Wet Suit Types Make a Difference?

davekmv · Joined: 08 Aug 2001 Posts: 2

Newbie here with a potentially stupid question...

Gotta get a wet suit. Do I need to get a Wind Surfing wet suit or can I get a Surfing wet suit and be OK?

Whats the difference?

Any Advice on getting one?

Thanks!

pedram · Joined: 10 Apr 2000 Posts: 3

Windsurfing wetsuits usually have more flexibility in the arms. While surfing you spend most of your time paddling. Windsurfing you spend most of your time with your arms extended in front of you. Therefore windsurfing wetsuits are cut and shaped to accomodate the different motion. But for the most part they are the same.

My experience has been Neilpryde wetsuits are comfortable but not as durable as ONeill.

kencarp · Joined: 23 Dec 1998 Posts: 116

Rip Curl makes a smooth- skin wetsuit thats not only warm but you feel naked when sailing or surfing. These suits are a bit pricey but well worth the extra bucks. I sail or surf nearly everyday and I can get about two full seasons out of these suits. These suits are surfing suits and you can get them at any surf shop. Keep sailing and stay toasty! K.P.

harris52 · Joined: 11 May 1998 Posts: 125

You can also check out Pro Motion in the gorge. Ive had them send me 3 wetsuits so I could try on the ones I thought I might like and then send the other 2 back. I never would have thought that wetsuits were very sport specific, but listening to their salesman and trying on their wetsuits makes me believe theyve spent a lot of time thinking about it. Way better than the Niel Pryde suits Ive bought. Its just been a great shop to both me and my fiance, in both talking to them and the suits weve bought from them.

gh

rickp · Joined: 07 Aug 2000 Posts: 53

Think windsurfing wetsuits also have bigger forearms than surfing - to minimize cramping. Personally cut the seams in my surfing wetsuit to fix the problem. rick p

rickp · Joined: 07 Aug 2000 Posts: 53

Also select the thickness and material wisely. Lots of difference between 2/1 mm and 4/3 mm. Also new super stretchy material in the last few years. Good luck.

ChetJet · Joined: 07 Jul 2000 Posts: 1

stay away from scuba suits. They have no/low rubber, and so the wind goes thru the neoprene (even the thick ones) when your out of the water, and you get colder than with windsurf specific suits.