Surfing is one of the most popular water sports in the world for a reason: it’s fun, it keeps you fit, and it’s great for your mental and physical health. But without the right equipment, your surfing journey could be over before it’s even begun!
A surfboard is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about surfing, but there’s another piece of equipment that is equally as important: a high-quality wetsuit that fits you properly and is suited to the season and the conditions. By choosing a wetsuit that fits well and offers optimal insulation, you’re setting yourself up for success every time you hit the water.
Let’s dive in and start with the basics: why is choosing the right wetsuit so important?
Why choosing the right wetsuit matters
Picture this: you’re out on your board, paddling through the surf, feeling excited and ready to catch the next wave. Suddenly, you hit a colder patch of water and a chill runs down your spine. As your teeth start to chatter and your lips turn purple, all you can think about is getting back to dry land, a fluffy towel, and a hot drink!
Catching a chill while you’re out on the water can even pose a risk to your health, one that could easily have been avoided with the right gear. Your wetsuit is your shield against the elements, allowing you to stay out in the water longer and make the most of every swell. Comfort equals confidence, and confidence equals better performance.
Whether you’re riding the waves for the sheer joy of it or pushing the limits of your skills, feeling comfortable and secure in your wetsuit can make all the difference to your experience.
Surf wetsuits vs swim wetsuits
It’s important to keep in mind that not all wetsuits are created equally. Surf wetsuits are specially designed for surfing, featuring a chest panel of wind breaker neoprene surrounded by ultra stretchy neoprene on the arms and legs. The arm and leg material is also harder wearing with less friction on the board. Swim wetsuits, on the other hand, have been designed to help the wearer glide through the water in a more fluid, streamlined way. They often have a seal skin outer layer on the wetsuit, and when this comes into contact with the board it causes a lot of friction and will reduce the lifespan of the suit. The thickness of these suits is also usually 2mm to 3mm. They haven’t been designed with surfing in mind, so it’s important to remember this when choosing a wetsuit.
Understanding wetsuit thickness
When it comes to wetsuit thickness, it’s all about finding that sweet spot – not too thick, not too thin, but just right. The goal is to strike a balance between warmth and flexibility, ensuring you stay cosy without feeling restricted.
As the seasons change, so too should your wetsuit thickness. In warmer months, a thinner wetsuit will keep you comfortable without overheating, while colder seasons call for thicker insulation to ward off the chill. Understanding the water temperature in your surf spot is key to selecting the appropriate thickness for your wetsuit.
Wetsuit thickness is typically represented in millimetres, with the first number indicating the thickness of the neoprene in the torso and the second number indicating the thickness in the limbs. For example, a 3/2 wetsuit features 3mm neoprene in the torso and 2mm in the limbs. This rating system allows you to choose a wetsuit that provides the right balance of warmth and flexibility for your surfing conditions.
In Ireland, winter wetsuits start at 5/3 to 6/4 (and you can even get 7mm if you are willing to compromise some flexibility in order to be toasty!) Summer wetsuits start at 2mm and go up to 4/3. For me personally, 4/3 would be my go-to in the summer for a good mix of warmth and flexibility. Shorty wetsuits are very popular and easily accessible in mainstream stores, but I don’t recommend them for surfing. An average surf session lasts around two hours, but in a shorty wetsuit you’d be lucky to last half an hour in the bracing Atlantic waters!
Finding your perfect fit
A wetsuit should feel like a second skin – snug yet comfortable, with minimal gaps to allow water to enter. A proper fit will ensure warmth as well as maximum mobility, allowing you to move freely and confidently through the waves.
When trying on a wetsuit, pay close attention to how it fits around your arms, legs, and torso. The sleeves and legs should be long enough to provide adequate coverage without restricting movement, while the torso should conform closely to your body shape to minimise water flushing.
While a snug fit is important, you should avoid wetsuits that feel too tight as this can cause discomfort and restrict blood flow. Instead, opt for a wetsuit that strikes the perfect balance between snugness and freedom of movement.
Choosing the right material
Neoprene is the most popular choice of material for wetsuits due to its flexibility and insulating properties. This synthetic rubber is engineered to trap a thin layer of water against your skin, which is then warmed by your body heat, creating a protective barrier against the cold ocean temperatures.
When choosing a wetsuit, it’s important to bear in mind that not all neoprene is created equal. Higher-quality neoprene is engineered to offer superior stretch and flexibility, allowing for unrestricted movement in the water. It’s also more durable, resisting wear and tear from saltwater, sunlight, and abrasion for extended longevity.
While neoprene remains the standard material for wetsuit construction, alternative materials such as eco-friendly rubber, recycled polyester, and limestone-based neoprene are gaining traction for their sustainability and performance benefits. Exploring these options can help you find a wetsuit that aligns with your values and lifestyle.
Understanding seams, stitching, and zip configurations
The seams of your wetsuit play a crucial role in its performance, preventing water from seeping in and compromising warmth. Look for wetsuits with sealed, taped, or blind-stitched seams to minimise water penetration and maximise heat retention, especially in colder conditions.
Wetsuits come in a variety of zip configurations, each offering its own advantages. Back-zip wetsuits are easy to put on and take off but may allow water to enter through the zipper. Chest-zip wetsuits offer a more secure seal and enhanced flexibility but can be trickier to manoeuvre. Zip-free wetsuits eliminate the risk of zipper failure and offer maximum flexibility but may be more challenging to put on and remove.
Maintaining and caring for your wetsuit
Proper care and maintenance are essential for prolonging the lifespan of your wetsuit. After each surf session, you should rinse your wetsuit thoroughly with fresh water to remove salt, sand, and other debris that can cause damage over time. Hang your wetsuit to dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area, avoiding direct sunlight and heat sources that can degrade the neoprene.
When not in use, store your wetsuit in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Avoid folding or creasing your wetsuit, as this can weaken the neoprene and lead to premature wear. Instead, hang your wetsuit on a padded hanger or lay it flat to maintain its shape and integrity.
Even with proper care, wear and tear are inevitable over time. However, many minor repairs can be easily addressed with wetsuit repair kits, which typically include neoprene patches, adhesive, and instructions for patching small tears and holes. With proper care and maintenance, your wetsuit should last you through many years of surfing adventures.
Now that you know what to look out for when choosing a wetsuit, you’ll be able to hit the water with confidence. And when you book a surf lesson with us, you won’t have to worry about a thing — we provide the highest quality wetsuits and make sure they fit you perfectly. What are you waiting for? Book your lesson now and start your surfing adventure!