What is the best brand wetsuit to get for surfing for the winter months.?

Question

How about the dry suits? are they able to be used for surfing?

Answer 1

Honestly, certain brands fit differently for each person.  I would try on whatever you can to see the best fit.  The last thing you want to do is to buy a wetsuit that looks cool, but doesn't keep you warm because it's too loose in certain areas.

Don't get a dry suit, they're not meant for surfing.  Surfing wetsuits have pads in the knees, stretchier parts where it counts, like in the arms, knees, etc.  If you can afford it, the suits with glued seams are great.  Those kinds tend to be more expensive, but they're warmer and more flexible.  The more flexible a suit is, the less resistance there is from the materials when you're moving, such as paddling.  Less resistance = less tiring = more surfing!

To go from an entry level suit to a high end one is phenomenal.  O'Neill suits tend to be extremely flexible, but don't seem to last as long as a Billabong, Quiksilver, Hurley, or XCel.  But those four aren't as flexible.  Matuse makes even MORE flexible suits, but they are definitely some of the most expensive wetsuits I've tried.  Totally worth it if you can shell out the cash.  But they're not for everybody.  There are other brands, but these are the six that I've tried.

Also, make sure you take care of the wetsuit.  Use a changing mat to prevent damaging the suit.  Don't fold the suit, or machine wash it.  Only hand wash it, and when you need to carry the suit in a bag, roll it up.  And sunlight can destroy your suit slowly when you're not using it.

So try on as many brands as you can.

Answer 2

4/3 steamer. O'neil pyscho 2.  Get some booties too.

Answer 3

Honestly brand doesn't really matter.  Get one that fits you well.  Preferably, for comfort's sake, get a full back and sealed seams.  Wear booties and a hood if you're really cold.

I have both rip curl and billabong suits in 3/2 with full back protection.  For winter though, I'd wear at least a 4/3 or possibly even a 5 mm suit  if you have really cold water.  The hoods actually make a huge difference since so much of your body heat is lost through your head.

Dry suits aren't suitable for surfing, in my opinion.  They will keep you dry, but not especially comfortable, and they require a "warmth layer" underneath to actually keep you warm.  As a result, they're bulkier than most of us would like to surf in.  Plus, dry suits are far more expensive and if you catch a rock or skeg and rip the suit, it's useless.

Answer 4

how cold? I surf 37 degree water 6 months out of the year so I go with a 6mm Billabong gold series with built in hood(MUST HAVE), 7mm booties and gloves.

Answer 5

Depends on the water temp. Dry suits are for artic diving. If the water is 50F^ get a 4/3 Ripcurl F-Bomb

Answer 6

If it's your first wet suit than i'd say wait for a sale at a local surf shop, go and try some on. I personally like excel wet suits. i think they hold up a lot better than most others. depending on where you're surfing, I'd go with a 4/3 mm suit. I surf in NJ and I wear a 4/3 excel suit, a 1mm hood, 5mm Lobster claw gloves, and 7/6 split toe booties. They work out perfect for me.

Answer 7

Dry suits do not work for surfing.  I prefer O'Neill wet suits but that is only my personal preference.  Just got a 4/3 O'Neill Heat that I love.  Check out the 2007/2008 wet suit video buyers guide on surfline at http://www.surfline.com/surfnews/photo_b...