Thank goodness for rubber suits!
They’ve not only allowed us to grow and enjoy surfing in cold parts of the world but the technology is so good now you’re actually quite warm and comfortable in the coldest of waters.
A general rule for everything is if you buy cheap you buy twice, it’s extremely relevant in buying a wetsuit.
Look for good well known manufacturers who offer warranty and good service on their gear.
Good wetsuit manufacturers include:
- O’Neill
- Rip Curl
- C-Skins
- Excel
- Patagonia
- Billabong
- Finisterre
- Quiksilver
Some of these manufactures build for colour and style and others rugged use in cold temperatures, go for what suits your local surf breaks best. See what the local surfers in your area are wearing.
How the wetsuit works
A wetsuit is a neoprene insulation suit made for warmth and protection in the water. It functions by trapping a thin layer of water between your body and the suit. This layer of water is warmed by your body helps keep your temperature up even if the water temperature is cold!
Types of wetsuits
Wetsuits generally range from 2mm to 6mm thick. We often refer to suits as Winter or spring/summer. In Ireland and Scotland however we generally surf ‘Winter’ suits year round!
Winter suit
Spring / Summer suits
Long John
Shortie
Temperature To Wetsuit Match
|
Water Temperature Range (°C) |
Wetsuit Thickness |
Wetsuit Type |
|---|---|---|
|
22°+ |
Zero mm |
Boardshorts and Rashie |
|
18-22 |
0.5 mm – 2/1 mm |
Top / Shorty |
|
16°- 20° |
2 mm – 3/2 mm |
Springsuit / Full Suit |
|
14°- 17° |
3/2 mm – 4/3 mm |
Full Suit + Boots optional |
|
11°- 14° |
4/3 mm – 5/4/3 mm |
Full Suit + Boots + Gloves optional |
|
6°- 10° |
5/4 mm – 5/4/3 mm |
Full Suit + Boots + Gloves + Hood |
|
6° and below |
6/5 mm – 6/5/4 mm |
Full Suit + Boots + Gloves + Hood |
Wetsuit Fit
Certain brands favour certain body types. For example O’Neill wetsuits are first and foremost made for the American Market, this suits us northern europeans quite well if you’re a couple of pounds off racing weight. All of the major wetsuit brands will have a sizing chart on their websites. Once you’ve got your height and weight, shoulder size and waist you’re away! It’s best to try on a couple of wetsuits and buy from a reputable store, such as ourselves!
It’s very important the suit is well fitted i.e no baggy areas but comfortable. If you’re 6ft tall and 85 kgs don’t pack yourself into a Medium, it may make you look like a superhero but you’ll be complaining in a few weeks when you’ve bust a seam!
We hope the above helps you in your quest for warmth and comfort.
