I need help on buying a wetsuit for surfing?

Question

I am getting back into it for being off for 3 years. Wetsuit tech has changed alot.

I see 3/4 4/3 zipper, no zipper etc.

I want to not be cold at all and would not mind having available a removable hood. I really need it to be the most flexable too since old age is creeping on my mobility.

Where do I go in the southbay to get a wetsuit that will fit my needs and which one should I look at.?

Answer 1

Mine is a 3:2 oneil Hammer and I got it for $120 at Sports Chalet. Try there. :)

Answer 2

So the one guy mentioned O'neill and the other said online, but I gotta say that everyone's got a different favorite suit because they're all cut differently. I wear an O'neill 3mm "heat" as well and its great. I generally feel like I'm pretty dry when I get out of the water. Its 3mm all over, got the taped inner seems, and its zipper-free except for a pull-over that I have a hood attachment for, which I never have to use here in the South Bay. In case you don't get the number code, (like 4/3 or 3/2) the first one refers to the mm over the chest, and the latter is the arms/legs/etc. Here, if you get a good and snug one (usually at least $180 or so), you can get away with a 3/2 all winter. Because of the technology though, if you can afford the 4/3, its usually pretty much as flexible as any other thinner ones. I recommend Becker in Hermosa. Welcome back to the water!

Answer 3

I know you asked about South Bay area, but I would suggest purchasing online.  Most merchants have free shipping this time of year and their deals can't be beat in most any shop I've ever been in...

As far as tech goes: you get what you pay for, so find the cheapest purveyour.  I kiteboard on the Great Lakes, so I need at least a 3/2 most of the time.  I bought TWO O'Neil jumpsuits with the solid, windproof upper body (wind chill stinks...), so I ALWAYS have a dry suit for tomorrow... :-)   Less than $100 each.  So: that's $200 to stay dry for a weekend.  I just get he cheap, "straight-up" back zip suits.  The diagonal zip ones bother me, anyway...

A friend of mine bought an "Insta Dry" suit for over $500.  My way's less than half the cost, and I always have a dry suit for tomorrow.

I keep a cheapo 2mm shorty suit for the really warmest of days.  Then use it UNDER the 3/2 suit for the colder fall/spring days.  Total investment to stay warm 3 out of 4 seasons: $250.

You can pickup a separate surf hood for under 15 bucks.  I wear a helmet, so it's not an option for me.

I've had great luck with www.scuba.com (yes, they carry suits for surfers) and www.wetsuitwearhouse.com  No, I am not affiliated with or rewarded by these two companies... :-)

Drop me an e-mail if I can be of any other assistance.

Sincerely,

[e-mail]

Answer 4

Your not kidding about wet suit technology changing!!  I was hanging out with the O'Neill wet suit designer this spring and he said that he was not sure if they would be able to improve upon their top of the line stuff anymore unless there is some sort of new technological breakthrough.  I got to try a prototype of the 2008 Psycho 2 and it was like surfing naked, I honestly could not tell I was wearing a wet suit.

If you want a good preview of what is available out there this year try watch the 2007/2008 buyers guide on Surfline (linked below).  I just bought a O'Neill 4/3 Heat.  Very flexible, fluid seams on the inside and reasonably priced.

Answer 5

I would recommended a 4/3 for sure!!!! (I wear mine year round. I hate to be cold) Most people i know are not fans of the zipper in the front. It tends to pull down on your shoulders and not be as cofrontable as the back zippers. But everyone is differnt. The best wetsuit are the the rip curl f-bomb. Everyone has them. They are flexible, have thick knees, lined seams, are warm, and even have a zipper in the leg for your key. Not to mention, ripcurl has a lifetime on seams, two years on knees and 12 months on materials. Therefore if you wear your wetsuit every day and wear it out. You can turn it in and get a brand spanking new one!!! YES.

As far as buying wetsuits, i would not by a wetsuit online. You need to try it on. I am not sure what southbay you are talking about so just go online and check to see if there is a ripcurl store near you. I know there is one in Santa Barbara, San Clemente, and there is also a outlet in San Clemente near Trestles. You can also find wetsuits at most surf shops.

Goodluck