The Essential Guide to Wetsuits for Surfers: Thickness & Fit Explained

Wetsuit Temperature Guide

A wetsuit’s thickness is crucial for surfing in cold water. Choosing the perfect wetsuit involves considering both the water temperature and your personal comfort preferences. The best wetsuit choice ultimately comes down to personal preference and water temperature. Consider whether you prefer more flexibility and freedom in the arms or more complete coverage. Thicker wetsuits (e.g., 4/3mm) are best for colder water, while thinner wetsuits (e.g., 2mm) are best for warmer water. Wetsuit thickness can also affect the level of warmth and insulation provided.

Men’s Wetsuit Temperature Chart

• The chart provides a general guideline for choosing the right wetsuit thickness based on water temperature.
• Consider factors such as wind chill, air temperature, and personal cold-tolerance when choosing a wetsuit.

How to use the temperature guide

• Use the temperature guide to determine the best wetsuit thickness for your needs.
• Consider factors such as water temperature, personal cold-tolerance, and activity level when choosing a wetsuit.

How Wetsuits Work

• A wetsuit insulates body heat to keep you warm in cold water.
• Most wetsuits have three layers: neoprene, lining, and insulation.
• The neoprene and lining combine to keep water from entering the suit, while body heat warms up the water inside.
• Wetsuits are not meant to keep you entirely dry, but rather to keep you warm.

The science behind wetsuit warmth

• Wetsuits work by trapping a thin layer of water between your body and the suit.
• The neoprene material provides insulation against cold water by trapping heat.
• The trapped water is warmed by your body heat, keeping you warm in cold water.

The importance of wetsuit fit

• A wetsuit should fit like a second skin with no sagging or bunching.
• The suit should fit tight to keep only a thin layer of water between your body and the suit.
• Fit is crucial for both warmth and mobility.

Wetsuit Fit Explained

• A wetsuit should fit snugly but not too tightly, allowing for mobility and comfort.
• Check for strong seals around the neck, wrists, and ankles, and make sure the neoprene fits tightly in these areas.
• Avoid wetsuits with excess, wrinkly, or baggy areas of neoprene, especially in women’s wetsuits.

Common fit mistakes to avoid

• Avoid wetsuits that are too small, as they can be uncomfortable and restrict movement.
• Avoid wetsuits that are too large, as they can allow cold water to enter the suit.
• Make sure to check the sizing chart for each brand, as they may vary.

Wetsuit Construction

Wetsuits are made from a material called neoprene, which is extremely elastic, durable, and insulating.

The neoprene comes in various thicknesses, and the numbers on the wetsuit indicate the thickness of the neoprene. A lightweight and flexible wetsuit provides solid warmth relative to its weight, emphasizing the durability and sustainability of the materials used, often incorporating recycled materials to enhance stretch and comfort.

Wetsuits can be springsuits, fullsuits, or shorties, and each type is designed for specific water temperatures and surfing conditions.

Wetsuit entry systems (Back Zip, Chest Zip, Zipperless)

• There are three types of wetsuit entry constructions: back zip wetsuits, chest zip wetsuits, and zipperless wetsuits.
• Back zip wetsuits have a zipper going down the length of the spine.
• Chest zip wetsuits are entered through a zippered cutout around the neck.
• Zipperless wetsuits eliminate the lack of flex found around zippered areas and stitching.

Wetsuit seam types (Flatlock, Glued and Blindstitched, Liquid Sealed and Taped)

• A wetsuit is made by fusing multiple panels of neoprene together.
• The seam plays a critical role in the overall warmth, flexibility, and comfort of a wetsuit.
• Flatlock seams are stitched inside and out and are common on warm-water wetsuits.
• Glued and Blindstitched Seams (GBS) are glued, fused, and then stitched together on the outside without piercing through.
• Liquid Sealed and Taped Seams are common in high-end wetsuits designed for cold water.

Lined Wetsuits

• A lining is an extra insulating layer on the inside of a wetsuit, which can add warmth and flexibility.
• Lined wetsuits are available in different thicknesses and styles, and can be a good option for cold water surfing.
• However, lined wetsuits may not be necessary for warm weather surfing, and can add bulk to the suit.

What is a lined wetsuit?

• A lined wetsuit is a wetsuit with an extra insulating layer on the inside.
• The lining can add warmth and flexibility to the wetsuit.

Wetsuit Accessories

• Wetsuit accessories, such as neoprene accessories, can help keep your head, hands, and feet warm, contributing to your core warmth.
• The three main categories of surf accessories are:
• Wetsuit accessories
• Neoprene accessories
• Wetsuit

Boots

• Neoprene and rubber boots for cold water activities.
• Wetsuit booties can have a round toe or split toe.

Gloves

• Neoprene gloves or mittens for cold water activities.
• Five-finger gloves provide the most dexterity, while mittens are best suited for very cold water.

Hoods

• Hoods can be added to hoodless wetsuits for additional warmth in colder waters.
• Some wetsuits have hoods built-in.

Neoprene beanies

• Light shirts made out of Lycra or other UV-resistant materials.
• They are used to protect against sun and sand, and sometimes worn under a wetsuit.

