How do I determine my wetsuit size?
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. A wetsuit should fit snugly around your body, but not so tightly that it restricts your movement or causes discomfort. Think of it as a second skin – it should feel tight, but not constricting. If the wetsuit feels too tight, it may limit your range of motion and cause discomfort.Wetsuits should be close fitting to your body without any bagginess, while still being able to move your arms and legs comfortably.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.If your wetsuit is decent and comfortable, you don’t have to wear anything under it. 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.
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 4/3 suit is also a good choice for temperatures ranging from 8°to 11°Celsius (48° -54°Fahrenheit), but in those conditions, you can also go for the added warmth of a 5/4 mm suit. In cold winter water, a hooded 5/4 mm suit is a must, along withsurf glovesandsurf bootsto keep your hands and feet warm.In the case of three numbers – the first one is the torso thickness, the second is the legs, and the third is the arms. For example, 4/3 mm means that your wetsuit has a thickness of 4 millimeters at the torso and 3 millimeters where it covers your limbs.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.You should use a 7mm wetsuit when water temperatures are between 45 – 60 degrees Fahrenheit (8 – 15 degrees Celsius).A 3mm or 2mm shorty for summer, a 3mm fullsuit with watertight seams for dawn patrols and general later spring and early Autumn surfing. A 4mm suit for early spring and late Autumn before the winter really kicks in. A 5mm wetsuit for winter in most locations is fine, especially when couple with boots gloves and a hood.
Is it okay if a wetsuit is a little big?
If your wetsuit is too loose, cold water will enter the suit freely or “flush through”. Water sloshing around in your wetsuit isn’t conducive to you being the best you. You’ll feel cold, weighed down, and sad. How Should a Wetsuit Fit? In general, a wetsuit should fit snugly, like a second skin, but not so tight that your range of motion is limited. The sleeves 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.If the wetsuit is too thick, you may overheat and become fatigued. If the wetsuit is too thin, you may become cold and your movements may be restricted. The ideal thickness for a wetsuit depends on the water temperature and your personal tolerance for cold.Getting your wetsuit size right is very important. It should feel snug without being too restrictive, and there shouldn’t be any gaps between your skin and the wetsuit. It should also fit high on the neck to create a seal to stop water from getting in.Additionally, wearing your wetsuit regularly and moving around in it will naturally help to break it in and soften the material over time. As you use your wetsuit more frequently, the neoprene will gradually mold to your body shape, providing a more custom fit and greater comfort.Wetsuits do become more flexible when wet and will mould to the shape of your body so as we say a little space is fine. Our video walks you through how your new suit should fit.
How cold is a 3mm wetsuit good for?
F to 70°F (15. C to 21°C): A 3mm wetsuit is ideal for this temperature range, offering warmth and mobility. F to 75°F (21°C to 24°C): A 2mm to 3mm wetsuit works well in this range, depending on your cold tolerance. The 5mm wetsuits are ideal when diving in waters between 23° and 27°. You can wear the 7mm wetsuit when diving in areas where the temperature drops below 20°.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.
What is a 43 wetsuit?
A 4/3 wetsuit means that the neoprene in the torso and upper body is 4 millimeters thick, while the neoprene in the arms and legs is 3 millimeters thick. This is typically used for colder water temperatures and offers more insulation and warmth. The Proteus II is the highest performing dive wetsuit on the market. Available in 3mm and 5mm, the Proteus II is often the benchmark to which other dive wetsuits are compared in terms of warmth.
Are wetsuit sizes the same as clothes?
Wetsuits should fit and feel tighter than clothing, and the wetsuit size you end up with may actually be one or two sizes bigger than your clothing size. So don’t rely on clothing size as an indicator for wetsuits! It’s also good to note that a perfect fitting wetsuit may take some work to get on and off. 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.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.Nothing in your urine will eat away at the seams of your wetsuit or create holes, so don’t worry about damaging your suit with a little bit of pee here and there. That said, you should always be sure to properly rinse out your suit in freshwater after a dive to keep it in the best shape possible.Note that the wetsuit will stretch out slightly after wearing it, just like a pair of jeans. Your waist should fit right, but it’s okay if it’s slightly tight or loose, there is no chance of water coming into your suit at the waist area. However, a snug fit is best.