effective method to soften a wetsuit is to soak it in a tub filled with lukewarm water for about 30 minutes to an hour. This allows the neoprene to absorb moisture and become more supple.
Is it better for a wetsuit to be tight or loose?
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. If the water temperature is above 83. F (28. C), wetsuits are banned in Ironman events. In the range between 76. F and 83. F, athletes may choose to wear a wetsuit, but they won’t be eligible for age group awards or qualification slots.How right fitting should a wetsuit be? In general, a wetsuit should fit snugly, like a second skin but not so tight that your range of motion is limited. The sleeves (if full-length) 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.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.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.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. A wetsuit that is too big, on the other hand, might result in accumulations of excess neoprene that can fill up with cold water.
Are wetsuit sizes the same as clothes?
Wetsuit sizing runs completely differently from clothing sizing! Some wetsuit brands start at size “2” and work up from there, whereas other brands start at size “4”. 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.Once you get your wetsuit, (woo hoo! We are stoked too) try it on and make sure there is no excess material in the shoulders, under the arms, or legs. The wetsuit should feel like a second skin. You also want to make sure at the ankles is a nice seal so you don’t have water flushing up the leg.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.