What wetsuit should I get that'll work well at this time of year but also be usable in the summer months?

Question

I want to buy a wetsuit for surfing in Cornwall, since now my job has changed i'm on more flexible hours so will be able to surf in the evenings.

I've not had one before and need to know what sort of thickness would work now AND in the summer to save me getting 2 suits, also what is there to look out for or any other advice?

Answer 1

Been here and spent a lot of time looking into it ! The water is really cold now and will take some time to warm up, even when the sun comes. Anything less than 5mm on your body and you'll be cold. Don't get to into thinking you can bolster with "thermal rash-vests". More layers means more water going through and doesn't always make you warmer. A 5mm body, 3mm arms and legs will do all year round. That's what I settled for and have stuck with for 12 years now. If they do get too hot in the summer, just pull open the neck and you'll soon cool. If you really think this is over the top incase we get that "heat-wave" in the summer, you're better buying a thermal rash vest and wearing that with a pair of boardies if(and when) the heatwave comes, than buying a thin wetsuit now and need ing a load of extra gear because you're cold - you'll end up not going in at all !!

Answer 2

Wetsuits are made for different temps.  Standard summer long suit is a 3/2mm, in So. CA that's temps from about 60 deg. F to  66 degrees F. When the temp spikes you can always open it up to cool off, or if sunny just use board shorts.  The other thing to keep in mind is that not all wetsuits are created equal.  The top of the line O'Neal Psycho II 3/2mm may be warmer than some 4/3 suites.  When the temp drops to below 60 then people start adding booties and hats.  O'Neal has a new suite out that allows a zip on hoodie attachment. A 4/3 with booties will keep you warm in the below 60 temps.  I checked the temps in your area and it appears to be 54.  So a 4/3mm with booties would keep  you warm.  It also depends on your BMI, (body mass index), if you have some of your own insulation then you'll be warm, but if  you're really skinny you'll want to 'dress warm'.  You can always add a 'hat' on colder days and start removing the hat and the booties as the temp increases.  However if the sun is out and the temps in the 65 degree range in the spring/fall you may get hot in a 4/3.  You may want to determine the avg water temp for each month and then decide what type of wetsuit would give you the most months coverage.  The amount of wind and sun will also make a difference.  If it's cloudy and windy it'll be a lot colder than sunny and still, I'm guessing you're more in the cloudy windy areas?  Talk to the locals at a surf shop and get their input, they'll know best. Ask them what they use.

Answer 3

Jet Pilot and Body Glove are the two best suits for surfing and water skiing. The company 800 number will put you in touch with people to answer all of your questions and then ship what you need. A 2 mil suit is flexible, warm, ---best used with boots or surf shoes in cooler waters. Get what you need by asking these companies. Hang loose and have fun

Answer 4

If you get a 4/3 mil, That is classed as a spring and fall suit. You will get a little over heated in the middle of summer,But you  can always let water in to the suit via the neck. In the middle of winter, say feb when the sea is at its coldest, you wont be able to stay in as long  as you would with a 5 mil suit.

Having said that if you keep paddeling round you will stay warm.

Also check out titanium lined suits. as a rule you can loose a mil of rubber and stay warm.

Dont go cheap spend a little more and get a quality one. I have a tailor made SNUGG and they last me 3 to 4 winters.