Help buying my first wetsuit.?

Question

I'm not sure where to start. I want it for surfing and I am a big guy (6' 3'' and about 240, fit but not ripped). Any recommendations on brand, model or size? Thanks.

Answer 1

Depends on where you live but most shops carry 3 different brands, one imported from the Orient, one a low end local made, and one a high end brand name.  If you don't surf much, you probably can get by with the most inexpensive brand they carry.  As for weight, 3 mil for summer, vest or shorty.  I use a 4/3 full in winter because the water here is cold (mid to lower 30s).  If you live in a colder climate, a 5 mil is usually fine.  Also, I use Aleda, but it is one of several good US brands.

Answer 2

For your size, I'd look into O'Neill first and foremost.  From there, Hotline and possibly Excel will have something that will fit you.  

Ones to stay away from (merely because they don't make a good large-guy suit) are Rip Curl, Hurley, Quiksilver and/or Billabong.

I am 6'1', 200 lbs and I wear an O'Neill XL.  It fits me great.  I would imagine the XXL would be about perfect for you.  Just make sure you try several on to make sure you get a good fit.  Trying on wetsuits sucks but its worth it to get a good fit.

Answer 3

O'Neil makes decent stuff, and I kind of forget what brand mine is.....but I use it for diving.  I also am a big fella, and finding suits in the plus sizes is aggravating.  If you're surfing, and I'm presuming you're in the tropics, then you probably don't want to go with the full 9mm.  I'd try a 4 - 6mm.