How to size wetsuits for kids?
A little extra length for arms or legs could be fine, but it’s important to make sure that the torso is a tight fit. The waist and chest measurements are the most important factors in kids’ wetsuit sizing. 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.So, do you put on a wetsuit wet or dry? Totally up to you. But we hope that by the time you’ve finished reading this post, you’ll know that in order to save yourself time and grief, it’s simply easier to get into a wetsuit when you’re wet and to get into a dry wetsuit when you’re dry.The ideal size wetsuit should fit snugly on your body and feel like a second skin. At the same time, it should still allow for movement of the limbs. This ensures it will not hamper your performance for the activities you will be using it for. Obviously a wetsuit should fit tight.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.If you’re not used to a wetsuit or yours doesn’t fit, you may have a problem. It could end up causing your technique to change and affect your breathing rhythm. Both of which will lead to a slower swim!
Should a kids wetsuit be tight?
A wetsuit is essentially a second skin; it should feel tight but not be restrictive. Be sure to check areas such as under your arms, the lower back and behind the knees. Wetsuits don’t actually loosen once you’re in the water, but they do tend to feel more comfortable. This is because the neoprene material softens slightly when wet, allowing it to mould more closely to your body over time.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.What are the disadvantages of a wetsuit? 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.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.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.
Are wetsuits good for kids?
Protection against the cold In the same way it does for an adult, a wetsuit slows this loss of heat by trapping a thin layer of water between a child’s skin and the suit, which then warms and helps to stop their body heat racing away – keeping them warmer for longer. Nothing at all 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.Wetsuits are all designed for different conditions and temperatures of water. If you wear a wetsuit too thick for the water you’re swimming in, you’ll run the risk of overheating. If you wear one too thin, you’ll be too cold!If you have booked a surf, paddleboard or kayaking lesson and will be using a rental wetsuit then you need to wear swimwear underneath for hygiene reasons. If you forgot your swimwear, you can wear your underwear, it’s not ideal, but definitely better than wearing nothing.WHAT WETSUIT DO I NEED? For water temperatures of 15°C to 25°C, a full length summer suit or a shorty is the ideal option. A full length summer suit will give you a little extra warmth in cooler water and a shorty is perfect for giving you just enough warmth without cooking you when the sun climbs during the day.