HOW DO I CHOOSE MY SURF WETSUIT?

Choosing your perfect wetsuit can be tricky. In this article, we'll help you understand the basics of choosing your surf wetsuit, whether you're a complete beginner or an advanced surfer. Here are our top tips!

WATER TEMPERATURE, SURF WETSUIT THICKNESS.
The thickness of a surf wetsuit is the most important criterion to consider. This choice depends on the water temperature, your ability to resist the cold, but also on the environment you are in. The conditions in which you surf play a decisive role in the choice of a surf suit and especially in its thickness. However, we all have different sensitivities to the elements of nature, which will also influence your final choice. Some people feel the cold.... Others don't.

You need to find for yourself the right compromise between the parameters of warmth and freedom of movement to enjoy a comfortable surf session. After all, the surf suit must protect you from the cold without restricting your freedom of movement.

In general, the thicker the neoprene, the warmer the surf suit will be. In contrast, the less soft the surf suit is, the more your movements in the water will be restricted.
The thickness of neoprene is determined in millimeters with the help of 3 or 2 numbers: The first number represents the thickest part of the suit, usually located on the chest and back, and the second number represents the thinnest part of the suit, usually located on the legs and arms.

We recommend:

Thickness 5/4 or 5/4/3 or 5/3 of a full surf suit, intended mainly for cold waters below 12 °C, provides effective protection against cold in autumn and winter.

The thickness 4/3 of a full surf suit provides good warmth all year round and offers freedom of movement for temperatures between 12°C and 17°C.

Thickness 3/2, available in different types of surf suits, guarantees greater comfort thanks to the softer neoprene and is ideal for temperate waters between 17°C and 20°C.

The 2/2 thickness is more comfortable in the summer in warm water temperatures above 20°C, as the freedom of movement is increased, for example, by the shorty, the summer surf suit par excellence.

WATER TEMPERATURE NEOPRENE THICKNESS
Below 12°C5/4 or 5/3 or 5/4/3
12°C - 17°C4/3
17°C - 20°C3/2
Above 20°C2/2

These different thicknesses of surf wetsuits offered depend greatly on the conditions in which each user surfs.

THE DIFFERENCES IN THE CLOSURES OF A SURF WETSUIT.
Another important criterion to consider is the closures that allow you to put on and take off your wetsuit. In total, we count 3 existing closure systems for the construction of a surf wetsuit, each with its strengths and weaknesses, which we will cover below: Back Zip, Front Zip / Chest Zip and Zip Free.

The Back Zip construction is based on a closure along the spine, ideal for surfing and easy to put on and take off. However, this type of surf wetsuit can restrict the rider's freedom of movement, especially in the back, due to the lack of stretch in this area. The Front Zip / Chest Zip construction is based on a zipper in the front chest area that can only be opened on one side, preventing water from entering. The waterproof feature ensures that the suit performs its warming function and provides a high level of protection. However, this surf suit requires a bit more effort to put on and take off, as it is a bit inflexible at the entry.
The Zip Free construction has no closure, which makes it complicated to put on, but it offers full freedom of movement. This model is lightweight and offers total comfort thanks to its elasticity. Despite its flexibility, this very soft neoprene affects the life of the surf suit, as it is complicated to maintain the same technical characteristics with such a stretchy and therefore fragile material that relaxes/stretches from use to use. Nevertheless, the construction of the wetsuit prevents the penetration of water, being almost waterproof.

Basically, the wetsuit should be as waterproof as possible, otherwise water can circulate inside the wetsuit and affect its thermal properties. To avoid this major inconvenience, the wetsuit must fit your body completely, the formation of possible wrinkles should be avoided. Trying a new and dry surf wetsuit can make you feel slightly cramped, which is completely normal. In fact, neoprene is a material that needs to be in contact with water to become flexible. Don't worry, your wetsuit will gain flexibility and comfort after several surf sessions. However, it is not recommended to wear a wetsuit that is too big or too small, as in both cases it can affect your ability to paddle. Too small, you will feel too tight, making it difficult to move properly in the water. Too big, your wetsuit will become too loose, allowing a large amount of water to enter it and causing you to lose thermal insulation and therefore body heat. Our advice is to find the size that allows you to move freely without preventing you from sporting movements. You need to feel comfortable in your suit !