While it would be lovely to surf in boardshorts or a bikini all year round, sadly... that's not really possible in West Oz.
For anyone recently bitten by the learn-to-surf bug, you'll quickly realise that a wetsuit is necessary during the cooler months if you want to spend more than a few minutes in the water.
But with so many different types, styles and materials available, choosing your first wetsuit can be overwhelming.
Fear not!
This guide will help first-time wetsuit buyers like yourself navigate through the sea of options and make an informed decision.
From buying your first wetty to the different types and even wetsuit repairs, like a good neoprene suit… we’ve got you covered!
Why should I buy a wetsuit?
Warmth: Wetsuits are designed to trap a thin layer of water between the suit and your skin. Your body heat warms this water, providing insulation against the chilly ocean temperatures.
Buoyancy: Wetsuits are made from neoprene, a synthetic rubber that contains tiny air bubbles. Neoprene increases your buoyancy in the water, making it easier to swim and surf.
Protection: Wetsuits provide physical protection against rashes or bumps and bruises you might suffer while surfing. They also offer protection from harmful UV rays.
Increased surf time: By keeping you warm and providing buoyancy, a wetsuit allows you to spend more time in the water, increasing your surf and practice time.
What are the different types of wetsuits available?
Do wetsuits have sizes just like clothing?
Wetsuits do indeed come in different sizes, but the way in which they’re sized varies according to brand and gender.
Some brands size their wetsuits based on body type while others use measurements. For the purpose of this article, we'll use men's suits to indicate body type sizing and women's suits to indicate sizing by measurement.
Keep in mind that if you're buying your first wetsuit, it's better to do so from a store than online... or at the very least, try in store and buy online once you know what size you need.
This goes the same for buying your first surfboard. If in doubt, book a lesson to get a feel for a beginner board.
Men
XS = extra small
S = small
ST = small tall
MS = medium small
M = medium
MT = medium tall
LS = large small
L = large
LT = large tall
XL = extra large
Women
2
4
6 small
6
6 tall
8 small
8
8 tall
10 small
10
10 tall
12
14
16
What do the terms 2/2, 3/2, 4/3 and 5/3 mean?
These measurements (millimetres) refer to the thickness of the neoprene used in the wetsuit.
The first digit refers to the thickness of the torso while the second refers to the thickness of the limbs.
For example, a 2/2 steamer has 2mm thick neoprene on the torso and 2mm thick neoprene on the legs and arms, while a 3/2 wetsuit has 3mm thick neoprene on the torso and 2mm thick neoprene on the legs and arms.
What are the most popular wetsuit brands?
A quick search on Google for "surf wetsuits" will bring up hundreds of different wetsuit brands, some better than others.
New wetsuit brands are popping up left, right and centre, but the most popular and reputable brands amongst surfers at present include:
Rip Curl
Billabong
Hurley
Quiksilver/Roxy
Vissla/Sisstrevolution
O'Neill
Xcel
NEED Essentials
Patagonia
These brands have been around for many years and have established a good reputation in the surfing community for producing high-quality wetsuits.
What does it mean when it says "entry system"?
The term "entry system" simply refers to how the wetsuit opens and closes a.k.a. where you get in and out of it.
There are three main types of entry systems: back zip, chest zip and zipperless.
Back zip: This is the most beginner-friendly type of entry system and involves a zipper running vertically down the back of the wetsuit. While it's easy to get in and out of, it can be restrictive. On the plus side, back zip wetsuits are generally considered to be older technology and are therefore more affordable.
Chest zip: This entry system involves a zipper across the chest area. It provides a more snug fit and is less prone to flushing, making it popular among surfers. It's probably somewhere between the back zip and zipperless in terms of how easy it is to put on and take off.
Zipperless: These wetsuits don't have any zippers and are becoming more popular due to their increased flexibility and less chance of flushing. However, they can be difficult to put on and take off... especially if you're not very flexible!
Can wetsuits be fixed if they're damaged?
Yes!
While wetsuits with holes bigger than a $5 note, broken or rusted zippers and significant rips may be beyond repair, smaller tears can be easily mended.
In fact, our boss's mum is an expert when it comes to repairing wetsuits. This means that if you have OR you find a suit that requires minor patch-ups, we can help.
Just let Tom know and he'll pass it on to his mum for fixing.
Alternatively, you can check out this guide on caring for your wetsuit.
What should I consider when choosing my first wetsuit?
The first thing you should consider when getting your first wetsuit is whether you need to buy one or if you could rent or borrow one instead.
If you're just starting out and are unsure whether surfing is for you, renting a wetsuit might be more cost-effective.
However, if you're certain that surfing is going to be a regular hobby, then investing in your own wetty is the way to go.
Price tag
Wetsuits can range from as low as $150 to well over $500.
The price is based on a number of factors. Generally speaking though, the more tech-heavy or thicker the wetsuit, the more expensive it is.
Thickness: The thicker the wetsuit, the more pricey it'll be.
Eco-friendliness: Some brands, such as Patagonia, use environmentally-friendly materials and production processes, which may come at a higher cost.
Features: Wetsuit brands love to use fancy technology to increase warmth and flexibility, which can also drive up the price.
Neoprene quality: In addition to your standard petroleum-based neoprene, there's also limestone neoprene, natural rubber neoprene and recycled neoprene, all of which can affect the price.
Fit
Wetsuits should be snug, but not so snug that they inhibit movement and make surfing more difficult. It's already hard enough as it is, right?
In our humble opinion, your wetsuit should feel like a second skin. When trying on a wetsuit for the first time, roll your shoulders and windmill your arms. This will help determine whether it's too loose or too tight in certain areas.
Feel free to do some squats or practice pop ups too, but remember that while it might feel tight in the store, it'll stretch out after a few soakings.
Water temps
Will you be surfing in the deep south of West Oz, South Australia, Victoria or Tasmania? Or will you mainly be surfing in Perth, northern West Oz, New South Wales or Queensland?
Will you be paddling out in the depths of winter or are you more of a warm-weather shredder? Ask yourself these questions before settling on a wetsuit thickness.
Generally speaking, the colder the water and/or air temperatures, the thicker your wetsuit should be. For example:
2/2mm = 22 degrees Celsius sea temp or higher
3/2mm = 17-21 degrees Celsius sea temp
4/3mm = 13-16 degrees Celsius sea temp
5/4mm = 6-12 degrees Celsius sea temp
Conclusion
We get it... choosing your first wetsuit can be overwhelming. And while we've tried to give you a crash course on picking the right one, there's no substitute for trying different wetsuits and seeing which ones feel best.
Remember to consider factors such as price, entry system, fit and water temperatures before making your purchase. And don't be afraid to ask for help or advice from seasoned surfers or surf shop staff.
