As a water sports enthusiast, a suitable wetsuit is something that you should certainly wear when you dive into the water, mainly because wearing a wetsuit provides insulation (against hypothermia and energy loss), but secondly, because it helps you float and is easier to swim with. Below We have listed everything you’ll need to know to learn how to pick a wetsuit.
How to Pick a Wetsuit
Guest Post By Wanderlust Pulse
How does a wetsuit work?
A wetsuit’s main function is to keep us warm, which it achieves by containing a little layer of water between our skin and the neoprene (an elastic type of rubber) from our wetsuit. This little layer of water will be heated by the human body, which keeps us warm. A wetsuit is therefore literally a wetsuit!
This is also the reason why you have to make sure a wetsuit fits tight: because a flow of cold water will keep getting into the suit when it’s too big, making it difficult for your body to keep the heat.
However, it’s not only the layer of water that keeps us warm, it’s the neoprene that isolates our suits, so the thicker our neoprene layer, the better it’s isolated! Newer wetsuit systems are a bit warmer and lighter because they use an “air insulated”-neoprene. This means the neoprene is surrounded by laminate, making it keep some air in the suit as well.
A suit that is too tight, isn’t only uncomfortable but will be damaged pretty quickly.
Read More: Why Every Woman Should Get PADI Scuba Certified
How to Pick a Wetsuit: What do the numbers on the wetsuit mean?
The numbers on these wetsuits are referring to the thickness of the suit, indicated in millimeters. For example, with a 3x2mm wetsuit, the 3mm refers to the thickest part of the suit (usually measured on the back and abdomen), while the 2mm refers to the stretchability of the suit (around your arms and legs).
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How to Pick a Wetsuit: Consider the likely conditions your wetsuit will endure
The most important things to think about when picking a wetsuit are the temperature that you’ll endure, the length of your surf session, and the type of wetsuit. We’ve listed all the options below!
Water temperature
As we just explained: the thickness of your wetsuit depends on the water temperature you’ll have to endure. Most surf-spots have a ‘live tracker’, which mentions the water temperature and the suit you’ll need at that moment.
Length of your surf or dive session
The longer you’re planning to stay in the water, the more attention you’ll need to pay at the heat-isolation and the freedom of movement you’ll have in your suits. Nowadays, most recent suits are made out of neoprene which brings extra comfort and flexibility.
How to Pick a wetsuit: Types of wetsuits
There are a few types of wetsuit you need, will depend on the sport you practice and the weather circumstances.
Full wetsuit
A full neoprene wetsuit covers the entire body; from arms and legs to wrists and ankles.
Shorty wetsuit
A shorty wetsuit is mostly made in neoprene and covers the upper body and the top parts of the arms and legs (short sleeves).
Neoprene top wetsuit
A neoprene top is a neoprene (0,5 mm-1,5 mm) wetsuit which only covers the top of your body: it covers your waist and arms. This is made in short and long sleeves.
Rash Guard wetsuit
This is the lightest form for a wetsuit and is mostly made of lycra. It’s mostly used for protection from the sun and sanding.
Frontzip wetsuit
The frontzip wetsuits have a zipper at the front of the wetsuit and are known to better ‘enclose’ the body. This suit is more expensive as a back-zipper and needs some time to get used to it because you’ll have to squeeze yourself through the neck opening to put it on.
Backzip wetsuit
The backzip wetsuits have their zipper on the back and are a bit cheaper. This is also the reason why they are popular at surf-rentals.
How to Pick a Wetsuit: What are the most common wetsuit sizes?
We can’t stretch it enough: the fit of a wetsuit is pretty important, so we listed the sizes you’ll probably need the most.
A 3x2mm wetsuit
This 3x2mm wetsuit is mostly used during the summer when the sea already has a decent temperature. The biggest advantage is the comfort and the stretchiness of the suit.
A 4x3mm wetsuit
In the colder areas, a 4×3mm wetsuit is a go-to suit. The suit is mostly applicable during spring to autumn, and can even be used in the summer since it’s better to be too warm instead of too cold.
The 5x4mm and 5x3mm wetsuits
These wetsuits are made for the winter-season and freezing temperatures when you’ll enter the sea at its coldest point. Depending on how severe the winter is, you’ll be able to use this suit from November until April. These wetsuits are also called ‘steamers’. Today there are even hooded models, also called “hooded steamers”.
Keep in mind tho; the thicker the wetsuit, the harder it is to move forward easily.
Pro tip: when you’re surfing or diving it can get cold. If you’re in the water for a long time or get a chill easily you’ll 100% need booties, gloves, and a cap. Be prepared!
About the Author
We’re Wanderlust Pulse, a community of travel photographers aimed to help you discover new locations and learn more about photography. We bring together a community of people who love travel photography by sharing our guides to map out upcoming travel plans, creating itineraries of past trips, and by sharing practical tips for on the road. Enjoy the ride!
