Any suggestions on buying wetsuits for a first timer? Female 5'1" and 145lbs, a little overweight, but fit.

Question

Any suggestions on buying wetsuits for a first timer? Female 5'1" and 145lbs, a little overweight, but fit.

Answer 1

If you don't know your wet suit size the only way to get one to fit properly is to go to a shop and try them on.  Every brand fits a little differently so you can't just tell by looking at a sizing chart.

Answer 2

a little???i suggest Crisco

Answer 3

I have a Roxy syncro tech its my first and they keep me WARM AS i got mine for $150 at my local surf shop they have any size dont get any **** like kmart or target or amart or body glove get yourself a proper lifetime gurantee for the extra dollars

Answer 4

visit your local surf shop and inquire about Body Glove wetsuits with "vapor" technology. Warmer, dryer, lighter.

Answer 5

well depending on what temperature the water is that your gonna be swimming/surfing in... a full steamer with 7-10 mm thick will keep u warm unless your in very cold water, and steamer with full legs and half arms should keep u warm in water that isnt too cold and without a wind. if u told me what kind of conditions u would be in i could tell u what type of wetsuit u would need..... hope that helps

Answer 6

Definitely make sure you try on different wetsuits before you actually buy it.  Different brands fit differently.  And don't buy a wetsuit just because it looks good if it doesn't fit.  I've seen people do that, and the wetsuit ends up being baggy or too tight. If it's too baggy, you'll be cold as the suit will circulate too much cold water in and your own body heat won't keep you warm.  If it's too tight, you'll have your movements restricted, make it hard to breathe, as well as cutting off circulation.

I would go to an actual privately owned surf shop and get help there from an employee that actually has knowledge in the wetsuits.  Do not go to places like Sports Authority, Sports Chalet, Sun Diego, etc. for a wetsuit.  The employees tend to be college or high school students that just want the pay check.

Depending on your own cold tolerance, generally, a 3/2 full suit is good for 54 to 57 degrees.  A 4/3 for 53 to 50... etc.  Half or spring-suits are good for slightly warmer temperatures than a 3/2.  The numbers stand for the thickness of the neoprene in millimeters.  The first one is generally for the body, and the second is for your limbs.  The lower numbers tend to be more flexible, but it also depends on the quality of the neoprene.  Here, you do get what you pay for.  Full wetsuits under $100 are generally cheaply made, let in too much water, and make it hard to paddle, and move.