Surfing in Cold Water

• Thicker wetsuit options for cold water

A winter wetsuit is essential for maintaining warmth in extremely cold water conditions. Thicker wetsuit options for cold water provide better insulation and are crucial for surfers who brave the waves in colder climates.

• How thicker neoprene affects flexibility
• Tips for surfing in cold water

How thicker neoprene affects flexibility

• Thicker neoprene can affect flexibility, making it more difficult to move.
• However, thicker neoprene can also provide extra warmth and insulation.

Tips for surfing in cold water

• Use a thicker wetsuit to stay warm in cold water.
• Consider using wetsuit accessories such as boots, gloves, and hoods.
• Make sure to check the temperature guide to determine the best wetsuit thickness for your needs.

Wetsuit Style and Length

• Full Wetsuits
• Shorty Wetsuits / Springsuits / Short Johns
• Long John/Jane Wetsuits
• Wetsuit Tops and Bottoms

Full Wetsuits

Full wetsuits cover the entire body, including arms and legs. Winter wetsuits are designed with thicker neoprene to provide maximum warmth during cold water surfing. They can be found in many different thicknesses made for different water temperatures.

Shorty Wetsuits / Springsuits / Short Johns

• Shorties, springsuits, and short johns feature thinner material and short legs and arms.
• They are primarily used in warmer water temperatures.

Long John/Jane Wetsuits

• Long johns are made with thinner neoprene and no material at the arms.
• They are primarily used for warmer waters.

Wetsuit Tops and Bottoms

• Wetsuit tops are made out of 0.5-2 mm neoprene and can be paired with boardshorts or a bikini bottom.
• They are primarily used for warmer water sports.
• Wetsuit bottoms are neoprene pants, leggings, or shorts primarily used in warmer water temperatures.

Wetsuit Materials and Technology

• FAR Infrared Technology
• Eco-friendly wetsuit materials
• Other innovative wetsuit technologies

FAR Infrared Technology

• FAR infrared technology uses mineral-enriched fibers to capture body heat and convert it to FAR Infrared rays.
• This technology can keep you warm in colder water and increase flexibility.

Eco-friendly wetsuit materials

Some wetsuits are made with eco-friendly materials, such as recycled neoprene. Xcel wetsuits are known for their high quality and use of eco-friendly materials, making them a premium choice for environmentally conscious surfers. These materials can reduce the environmental impact of wetsuit production.

Other innovative wetsuit technologies

• Some wetsuits feature innovative technologies, such as liquid seam-seals and taped seams.
• These technologies can improve the warmth, flexibility, and durability of the wetsuit.

Activity Level and Wetsuit Choice

• How activity level affects wetsuit choice
• Wetsuit recommendations for different activity levels

How activity level affects wetsuit choice

• Activity level can affect surfing wetsuit choice, as more active surfers may prefer thinner wetsuits for flexibility.
• Less active surfers may prefer thicker wetsuits for warmth.

Wetsuit recommendations for different activity levels

• For high-output activities, consider a thinner wetsuit for flexibility.
• For low-output activities, consider a thicker wetsuit for warmth.

Wetsuit Care and Maintenance

• How to clean and store your wetsuit
• Tips for extending wetsuit lifespan
• Common wetsuit repairs

How to clean and store your wetsuit

• Rinse your wetsuit with fresh water after each use.
• Hang your wetsuit to dry in the shade.
• Avoid sun and salt water, which can reduce the wetsuit’s lifespan.

Tips for extending wetsuit lifespan

• Use a wetsuit wash to keep your wetsuit clean and supple.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
• Store your wetsuit in a cool, dry place.

Common wetsuit repairs

• Seam repairs are common, as seams can be prone to leakage.
• Consider using a wetsuit repair kit to fix small tears and holes.

Wetsuit Durability and Sustainability

• What affects wetsuit durability?
• Sustainable wetsuit options
• How to choose a durable wetsuit

What affects wetsuit durability?

• Wetsuit durability can be affected by factors such as usage, storage, and maintenance.
• Consider using a wetsuit wash to keep your wetsuit clean and supple.

How to choose a durable wetsuit

• Consider the wetsuit’s construction, materials, and features.
• Look for wetsuits with durable seams and a comfortable fit.

Wetsuit Recommendations

• Best wetsuits for beginners
• Best wetsuits for advanced surfers

Best wetsuits for beginners

• Consider a wetsuit with a thicker neoprene for warmth and flexibility.
• Look for wetsuits with a comfortable fit and durable seams.

Best wetsuits for advanced surfers

• Consider a wetsuit with a thinner neoprene for flexibility and performance.
• Look for wetsuits with innovative technologies, such as liquid seam-seals and taped seams.

Conclusion

• Recap of key points
• Final tips for choosing the right wetsuit

Final tips for choosing the right wetsuit

• Use the temperature guide to determine the best wetsuit thickness for your needs.
• Consider using wetsuit accessories such as boots, gloves, and hoods.
• Make sure to check the sizing chart for each brand, as they may vary.

The Essential Guide to Wetsuits for Surfers: Thickness & Fit Explained