Wetsuit information

Wetsuits are made from neoprene, a stretchy synthetic foamy and rubbery material. The wetsuit is made out of out of several parts of neoprene which are stitched together to cover parts of the body. Different thickness of neoprene maybe used depending on the location of the neoprene covering the body. For example the thickness of the chest area may be 3mm and on the arms and legs it may be 2mm. The thickness of the wetsuits neoprene also determines the warmth. In the winter in the UK the sea temperatures can drop to below 7 degrees, which is pretty cold. Obviously if you were to wear a 3/2mm wetsuit in chilling water your body would become very cold and you wouldn’t be able to surf for very long. However, if you wore a wetsuit which features 6/4mm neoprene, this will enable you to surf in warmth and for a reasonable period. (You will need wetsuit gloves, boots and hood as well!) For warmer waters or in the summer a short wetsuit may be used, these wetsuits basically only cover the body, upper legs and upper arms unlike a full wetsuit which covers the whole of the body.

Thickness of wetsuits

1mm - 2mm - 3/2mm 3/4/5mm - 5/3mm - 6/4mm -
There are various methods in which the neoprene on a wetsuit can be sealed together. The most common method is to blind stitch or flat lock. Blind stitch basically means that the stitching doesn’t come through the actual material thus creating a stitch which can’t be seen one side of the material. Flat lock means the stitching is flat and doesn’t bulk which may create a rash from friction.
Today’s advances in surfing and wetsuit technology have seen the release of wetsuits which feature no stitching. This is done by welding the parts of the neoprene together with a silicone fluid. This type of seal gives the wetsuit added seam stretch and a water tight seal.
Most wetsuits will have a zip to make it possible to get in and out of the wetsuit. Most brands of wetsuits have water tight zips which can be located on the back or across the chest. Although most wetsuits do have zips there are some wetsuits which have no zips at all. Now you’re thinking ‘how do i get in?’ Some of the best quality neoprene on the market is so stretchy this allows the surfer to climb in the wetsuits through the neck.

How does a Wetsuit Work?

For a wetsuit to work effectively it needs to let a small amount of water in to the wetsuit to create a thin layer between the skin and the neoprene. This thin layer of water is then heated by the body’s warm temperature and this allows the wetsuit keep the body warm. If a wetsuit is too baggy and doesn’t fit this will let more water in and the body will not be able to heat the water in the suit as effectively as a thin layer. That is why it is so important to buy a wetsuit which fits you well.

What sort of budget have I got?

Wetsuit manufactures provide a wide range of different wetsuits to fit people’s budgets. If the budget you have for a new wetsuit is limited you may only be able to afford an entry level wetsuit. The entry level wetsuits range from £80 - £120 for a good quality product. These types of wetsuits are normally constructed with low flex neoprene. However, if you look around you may be able to find a bargain wetsuit, which will provide maximum flexibility and warmth. The top of the range wetsuits can range from £180 - £300. These wetsuits mainly come with features such as fluid weld seams, 100% flex neoprene and fibre chest lining.

How often will I use my wetsuit?

Think about if you will use your wetsuit every day or once a year. Depending on your budget, it doesn’t seem a good idea to spend over £200 on a wetsuit if you have a limited budget, especially when you are only going to use it once a year. However, if you have got the money and don’t care and you want a really good wetsuit go ahead and buy one! There’s nothing better than owning a really well made wetsuit especially if you surf a lot.

What are my precise measurements and weight?

Wetsuit brands differ greatly in size from one another. So before buying your wetsuit, measure and weigh yourself to find out which wetsuit will be the best fit. Normally the only measurements you will need to get a good idea of which size will fit are chest, waist, height and weight.

Which size and brand of wetsuit will be the best fit for me?

All wetsuit brands have sizing charts which can accurately show you which size to choose judging by your measurements and weight.