What is the best thickness for a winter wetsuit?
The most common thickness for a winter wetsuit is 5/4 mm, also called a 5. It is slightly warmer than a 5/3 mm due to the extra millimetre thickness in the arms. The main body panels and upper legs are 5mm in thickness, while the arms, shoulders and back of the lower legs are made with 4mm panels. This is a practice known as going commando. Because of the wetsuit’s tight fit, wearing anything under it can feel unpleasant at times. Wearing nothing between your wetsuit and your skin reduces the quantity of water that can enter. You’ll be warmer if you decide to go nude beneath your wetsuit.They will often come with a range of features specifically designed to keep you warm as the water temperature starts to seriously dip.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.FULL. 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.Sports bras and appropriate underwear provide extra support and comfort under a wetsuit. A sports bra enhances warmth and helps prevent chafing and these undergarments ensure a snug fit, allowing for freedom of movement and added comfort during water activities.
What is the warmest most flexible wetsuit?
Overall, the Psycho Tech is easily one of the warmest yet most flexible suits out there and is one of our favorite hooded suits for its overall quality. We recommend it to surfers wanting maximum warmth and comfort in cold water. Read our full review here: O’Neill Psycho Tech Wetsuit Review. Thermal Layers In colder waters, thermal layers can enhance warmth and comfort. Thermal Rash Guards: Designed for insulation, these are made from materials like neoprene or fleece-lined fabric. Neoprene Shorts or Tops: Add extra warmth without too much bulk. These pair well with wetsuits in extremely cold conditions.Superior Warmth: With full coverage extending to the wrists, long-sleeved wetsuits provide excellent insulation, retaining body heat even in chilly waters. This additional warmth can be crucial, especially during colder seasons or in regions with frigid ocean temperatures.If you surf regularly in water temps between 52–63°F and prioritize warmth, flexibility, and durability, then yes—they’re totally worth it. A top-tier wetsuit can elevate your comfort and help you get more out of each session.
Do thicker wetsuits keep you warmer?
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. For cold water surfing, you’ll need a full-length wetsuit, often called a “steamer,” made from thick neoprene. A good quality wetsuit will have sealed seams to prevent water from entering, and will fit snugly to prevent water from flushing through the suit.You can hose down your wetsuit, or you can fill a tub with fresh water and give your suit a few dunks. After every surf, you want to do a thorough rinse both inside and out to remove any sand, salt water, sweat, or anything else your wetsuit might have grabbed on to during your session.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.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”.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.
Are expensive wetsuits worth it?
For occasional dives or other water sports, you don’t necessarily need to invest in an expensive high-end wetsuit, as a lower-priced basic wetsuit will serve you very well. However, if you plan to pursue your hobby for a longer period of time, you will definitely enjoy a higher-quality wetsuit more. 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+.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.For water temperatures ranging from 60°F to 65°F (15. C to 18. C), many swimmers will wear a wetsuit to prevent their core body temperature from dropping too quickly. For those venturing into colder waters (50°F to 59°F or 10°C to 15°C), a thicker wetsuit is required for adequate protection.Wetsuits are suitable for water temperatures ranging from around 50 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the thickness of the neoprene. Drysuits are typically worn in colder water temperatures, from around 35 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Are Finisterre wetsuits good?
Final Thoughts. If you’re looking for an ultra-warm wetsuit, the Finisterre Nieuwland ticks all the boxes. Made from eco-friendly Yulex, it has a built-in hood and is warm and durable. If you’re primarily in warmer waters, a 3mm suit should be sufficient, if you’re primarily in waters where temperatures hover around the mid-teens, a 4mm suit should be more than enough. But if you plan to tackle cold waters or winter waves, a 5mm wetsuit will keep you toasty and ready for anything.The 5/4/3 is a fullsuit/steamer wetsuit with 5mm neoprene around the torso, 4mm neoprene around the legs and 3mm neoprene around the arms. This is a popular choice for winter surfing in cool climates and is usually paired with a 5mm hood, glove and booties for optimum insulation and reasonable levels of flexibility.If your wetsuit already has a hood attached to it, you can add extra insulation to your core by wearing a 3mm shorty under or over your full wetsuit. In addition to a hooded vest, I find that some of the assorted thermal products made for layering under your wetsuit can make a big difference in your warmth.
What is the lifespan of a wetsuit?
On average, a wetsuit lasts between 1 to 3 years, but this depends heavily on how often and how intensely you use it. Let’s take a closer look at what to expect. 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.
Is it okay to wear nothing under a wetsuit?
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. 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.If you tuck your hood directly into your wetsuit then you will improve the thermal insulation properties and make sure you are nice and warm.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.Yes, Osprey wetsuits are highly regarded for their comfort and quality. Having tested both the Source and Long Jane, I can say they deliver excellent performance.SO TO WRAP THIS UP. White wetsuits are impractical: They’re colder than they need to be, and they get dirty as hell instantly.