HOW TO BUY A WETSUIT

Wetsuits protect you from the elements so your main consideration centers on water conditions. You can find wetsuits that provide the protection you need based on the water temperatures and surfing conditions.

CHOOSING A PROPER WETSUIT

Try on different brands. You want a snug fit that doesn't constrict your movement or breathing. All suits enlarge slightly with use. Avoid suits that bag around your waist or ankles (thus trapping water). There are many factors involved in determining the proper wetsuit for your surfing, recreational, diving, triathlon abilities and style.

CONDITIONS TO DETERMINE WHAT WETSUIT IS GOOD FOR YOU

Water temperatures and depths are the key considerations to determine what time of wetsuit is needed. A 4/3 full suit is 4mm thick in the body and 3mm thick in the arms and legs, and is the best choice for water that's 50 to 60 degrees F. For even colder water, get a 5mm hooded suit. 3/2 fullsuits are ideal for water temps in the low to mid-60s; 1mm and 2mm suits are great for those who spend long periods of time in high 60 degree water.

Water temperature:
The warmer the water, the less protection you need; the colder the water, the more protection you want.

INSULATION

Wetsuits insulate your body in two ways:

Second, by keeping cold water away from your skin, you receive further insulation.

THICKNESS

Thickness is expressed in inches and millimeters.

Thicker wetsuits provide greater insulation, but the quality of the material plays a part as well.

If your conditions vary from the extremes, you should buy the thickest wetsuit to cover your needs.

Refer to the chart below to help determine the appropriate wetsuit based on the water temperatures.

STYLES
There are also a variety of wet suit styles to fit your diving conditions.

SHORTIES
A suit with cut-off arms and legs is called a shorty and is good whenever maximum freedom of movement is needed.

THREE-QUARTER
This one-piece set has short sleeves and legs that extend to the ankles.

FULL-LENGTH
This suit has long sleeves and legs that extend down to the ankles.

FULL SUIT
A one-piece suit from neck to ankles.

Some styles give you the option to buy a suit with long or short legs.

FARMER
Two-piece suits that offer a better fit if you have an odd leg-to-torso figure.

DRY SUIT
If your diving conditions are in really cold water or deep depths, you may want to consider a drysuit. Designed to keep as much water out as possible by using rubber seals around the neck, wrists and ankles. Some also use Velcro-style straps around the wrists and ankles to provide an extra measure of sealing.

DETERMINING THE PROPER STYLE

The chart below gives you guidance but you should also consider another factor--protection from the elements. Even a thin suit that covers your arms and legs gives you some protection from sun and scrapes..

Protection From The Elements

Water temperature
Style of suit

80+F None needed

72-80F Shortie or three-quarter

65-72F Full

60-65F Full wetsuit or drysuit

50-60F Full drysuit

Under 50 Full drysuit-gloves, hood and booties