How thick should a wetsuit be for surfing?
The thickness of a wetsuit should be somewhere between 1/8” to 3/8” thick. The water temperature is usually about 68° to 75° at that time of year. Most people usually don’t wear a wetsuit at that time of year. If your wetsuit is too thin for the water or weather temperature you will be cold, shivering and not at peak performance. On the other hand if your wetsuit is too thick for the occasion, you may find yourself over heating and carrying unnecessary resistance.Thicker neoprene suits, typically 5mm or more, are ideal for colder water temperatures common in scuba diving but may feel restrictive for surfing movements. Opting for a 3mm or 4mm scuba diving wetsuit can strike a balance between warmth and flexibility, making it suitable for both activities.Recommended Budget for a 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.Moreover, a wetsuit that fits just right will provide a comfortable and snug feel, allowing for optimal performance in the water. It should feel like a second skin, with enough flexibility to move freely without any excessive bunching or gaps.
What is the easiest wetsuit to put on for surfing?
People typically switch to springsuits and shorties when the water gets warmer because they offer more freedom of movement and flexibility. Back-zip wetsuits feature a long zip along the back of the wetsuit. They are the easiest and fastest wetsuits to get in and out of. Zips are traditionally on the back of a wetsuit to allow wearers to step in and out of them with ease. However, many people now prefer chest zip wetsuits which prevent as much water entry and can make it easier to swim and surf with long hair.People typically switch to springsuits and shorties when the water gets warmer because they offer more freedom of movement and flexibility. Back-zip wetsuits feature a long zip along the back of the wetsuit. They are the easiest and fastest wetsuits to get in and out of.So how tight should it feel? Your wetsuit should feel close-fitting but not uncomfortable or overly-restrictive and you should be able to move in it. Wetsuits do feel slightly looser once you get in the water and water is allowed into them, too.You want your wetsuit to be tight everywhere, but it is most important that your wetsuit fits snuggly over the lower back and core. Big gaps in the back or over your chest will fill up with water and make you cold.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 there a difference between a swimming wetsuit and a surfing wetsuit?
In short, these specialist swimming wetsuits are designed with a swimmer’s natural movements in mind, where energy efficiency and drag reduction are paramount. In contrast, a surf wetsuit has to account for the amount of time you’re not actually moving when sat out back waiting for the next set to roll in. Swimming wetsuits aren’t designed to be rubbing up against a board all the time, so you’ll soon find your swimming wetsuit being worn down if you take it surfing. Wearing a surfing wetsuit while swimming will feel like a drag. Wearing a swimming wetsuit while surfing will cause it to wear out quickly.Wearing a swimsuit under a wetsuit is a common practice among women, due to the advantages it offers. The swimsuit helps prevent chafing, adding to overall comfort during high-movement activities where skin irritation risk is higher.Most people prefer to wear a swimsuit or board shorts, and others may need to wear sport specific gear underneath their wetsuit depending on the activity they’re participating in.Surfing without a wetsuit can be a liberating experience. It allows for greater mobility, less restriction, and lets you feel the water more directly. In tropical or warm water locations, surfing without a wetsuit can be a dream, especially when the water temperature is above 70°F (21°C).
What do you wear under a wetsuit surfing?
Swimsuit, Rash Guard, or Dive Skin are a must. If it’s colder, add thin thermals underneath. I see a lot of beginners try to skip this, and they regret it. 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.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.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.A rash guard is a lightweight, moisture-wicking shirt that helps prevent chafing and provides sun protection. It can be worn under a wetsuit or on its own in warm conditions. Wearing it on top of your wetsuit allows you to be more visible – just avoid blue!
How do I buy a wetsuit for surfing?
When you’re shopping for a neoprene wetsuit, it’s important to keep thickness in mind. This usually comes in the form of a number measuring the thickness of the neoprene in millimeters. The higher the number, the thicker and warmer the wetsuit. How right fitting should a wetsuit be? In general, 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.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.A few things to consider: Rinse your wetsuit after use, don’t use chemicals, don’t dry your wetsuit in direct sunlight to avoid ozone and UV damage to the neoprene. Don’t machine wash, iron or tumble dry. Avoid chlorine and store your wetsuit on a suitable wide-shouldered hanger, or folded in half while drying.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.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.
How do you pick a wetsuit?
When buying your suit, consider: Fit: A wetsuit should be snug but comfortable. A too-loose fit will allow water to flood the suit, undermining its warmth, while a too-tight suit can be constricting and uncomfortable. Thickness: Wetsuit materials come in a range of finely tuned thicknesses. Use Gloves: Wetsuits can be scratched pretty easily, so make sure you take care while pulling your suit up. Trim your nails or wear gloves, and try keeping the suit inside out as much as possible while you pull it up. Ensure You’re 100% Dry: We don’t recommend putting on your wetsuit while you’re wet.Leaving your wetsuit without rinsing it will accelerate its wear because the salt water will sit in the suit making the neoprene and seams of the suit age. Even dunking your suit in some freshwater or running a hose though it will greatly help you take care of your suit.Avoid Vaseline You probably know this already but just to repeat, don’t use Vaseline or other petroleum-based lubricants with your wetsuit. Most wetsuit manufacturers will tell you that doing so voids the suit’s warranty because it’s proven to degrade neoprene.With your suit inside out, hang it halfway through the middle of a clothes hanger. Don’t hang it from the neck or shoulders or they will stretch out. Hang your wetsuit in a shady place, ideally with a breeze. Avoid direct sunlight as UV rays break down neoprene.Even if you surf a lot, your wetsuit should last a few seasons if looked after properly. Cheap neoprene wetsuits are not very durable and can rip and tear easily, meaning you could end up buying a new wetsuit every year.
How much should I pay for a good wetsuit?
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. When a good quality wetsuit fits you well, it will trap a thin layer of water around you. Your body heat will be able to warm up that layer of water and the less water is in the wetsuit, the easier it is to do that. Pro-Tip: Contrary to popular belief, it’s not the layer of water that keeps you warm.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 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.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.