Is a 7mm wetsuit too much?
A 7mm wetsuit is highly recommended with the addition of the proper accessories such as a hooded vest. 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.But there are a couple of advantages. The obvious one is an open cell wetsuit is warmer. But they are also more flexible. Since an open cell suit keeps you totally dry, the neoprene doesn’t need to be as thick to keep you warm.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.A chest zip allows for a better fit and better insulation. With todays flexible neoprene it has also become easier to take your chest zip wetsuit on and off.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.
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. If you want to put on your wetsuit easily and fully enjoy your time in the water, finding a proper-fitting wetsuit is key. A wetsuit that is too small is harder to put on and won’t be as comfortable during your activity in the water. In fact, it might even limit you in your movements.A safe open water wetsuit should be a 3:3 thickness for women and a 3:5 thickness for men. This means 3mm of neoprene around the chest and legs for women, and 3mm of neoprene around the chest for men and 5mm of neoprene around the legs for men.What Temperature for 2mm Wetsuit? The recommended temperature range for a 2mm wetsuit is anywhere around 19°C for the use of a shorty wetsuit.Choosing the Right Wetsuit for You If you’re competing in colder water conditions or looking for maximum coverage and buoyancy, a sleeved wetsuit may be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize freedom of movement and breathability, a sleeveless wetsuit may be the better choice.
Are more expensive wetsuits better?
Are high-end wetsuits worth the price? If you surf often or demand high performance, yes. The extra flexibility, faster drying times, and better warmth-to-weight ratio can seriously improve your comfort and surf endurance. 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.Surfers wear wetsuits to trap a thin layer of body-warmed water, maintain core temperature in cold conditions, shield against abrasions and UV radiation, and boost buoyancy—letting them stay in the water longer, surf harder, and recover faster.While wetsuits are fantastic for staying warm in the water, they aren’t designed for all-day wear. Since wetsuits fit snugly to your body, wearing one for extended periods can lead to skin irritation, particularly around areas of friction.Wetsuit functionality has come a long way over the years, and Billabong has been at the forefront of technology. In terms of performance, the flexibility and warmth of the Billabong Absolute Natural help cold water surfers of all skill levels have a more comfortable experience while catching turns.To Sum It Up 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. Opposites just don’t attract in this case, so don’t force it.
Is it better to wear nothing under a 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. It should fit like a second skin, tightly wrapped around your body. After all, a wetsuit only works when the fit is right. On the other hand, you don’t want it to be too restrictive or tight, and want to avoid excess material in areas like your armpits, lower back and behind your knees.Just like above, we’d highly recommend that if you want to wet a wetsuit before putting it on, then make sure you’re wet too. If you’re wet and the suit is dry, that could lead to tears or damage to the suit because you’re trying to finagle your way in something that’s just not working.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.Some brands have created medium-tall (MT) and large-short (LS) sizes, making it much easier to find a wetsuit that fits well. Different manufacturers, however, will have different cuts and shapes, so it’s crucial you try the wetsuit on before you buy.
Is a 3/2 or 4:3 wetsuit better?
A bit thicker than the 3/2, the 4/3 wetsuit is a warmer option and a must have for all surfers in the North East. The 4/3 wetsuit features 4mm neoprene in the core and back with 3mm through the extremities. Surfers in NE typically wear these suits in the Spring and through the Fall and early Winter. A 7mm is generally recommended for water temps between 50 and 70 F, but individual cold tolerance varies so dramatically that some will be fine at 50 and below even in a 5mm, while others will want a drysuit at 70. For me, in the local temperatures, a 5mm is not enough but a 7mm generally is.A 5mm neoprene thickness is ideal for water temperatures between 10°C and 15°C, offering warmth and a fair amount of flexibility for activities like surfing or diving. In warmer waters above 15°C, it may feel too warm, and a thinner wetsuit (3mm or 2mm) is a better choice.F to 47°F/4°C to 7°C: 5/4mm full wetsuit with booties, five-finger gloves, and hood. Below 39°F/Below 3°C: 6/5/4mm full wetsuit with booties, mittens, and hood.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.
Is it better to size up or down in wetsuits?
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. 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.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.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.Check the Fit: Your wetsuit should feel snug but not uncomfortable. Make sure the neck, wrists, and ankles are sealed to prevent water from rushing in. Position It Right: Pull the suit up evenly and ensure it fits smoothly against your body. Adjust the seams around your shoulders and torso for a clean fit.