Neck Bodysuit
Surfing Wetsuits 101 – How to Pick the Best Wetsuits for Surfing
Winter is a fact of life for many people who enjoy the sport of surfing. However, cold air and water temperatures don’t have to stop your sessions! Enter the wetsuit, probably the single biggest invention in surfing since the surfboard itself.
Wetsuits are tight fitting bodysuits made of flexible neoprene rubber. They work by trapping a thin layer of water between the neoprene and the skin. The body heats up this water, thus keeping the surfer warm.
When picking out a suit, you’re going to want to get one that is specifically designed for surfing. That means seeking out your local surf shop. Don’t go to a dive shop or swimming store. Surfing wetsuits are specially made to endure the specific repetitive motions that surfers make when they’re out in the ocean. For example, non-surfing suits can have seams in bad places that will cause major rashes when you’ve been paddling for a few hours.
Wetsuits come in different cuts, from short-sleeve spring suits (or shorties) to fullsuits with hoods. When it gets very cold, booties and gloves are also available. Caps and hoods are also available for suits that don’t have them already attached.
Surfers often have a quiver of wetsuits to accompany their quiver of different boards, especially in areas where the seasons change dramatically.
There are a variety of thicknesses from which to choose. From thin 2 mm spring suits, to 2/3 mm fullsuits, 4/3’s, 5/4/3’s, and 6/5/4’s. These numbers reference how thick the neoprene is in millimeters for different areas of the suit. Often the thickest neoprene will be in the torso and thighs, while the thinner areas will be on the arms and calves.
When getting a wetsuit, it’s important to set aside a block of time in order to try them on. Each company uses different models and they all have a slightly different fit.
The fit should be snug. Don’t buy them too loose or water will be able to freely enter the suit and the insulating effect will be lost. This means you shouldn’t buy a kid’s suit a few sizes too big so they can grow into it. They might as well not wear a suit at all. The neck is an important area to pay attention to. The collar should be snug so that water doesn’t freely enter and exit.
When looking at the pricetag, you do tend to get what you pay for. There are several different makes and models from each company, from budget to luxury. Often the higher priced wetsuits will have all sorts of cool things like sealed seams and improved zippers and entry/exit schemes.
To learn more about surfing wetsuits, visit The Surfing Handbook’s Wetsuit Page
About the Author
Hayley Gordon is an avid surfer and webmaster of The Surfing Handbook
what is the difference between the FS pro high neck bodysuit and the FS pro Record Back bodysuit?
I am a sprint freestyler and butterflyer I do not know if i should get the zip up bodysuit or the normal back suit. What is the difference between them for racing and which would be better for my type of events. I usually swim the 50 free 100 free 100 fly and I am going to be swimming the 50 fly on a relay
Just as an fyi both suit are fs pros trying to decide between the two and also I am not just buying it for a relay I have my indivdual events as well I have other meets also like sectionals
The difference is the amount of coverage. The one that I think you’re referring to as the “normal back” is called the Recordbreaker, which fits you like a normal practice suit does. The second, high neck suit provides more coverage on your back and around your collar to your neck, therefore you are getting more fabric and more efficiency. That’s why those high neck suits are more expensive.
Usually the more fabric the better, which is why I would get the high neck. I had one of those once and it worked fantastically.
But the FS Pro also gives you a completely new feel in the water, which is why if you do purchase an FS Pro it would be a lot to get used to. If you feel that a high neck would be too constricting, or if you are worried about fit, the Recordbreaker is the way to go.
Either way they are both great suits. And I hope you do well in your meet!
Carter’s Wiggle In Baby Bodysuits (budgetplux)
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