Looking for the Perfect Surfing Wetsuit: Things You Should Check On

Finding a good surfing wetsuit is more than just vouching for the most popular brand, these days. In fact, there are several brands you can choose from if you’re looking for high quality wetsuits.

However, there are very basic things you should understand about wetsuits before choosing your own surfing wetsuit. These are all listed below.

1. Among the first things you should check is the thickness of the wetsuit. A surfing wetsuit can be as thick as 3mm or 4mm, or as thin as 1 to 2mm. These are all fine, but you have to make sure that you choose the right thickness for the water temperature you’ll be surfing in.

You wouldn’t want to waste too much money on a wetsuit that’s too thick, in the same way that you wouldn’t want to freeze in the water because you bought a wetsuit that’s too thin. The temperature mark is always set at 70ºF. For water temperatures below 70ºF, you should make sure that you purchase wetsuits with 3mm to 4mm thickness. 1mm to 2mm thick wetsuits are only for temperatures above 70ºF.

2. There are many cases when it’s actually warm above water and cold once you’re submerged in it. For this reason, wetsuits were made with varying cuts. The full body wetsuit is the most versatile, although it’s not exactly the best surfing wetsuit because it restricts your movement. When you’re surfing, you’ll do much better with spring suits (for colder weather) or jackets and vests (if you think that your legs can handle the water’s temperature and you just need to protect your core and/or arms).

3. Always check the seams of your wet suits. While a surfing wetsuit requires minimal insulation since you’re not underwater all the time, it’s still advisable for you to get ones with high quality seam. This way, when you do take that splash, you won’t have to experience shocking water slushes. High quality seams are not exposed, and the seamed edges of the material are glued on with another layer of cloth to reinforce the suit’s ability to keep the water out. Suits with cheaper seams let in water faster, which makes for poor insulation once you’re in the water.

4. You should never purchase used wetsuits if you can help it. Wetsuits need to fit snugly on your body for them to be efficient in keeping your body warm. Used wetsuits have already been worn out with use, and they have adapted to their former owners’ body shapes. This means that it will never fit right when it’s your turn to use them. The loose parts in your wetsuit will store more water than the rest of your suit, which will make efficient insulation close to impossible.

5. A surfing wetsuit is very different from a scuba wetsuit. If you think that you can use your surfing suit for scuba diving, think again. While for warmer or shallower waters this can be okay, but for colder waters you can end up shocking your system with the cold if you dove in deep waters in your surfing suit.