How long do wetsuits typically last?
On average, a well-maintained wetsuit can last anywhere from 2 to 3 years with regular use. If wetsuits are not adequately maintained or if they are of inferior quality, their lifespan can be shorter. Neoprene is a waterproof synthetic rubber that offers excellent levels of durability, UV and heat resistance. Wetsuits work by trapping a layer of water between your skin and the suit, this is warmed up by your body temperature and in turn, this layer keeps you warm.Over time, even the highest-quality summer and winter wetsuits wear out, and most avid surfers replace them every 9 to 12 months. Heavy use leads to the seams weakening, neoprene losing its flexibility, and small tears that can turn into major leaks.To guarantee your suit is completely watertight, or to reinforce a repair, use a neoprene patch. On the inside of your wetsuit, apply a layer of Black Witch glue over the affected area, and onto one side of the neoprene patch. Allow to dry for 5-6 hours.It’s fairly easy to accidentally rip the neoprene when getting into and out of the suit. Tension tears, caused by something sharp penetrating the neoprene while its stretched, are the most common issue and are most often seen on the legs and arms of a wetsuit as these are typically caused by fingernails.The quick answer to the question of what to wear under a wetsuit is – it can be either nothing at all, a thin garment like a rash vest, compression shorts or bikini for comfort or for extra warmth a thermal hooded rash vest.
How much should I pay for a good wetsuit?
Recommended Budget for a Wetsuit 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. Cotton underwear, for example, is not a good idea: it absorbs water, dries slowly, and can cause chafing as you move. Loose-fitting clothing is also not recommended, as it can bunch up and fold under your wetsuit, which not only feels uncomfortable but also affects the fit of the suit.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.For those who know a thing or two about wetsuit specs, a second-hand wetsuit can be a great purchase. There are some great high spec wetsuits out there in the second-hand marketplace. You can find better specced second-hand wetsuits for the same amount of money as an entry model brand new wetsuit.A wetsuit should fit like a second skin. It should feel tight but not restrictive, with no gaps in the nooks and crannies of your body such as under your arms, the lower back and behind the knees.
Do wetsuits actually keep you dry?
Wet suits don’t keep you dry, but they can keep you warm. Wet suits are made of waterproof, closed-cell, foam-rubber (neoprene) which insulates even when wet. The two main things that determine how warm you will be are the thickness of the neoprene and the snugness of the wet suit. You should always consider personal comfort and the sizing guidelines, but if you’re between sizes, it’s usually recommended to go with the smaller size. This helps ensure a snug fit and comfort underwater. Just remember, it’s essential that the wetsuit is not too tight.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. Once you have checked the knees and armpits, turn your attention to the wrist cuffs and the ankle cuffs.In fall, when temperatures often range from 12°to 17°Celsius (55° -64°Fahrenheit), you can choose a wetsuit with a thickness of 3 mm around the core and 2 mm at the extremities, or a wetsuit with 4 mm around the core and 3 mm at the arms and legs – depending on how quickly you get cold and what kind of activity you .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.
Do surfers 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. Unfortunately, a wetsuit that is too thick does have a few downsides. It doesn’t allow you to lose excess heat and can make you feel too hot. Additionally, the thick neoprene fabric on the arms and legs can limit your range of movement, which is not what you want when surfing, swimming, windsurfing or kitesurfing.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.Wearing fleece-lined thermal layers underneath your wetsuit will provide you with extra neoprene thickness. This will add the warmth you need, whilst allowing you to avoid the cost of purchasing a brand-new winter wetsuit.So in theory not wearing anything that can interfere with that layer will make your wetsuit work more efficiently. Also wearing anything under an already tight-fitting wetsuit will reduce flexibility, so if you want the maximum range of movement in your wetsuit, it’s probably best to wear nothing under it.These numbers refer to the thickness of the neoprene material in different parts of the wetsuit. The first number represents the thickness of the material around your torso (where you need more warmth), while the second or third number indicates the thickness in the limbs (where more flexibility is needed).
What are the disadvantages of wetsuits?
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. The color black helps retain body heat better than lighter colors, which is helpful for surfers, SCUBA divers, and swimmers who need to stay in the water longer and need optimum temperature regulation.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.Durability and Maintenance: Black material tends to hide stains, dirt, and wear better than lighter colors. This can make maintenance easier, as the wetsuit will look cleaner for a longer period. Material Properties: Neoprene, the primary material used in wetsuits, is often produced in black.