Guide to a Surfing Wetsuit

A wetsuit can make all the difference when it comes to time spent in the water. You obviously want to be warm, so finding the right thickness will often depend on the conditions you'll encounter.

Below is a simple guide which compares wetsuit thickness to water temperature:


• 0–8°C | 6mm / 7mm – deep winter warriors.

• 8–12°C | 4mm / 5mm – the bitterly cold brave.

• 10-14°C | 3mm / 4mm – mid morning enthusiasts.

• 14-18°C | 2mm / 3mm – seasonally smart surfers.

• 18–26°C | Spring suit / 2mm – endless summer embracers.


When you start feeling more confident in the surf, develop experience in all conditions and embrace surfing during the middle of winter, you can start considering advanced technologies which manufacturers are implementing when designing the ultimate wetsuit. However, before you get to that stage, there are a few important features you should be looking out for…

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Neoprene

Arguably the most significant aspect of a wetsuit, neoprene is a thick rubber layer which acts as a heat insulator, by holding nitrogen bubbles. Furthermore, there are certain factors (in terms of wetsuit insulation) that all work together to keep you warm. Firstly, there's neoprene which is constructed of multiple layers. Secondly, you allow for water to seep into your wetsuit, which sits between your skin and neoprene. Then, your body temperature will heat the water up and maintain it within your wetty like a hot water bottle...kind of.


Buoyancy

The amount of buoyancy will depend on the thickness of your wetsuit. Hence, the more millimetres in your wetty, the more you'll float – to a certain extent. It’s not as if you can jump off a boat and expect to drift in the ocean. However, it does allow you to be a little more confident when paddling in decent surf.

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Zipper

There are two different versions of a zipper – front and back. You don’t often see the back zipper in all its glory anymore. Probably due to the lack of stretch offered between the shoulders and lower back, the use of Velcro or the fact it was a pain to undo. Luckily, there are now front zippers with a scallop opening. This allows you to climb into your wetsuit without any hassle, whilst also giving you more paddling freedom.


Stretch

You need a wetsuit which can stretch. It makes all the difference when battling constant surf and water currents. The quality of neoprene will determine the give in your wetty, with the best ‘super stretch fabrics’ increasing by at least 100% when stretched, where a less expensive neoprene only increases by 50%. This makes a lot of difference when surfing as it’ll evidently determine how tired you get from paddling.

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Stitching

There are two dominant forms of stitching a wetsuit can have. Each serve a purpose when it comes to warmth, stretch and comfort.

  • The Flatlock Stitch

Quick to lay but doesn’t offer a true seal, allowing some water to enter. However, the flatlock stitch is durable / effective at keeping your wetsuit in one piece. Most entry-level wetsuits will use this form of stitching because it’s easy to manufacture. A sensible option if you're learning to surf.

  • Blind Stich

The ideal stitch for cold water temperatures due to the watertight and flexible seams. Often found on higher quality, more expensive wetsuits. So, if you're going to be surfing in the middle of winter, this is the stitch you're going to want to have. A smart option if you're at an intermediate or experienced level.

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For more information on wetsuits, and why they're important for a variety of watersports, read our Wetsuit Buyers Guide blog. It's packed with loads of information which will help you further understand the functionality of a wetty.

Written by Sam Quennell

@wetsuitoutlet

Published on 15th December 2017 in Surfing

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