NorCal Surfing Wetsuit - 4/3 or 3/2 ?

Question

What wetsuit thickness is best for surfing the Northern California coast. Mostly the San Mateo county coast, but also around Santa Cruz and as far north as Bolinas. This is primarily for the Spring through Fall.

Answer 1

The charts say that the water breaks into the low 50s by early April. depending on your tolerance for cold, you could do the low 50's in a 3/2 suit with booties and gloves. I do occasionally, without too much discomfort. The advantage of the 3/2, is that once you shed the gloves and booties, you still have a suit that will carry you through most of the spring and summer.

I have to admit, a nice, well made, flexible 4/3 suit is probably best, but you will have too much rubber on to wear that in the summer when  the water is 58 or so.

Depends on your tolerance for the cold. As long as you are moving around, and your sessions aren't too long, either one is good enough to protect you from hypothermia.

Answer 2

get a 4/3 to be safe

Answer 3

4/3 you don't want to be cold while surfing in the cold winter and fog.

The Surfboard Man

http://www.thesurfboardman.com/

Answer 4

i would recomend to you that you get a 4/3 so just incase if a storm comes more from the north and brings in colder water youll be ready, im from Nj so i dont really know the water temps where you go so i dont really know. but i got a 4/3 too and it keeps my body the same temp as always.

Answer 5

4/3, new 4/3 arent super bulky  like they used to be so they pretty much feel the same as a 3/2 anyways. and i dont think the water gets  warm enough in sc to where a 4/3 would be bad

Answer 6

depends on your threshold for cold. i would get the 4.3 just to be sure, plus you can go more north (oregon) if the situation ever presents itself.

Answer 7

4/3, the water has been freezing out here lately!