Information when it comes to purchasing a wetsuit for a guy?

Question

for my boyfriend 19th birthday i want to buy him a new wetsuit.

i know what store i want to go to. its just a local surf shop that sponsors him in surfing.

but i dont know anything about wet suits. i know it keeps the heat from the body in, allowing one to go out in cold water and stay warm.

so how would i know what size to get?

what brand?

how much would it cost?

just anything you can tell me.

some side notes:

1. he is about 6"1

2. weighs about 145

3. muscular but not overly muscular

Answer 1

If he is sponsored you probably shouldn't buy him a wetsuit.

Answer 2

Ideally, you want him to be there when trying on a suit.  Wetsuits fit differently between brands.  An O'Neill large fits different than a Billabong large.  Just like regular clothes.  And everyone's body is different.

You can use a chart to get a general idea, but based on his weight and height, a size MT should work.

Again brands are different in styles, features, and fit.

Try this link at surfline.com:

http://www.surfline.com/surfnews/photo_b...

The top end wetsuits can cost upwards of $400, but a decent suit will cost around $200-$300.

Depending on where he surfs, the thickness will change.  Southern California, 3/2 (in millimeters) is great.  The thicker the suit, the less flexible it gets, and the harder it is to move.

Answer 3

To give an honest answer, don't buy him a wetsuit without having him try it on, unless of course you know the wetsuit  millameter,color preferences, whether he prefers front zip or back zip, size and brand that he surfs right now. Each brand specifies for a specific body type has different sizing charts. Hotline wetsuits generally target towards the tall and large tending to be made in bigger sizes. Excel wetsuits are more for those average height and under. Etc. These are all things that you should pick his brain about before hand.

Answer 4

if the surf shop sponsers him, just ask them

Answer 5

Since he is sponsored by a local shop, they should tell you what would be the best for him.  You didn't say but I assume you are looking for a full suite, long legs are arms. If you live in the southern parts of the US or farther south, a 3 mil is probably the thickest you need.  Farther north from Ventura in CA or Charleston in SC, you will need a 4/3.  From Northern CA north or Maryland north you might want to get something heavier.   There are many wetsuit manufacturers.  The better quality suites, that run from about $180 up retail, are double stitched.  Again, your local shop will carry both inexpensive and better quality suites.  The final thing to consider is sizing and length.  Depending on body build, you need to consider a short, regular or long size.  You don't want to get legs so long that the rubber bunches up when wearing the suite.

Answer 6

oneill and body glove make good wetsuits,,, wetsuits come in different thicknesses based on how warm you need it to be and how cold the water is.