What type of wetsuit is best for surfing?
For temperate waters, a 2-5mm steamer wetsuit works for both surfing and diving. During winter, surfers use a 3/2mm steamer, while divers may opt for 4/3mm or thicker. In colder waters, a 6-7mm wetsuit may be required for diving, while surfers might wear a 4/3mm wetsuit with gloves and booties for added warmth. 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.The best thing might be to wear a pair of swimwear briefs or bikini bottoms and a sports bra underneath your neoprene wetsuit. You could also look into sports underwear rather than something that covers your entire body. If you are worried about the seams chafing, you could also consider a rash vest.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.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.
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.Deciding what to wear under a wetsuit Instead of wearing a very thick wetsuit that will restrict movement and drain their energy faster, seasoned surfers and kitesurfers choose to wear thin layers (rash vests) underneath to serve as additional insulation for the body.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.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.
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. 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.General Wetsuit Price Points In general, the low end is typically around $50 for shorty springsuits, while fullsuits typically start around the $75 range. On the high end, prices typically top out around $500.SHARK STOP IS THE LEADER IN SHARK BITE RESISTANT WETSUITS Shark Stop wetsuit material has been successfully tested on great white sharks by Australia’s leading shark scientist, Professor Charlie Huveneers. Researchers at the Flinders University of South Australia even published a scientific journal on the findings.Price of protection The first batch of Shark Stop suits are being offered for sale at $795 but the recommended retail price will be $995. A traditional top-of-the-range surfing wetsuit is about $650 and is marketed as much on its flexibility as its warmth.
Are more expensive wetsuits better?
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. Premium Neoprene is designed to give maximum performance and service, resisting degradation from ozone and performing well in contact with oils and many chemicals, exhibiting integrity over a wide temperature range as well as an outstanding resistance to damage caused by flexing and twisting.Disadvantages of neoprene The primary disadvantage of neoprene is its cost. Several other materials offer similar characteristics at a lower price. Neoprene also offers poor resistance to strong oxidising acids, esters, ketone and certain hydrocarbons. Other rubber materials deliver superior oil resistance.Neoprene synthetic rubber is a highly UV-resistant material and will make a beneficial addition to outdoor applications whether it be industrial or residential. UV rays can degrade materials, such as natural rubber, and cause them to lose their strength and flexibility.
What do pro surfers wear under wetsuit?
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. If you’re going to be wearing a wetsuit, then a thermal rash guard is a good option. Not only will it prevent chafing from the wetsuit, but it gives you a little extra insulation for warmth keeping your core warmer. A decent thermal under a kayak jacket can make all the difference in Autumn.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!If you do need some rash protection in that department, wear a pair of speedos or some lycra-style trunks to cover your upper thighs, which some call ‘jammers’. They differ from your usual swim shorts in length, providing improved coverage for better protection against chafing (similar to bicycle shorts).
Why do most surfers wear black wetsuits?
Choosing a black neoprene wetsuit would be your best choice to keep your body warm longer. While you may not need as much insulation while surfing in warm climates, a black wetsuit helps reduce sunburn and friction from saltwater, as well as sharp or spiky surfaces and creatures. Choosing the right wetsuit depends on your priorities—whether it’s warmth, flexibility, or ease of use. Front zip wetsuits offer the best warmth and flexibility, while back zip wetsuits are ideal for riders looking for something easy to put on.Chest Zip Wetsuits: Advantages and Disadvantages The zipper across the chest offers a secure fit, preventing water from entering the suit and compromising warmth. Additionally, chest zip wetsuits provide better flexibility and range of motion compared to back zip options.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.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.