How do I choose a wetsuit for surfing?
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. Expensive wetsuits are often made from higher-quality neoprene, which offers better flexibility, warmth, and durability. High-end neoprene like Yamamoto, known for its superior warmth and stretch, is commonly found in pricier models.The main disadvantage of wetsuits is that they can still be quite cold in colder water temperatures, as they allow water to enter and then warm up against the body. They also require more frequent replacement than drysuits, as the neoprene material can degrade over time.Different water temperatures require different neoprene thicknesses to ensure optimal warmth and comfort. Thicker neoprene provides better thermal insulation, making it suitable for colder conditions. Wetsuit thicknesses typically range from 2mm for summer suits to 7mm for extreme winter conditions.If the water temperature drops below 65°F (18°C), wearing a wetsuit is almost essential for preventing hypothermia and keeping your muscles warm and loose. Other benefits of wearing a wetsuit include offering protection from sunburn, jellyfish stings, and other potential hazards in the water.
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. If the water temperature drops below 65°F (18°C), wearing a wetsuit is almost essential for preventing hypothermia and keeping your muscles warm and loose. Other benefits of wearing a wetsuit include offering protection from sunburn, jellyfish stings, and other potential hazards in the water.A wetsuit should feel snug and slightly restrictive, but it should not hinder your movement significantly. It’s normal to feel some resistance, especially when dry, but once in the water, it should feel more comfortable.Neoprene gloves and socks should be worn under the wetsuit. That stops them from filling up with water and keeps you nice and toasty. Neoprene accessories – like a hat, gloves and socks keep your extremities toasty in chilly waters.Some male divers would like to wear nothing underneath their wetsuits. 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.What thickness wetsuit is suitable? With water temperatures averaging around 27°-28°C in most areas, the majority of guests are comfortable in a 3mm shorty or full-length wetsuit.
What do pro surfers wear under wetsuit?
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. While wetsuits are fantastic for staying warm in the water, they aren’t designed for all-day wear. Since wetsuits fit snugly to your body, wearing one for extended periods can lead to skin irritation, particularly around areas of friction.If the wetsuit is too loose, water will flush in and out, reducing its ability to retain warmth. A snug fit ensures that the water stays in place, keeping you warm even in colder temperatures.Swimwear Men can use swim shorts, briefs or jammers to wear under a wetsuit. 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.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.
How long should a surfing wetsuit last?
Different factors determine how long a wetsuit will last, including how often you use it, storage, care and the type of neoprene it’s made from. 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. If you’re just starting out, you may want to consider a less expensive wetsuit to see if you even like the sport before investing a lot of money. Expensive wetsuits are worth it if you’re looking for a wetsuit that will last a long time and provide you with all the features you need.After every session, you have to wash your wetsuit in order to get it fresh and ready for the next one. Apart from eliminating sand, salt, and odors, regular care will make your wetsuit last much longer. The good news is that washing your wetsuit isn’t that hard.The right blend makes the difference – with modern material mixes, you can find very comfortable and elastic materials that are still very durable – although this comes at a cost. Typically, a good quality wetsuit should last at least two years, but generally around five years or more, even with heavy use.Wetsuits can vary in price based on a number of factors. In general, the low end is typically around $50 for shorty springsuits, while fullsuits typically start around the $75 range. On the high end, prices typically top out around $500.They’re very comfortable, don’t wear me out like the last version did, and they dry faster, too. So yes, these wetsuits still cost a premium, but the performance finally lives up to the price, and they’re easier on the planet, too.
How much should I pay for a good 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. Fashion giant Dior in collaboration with Vissla released the world’s most expensive surfing wetsuit in May. The creation is said to capture the “bewitching beauty of the aquatic world through an underwater snapshot. The snazzy ensemble can be purchased for a cool $3,300 USD.A good-quality wetsuit usually costs around $200 to $400, offering the perfect balance between durability, comfort, and performance. Higher-end options may cost more, but they provide better insulation and flexibility.One of the two biggest differences between an inexpensive wetsuit and one that costs more is the type and quality of neoprene used in its construction: Thinner, more flexible neoprene (that isn’t so delicate it’ll tear with daily use) is more expensive than thicker, inflexible rubber.Unlike thicker wetsuits, which are better suited for colder water temperatures, 1mm springsuits are ideal for more mild conditions. A key feature of 1mm springsuits is their flexibility. The thin neoprene material allows for a full range of motion, enabling water sports enthusiasts to move freely in the water.
What color wetsuit is best?
These attributes make black the best color when it comes to wetsuits. While there are other colors you can pick from, you won’t likely get the benefits of a black wetsuit in them. For other colors, you’ll need a thicker and more advanced suit at a higher cost as well to get the benefits of a black wetsuit. Scuba divers commonly wear black wetsuits for similar reasons as other water sports enthusiasts: black absorbs more heat, helping to maintain body temperature in cooler waters. Black also tends to be more durable and practical, as it hides stains and damage better than lighter colours.Wetsuits are designed with closed-cell foam materials, usually neoprene, that feature thousands of gas bubbles. Upon entering the water, a thin layer of water creates a protective layer between your skin and the wetsuit.Material Quality and Warmth Retention Expensive wetsuits are often made from higher-quality neoprene, which offers better flexibility, warmth, and durability. High-end neoprene like Yamamoto, known for its superior warmth and stretch, is commonly found in pricier models.As you go deeper underwater, the air compresses. This means that it takes up less space. The neoprene of the wetsuit will therefore compress during the way down. The thickness of the neoprene of your wetsuit will decrease and you will have a thinner protection between your skin and the cold water.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.