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. A wetsuit worn daily by a diving instructor may be worn out after two to three years, but less frequently used and well-maintained suits with high-quality materials can easily last 7 to 10 years.A decent triathlon wetsuit from a reputable brand should last anywhere between four and 10 years, depending on the frequency of use.We know wetsuits aren’t built to last forever, but just how long should you expect yours to hold up? On average, a wetsuit lasts between 1 to 3 years, but this depends heavily on how often and how intensely you use it.
Do wetsuits shrink with age?
Wow — I just bought that thing last year. I couldn’t have gained that much weight. Well the truth is, you might still have your so-called “winter coat” but the cold hard fact is that most wetsuits do shrink. In fact, some of them will shrink up to 14%. For winter and colder weather conditions when you want to prevent hypothermia, a winter wetsuit is especially needed as it provides more insulation and protection against the cold water due to the neoprene thickness being thicker, the seams being sealed and includes extra thermal linings to warm against your skin.For beginners, we recommend either a shorty or a full-length wetsuit, as both provide the right balance of insulation and comfort. A wetsuit with a neoprene thickness of 1/2mm or 3/2mm offers more than enough warmth while ensuring flexibility and breathability.Just like with most things in life, wetsuits naturally lose warmth over time due to factors like neoprene degradation, frequent use, exposure to UV rays, and improper care.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.Yes, wetsuits do stretch a little over time. The neoprene material naturally adjusts to your body shape with repeated use.
How tight should a wetsuit be?
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. 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.A suit that’s too small could cause a feeling of tightness, making it difficult to breathe and preventing you from moving your body in a way that’s comfortable for you. On the other hand, a suit that’s too big will let water in, which will negatively affect your buoyancy and body temperature.Colder water requires a thicker suit: more millimetres of neoprene for insulation. Wetsuits with two or more numbers feature different thicknesses. For warmth, the thickest neoprene is centred at the core of the body while arms and legs feature thinner neoprene for flexibility paddling.For different top and bottom sizes, we recommend opting for a larger alternative of up to two sizes. Women’s wetsuits can sometimes feel slightly constricted around the neck, but this will feel more comfortable once you’re in the water.
Do you go commando in a wetsuit?
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. Get it Wet Wearing your wetsuit in water helps it adapt more quickly to your shape. Take a short swim or soak it before your first full session.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.Rinse It on the Regular After each surf session rinse your wetsuit in a bucket, bath or shower of cold, fresh, non-salty water. Yes, for sure it’s tempting to get in the shower fully-suited and whack the heat up high, but it won’t do your wetsuit any good.Needless to say, we are talking about peeing in wetsuits in the water. If you have to do it, do it at the beginning of the dive. The water will have time to rinse off the urine. Just before getting out of the water, open your wetsuit and let the water run inside.
Is a 4:3 wetsuit too warm for summer?
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. 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.A 5/4 mm, also called a 5. It is slightly warmer than a 5/3 mm due to the extra mm thickness in the arms.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.
What not to wear under a wetsuit?
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. Lay your wetsuit flat on the ground, facing down; cross the arms behind the back; place a short length of tube as wide as your suit (a bit of plastic guttering, or a cardboard postage tube) across the bum and fold the ankles up to the shoulders before storing flat or, if necessary, rolling up.
Is it better to have a tighter or looser wetsuit?
How Should a Wetsuit Fit? In general, a wetsuit should fit snugly, like a second skin, but not so tight that your range of motion is limited. 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.Saltwater can break down the materials in your wetsuit over time, and the best way to avoid this problem is by rinsing off the suit each time you take it off. Use freshwater to rinse it, making sure to thoroughly rinse the entire surface.Wetsuits have a water-repellent inner layer that prevents water from entering your body. However, wetsuits do not keep you dry when you are completely submerged in water because water enters the wetsuit through the neck, zipper, wrists, and ankles. Your body heats up this thin layer of water quickly.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.