What wetsuit for winter surfing?
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. If the wetsuit is too thick, you may overheat and become fatigued. If the wetsuit is too thin, you may become cold and your movements may be restricted. The ideal thickness for a wetsuit depends on the water temperature and your personal tolerance for cold.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.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.Designed for surfing in the coldest water temperatures. The 6/5/4 is a fullsuit/steamer wetsuit with 6mm neoprene around the torso, 5mm neoprene around the legs and 4mm neoprene around the arms.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.
Is a 4:3 wetsuit too warm?
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. Yes, the thicker the wetsuit, the more buoyant it will be. This is because thicker neoprene contains more air bubbles, increasing your lift in the water.Generally, a lower thickness is recommended for open water swimming. As swimming involves more constant movement, your body heat will be higher than when surfing, naturally keeping you warmer. Alongside the overall thickness, where that neoprene is placed also differs between swimming and surfing suits.
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. The chest should be tight but should obviously not cut off any blood flow or restrict you from breathing. If the shoulders, chest and underarm fit snug, there is less chance of water entering your suit. Note that the wetsuit will stretch out slightly after wearing it, just like a pair of jeans.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 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.When considering wetsuit vs drysuit, it’s important to note that dry suits offer significantly better waterproofing and thermal protection, making them ideal for colder conditions or extended use.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.
Is a 5mm wetsuit too thick for surfing?
They will often come with a range of features specifically designed to keep you warm as the water temperature starts to seriously dip. 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.HOW COLD IS TOO COLD FOR SURF? There is no ‘too cold to surf’, only not good enough, or not thick enough wetsuits. You see, neoprene is damn effective at keeping you warm in cold water, you’ve just got to have a wetsuit that’s thick enough to handle it.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.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.
Is a 3mm wetsuit ok for winter?
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. 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.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.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”.
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. Simply put, a thermal wetsuit is made with a thicker neoprene and has a warmer inner layer, to help retain body heat.Thermal rash vests are typically worn underneath your wetsuit, providing an additional layer of insulation. Not only do thermal rash vests help to keep you warm, but they also provide additional protection against chafing and skin irritation caused by the wetsuit.