Many times, when we think about surfing, images of our favourite surfboard, giant waves, fun times with our friends, and many more come to our mind. But we must not forget a significant element: the wetsuit! Wetsuit for surfing is essential to make our experience the best it can be. Therefore, we offer you in the following paragraphs a series of small tips and general information to consider before going in the water.
Wetsuit for Surfing: What Is It, and Why Is It Important?
Most likely, many of us believe that wetsuits are primarily used to look good while riding a big wave. After all, you need to do it in style. However, this is not its main use! Wetsuit for surfing mainly offers us protection and support, helping us to maintain body temperature even in the coldest waters. Do you value your wetsuit a bit more now? Let’s keep going, then!
Types of Wetsuits: Choose the One that Suits you Best
Just like we do with the clothes we wear according to the season of the year, wetsuit for surfing must adapt to the temperature of the water and that of the air. For example, the shorty wetsuit (which has short legs and sleeves), with an average thickness of 2 mm, is one of the most common ones to use in hot places or during the hottest seasons when the temperature is between 20° and 23°. Its “directly opposite” version is the long one, mainly used in cold areas and with low temperatures, as this type covers the torso, arms, up to the wrist, and legs, up to the ankles.
In the coldest areas (<14 °C), wetsuits with thicknesses ranging from 4 to 6 mm are used and, depending on the water temperature, it is also mandatory to wear a hood, booties and gloves. As you have already seen, the thickness of the suit is indicated in millimetres, for example 3.2 mm, 4.3 mm and so on. The combination of two numbers indicates that the wetsuit is made up of two different thicknesses.
Usually, the torso is made up of the heaviest layer, while the legs and arms of the lighter one. Always keep in mind that more thickness equals more heat, but also less flexibility. In the water, this translates into greater resistance to movement as well as greater effort and use of energy due to the heaviness of the suit. On the other hand, using a wetsuit that is too light in winter sessions involves a greater use of energy to keep your body temperature constant.
There are also models, such as the so-called spring wetsuits, which feature a combination of an upper part with long sleeves and a lower part with short legs, and vice versa. The thickness of this type of wetsuit for surfing normally stands at 2 mm, but, compared to the short wetsuits, this offers greater protection against the cold because it covers the legs up to the ankles or arms up to the wrists.
With or Without a Zip, That Is the Question
One of the most important details when buying a wetsuit for surfing is choosing the type of closure system we prefer when we wear it. The most common are the following: closure with a back zip, front zip and free zip. The first one is the most recommended for beginners because of the comfort it offers when putting it on. At the same time, the presence of the zip in the back leads to a significant reduction in the general elasticity of the suit. The system with a front zip and free zip, on the other hand, are distinguished by excellent performance both in terms of elasticity and thermal protection. The small disadvantage featured on these two types is that they offer less mobility.
Enjoy the Best Surf with the Perfect Gear
When it comes to surfing the waves, we always carry our best surf gear with us. Therefore, apart from selecting the best wetsuit, we must also know which accessories can be most useful to us. Among the most used, booties stand out, which are perfect for giving us a greater protection on our feet, especially when walking on rocky surfaces. We can also combine them with a pair of gloves, ideal in case of surfing in the cold, so you can to keep your hands warm. Wearing a hood is also another important accessory to take into consideration when surfing in cold temperatures or in places with freezing winds.
What do you think of our tips when picking your perfect wetsuit for surfing? We are sure you are eager to go surfing now! And remember: enjoy our surf course in Fuerteventura, only at Surfintrip! And if you were to have any questions, don’t worry at all! Contact us and our team of professionals will solve your doubts questions immediately!
