Are Billabong wetsuits any good?
Performance. Wetsuit functionality has come a long way over the years, and Billabong has been at the forefront of technology. In terms of performance, the flexibility and warmth of the Billabong Absolute Natural help cold water surfers of all skill levels have a more comfortable experience while catching turns. In the 1970s, an Australian surfer established Billabong by making boardshorts. Since then, the company has expanded significantly, making superior eco-friendly wetsuits. The bottom line: this is one of the best suits in its price range.A 3/2 mm, also called a 3. It has 3mm neoprene in the core for warmth and 2mm in the arms and legs so you can paddle easily. The 3/2 thickness is great for early mornings or late summer when the air starts to cool down. A 3/2mm thick wetsuit will keep your core warm and allow you to stay in the water for longer.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 6mm surfing wetsuit is designed for use during the coldest winter months. This thickness is one of the thickest offered by the well-known brands and these suits commonly include a hood for additional warmth.
What do females wear under a wetsuit?
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. Brands often use single lined neoprene on chest and back panels of a wetsuit to keep you warmer in windy and cold conditions. Single lined neoprene lets water droplets run down faster without being absorbed in the lining. This protects you against windchill and makes this material warmer than double lined neoprene.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.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.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.
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. 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.Fit is everything, and to ensure you don’t feel any nasty shocks of cold water, you need to get the size right. A wetsuit should fit like a second skin. The wetsuit needs to heat a thin layer of water evenly around your body to regulate your body heat. So, it needs to be tight to your body.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”.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.
Is it better to size up or down for wetsuits?
Step 2: Should you size up or down in a wetsuit? In this case, we’d recommend selecting the next largest size. While we don’t want excess material, mobility is important when surfing and we don’t want the size of your wetsuit to limit your motion. 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.Generally, 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. Wetsuits fit more snugly than clothing.Rinse It on the Regular After each surf session rinse your wetsuit in a bucket, bath or shower of cold, fresh, non-salty water. Yes, for sure it’s tempting to get in the shower fully-suited and whack the heat up high, but it won’t do your wetsuit any good.They will bunch up and could even affect the fit of your wetsuit. Another downside is that because they’ll go soggy when wet, they will make you cold. So don’t wear a T-shirt under your wetsuit, go for one of the options below instead.
How to hide your bulge in a wetsuit?
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. Your wetsuit should feel snug all over without pinching or cutting into your skin. There should be no baggy areas, as these can trap excess water. However, it shouldn’t feel so tight that it’s hard to move or breathe. Test the fit: Raise your arms, bend your knees, and twist your torso to ensure full range of motion.The way a wetsuit works is that it holds a layer of water next to your skin, allowing your body to heat up that layer which then acts as an insulator. You have to endure the initial contact but once that layer is warmed up it will feel nice and cozy!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.In general, you should never have to wear any underwear under your swimsuit. If it is a one piece, you don’t need to wear a bra or panties. If it is swim trunks, swim shorts or swim briefs, you usually shouldn’t wear underwear underneath those either.Just like above, we’d highly recommend that if you want to wet a wetsuit before putting it on, then make sure you’re wet too. If you’re wet and the suit is dry, that could lead to tears or damage to the suit because you’re trying to finagle your way in something that’s just not working.