How much should I pay for a good wetsuit?
Beginners should expect to spend $80–$150 for entry-level suits, while recreational surfers and divers should budget $180–$300 for better durability and comfort. Cold-water athletes need to prepare for $400–$600 wetsuits to ensure safety and insulation, and triathletes or pro divers often invest $500–$800+. 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 .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.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.
How do I size myself for a wetsuit?
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. Obviously, it is also possible to have a wetsuit that’s too tight. If it constricts your breathing, if moving your arms up and down feels like you’re lifting deadweights, if you need to call the fire brigade to get it on or off, there is a chance your wetsuit is too small for you.Generally, a wetsuit should fit snugly, like a second skin, but not so tight that your range of motion is limited.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 you surf much during winter or early mornings you can get the warmer 4/3mm thickness for just a bit more than the 3/2. Wetsuits are typically made with thicker (3 or 4mm) panels at the legs and trunk, and thinner panels around the arms where more flexibility is needed.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.
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. THE SCIENCE BEHIND WETSUIT THICKNESS Your body heats that water, and the neoprene helps retain the warmth. 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.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. After soaking, gently massage the wetsuit to help distribute the moisture evenly throughout the material.
Is it better to size up or down in wetsuits?
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. 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”.Wetsuit thickness usually ranges from 2mm for hot summer days to 7mm for very cold conditions. The thickness you need depends on where you surf, the season, how easily you get cold, and how windy it is.Reading the temperature guide Generally, you’ll find yourself using wetsuits that fall in the middle of the spectrum. For instance, a 3mm shortie or steamer is perfect for water temperatures between 18° and 24°C (65° – 75°F) and serves as an ideal high summer suit for the UK and other parts of Europe.
Are orca wetsuits true to size?
Based on my experience with fitting people in Orcas, over the phone and in person, in such an instance, sizing up is safer. This is because Orca has a performance fit style, meaning that it run a little tighter. If you end up buying online, make sure the retailer allows for a exchange for the correct size. Orca is one of our favourite open water swimming brands, with a great range of products designed to enable people to enjoy the ocean.Orca was founded in New Zealand in 1992 and has since built a solid reputation as a trusted leader in the wetsuit industry. It has become a go-to brand for triathletes, surfers and open water swimmers alike. Orca are well-loved for their innovation and quality, combining modern technology with thoughtful design.We love that Orca has improved its sizing to include swimmers in bigger bodies. The wetsuit is soft, flexible and performs very well. We like the lower neckline for a chafe-free swim. But we did struggle a bit with the fit.