WANTED: Summer wetsuit and possible Board

[Island Bri]

I'm on the lookout for a wetsuit or rashguard set for a 5'8", thin young woman. (I'm extremely pale, very susceptible to sunburn, and am about to head for New Zealand.) I'm under doctor's order against any sort of bikini or normal bathingsuit. So yeah...need help!

Also, I've tried looking for what type of board to get for the typical newbie. I've looked through the posts on here but there's so many different opinions, it's mind-boggling!

[CHarvey]

Why don't you just wear a long sleave rash gaurd (wish should provide the equivalent of 50SPF sun block), and a pair of board shorts? Your legs will be submerged the majority of time you are in the water so I would think they would be ok. For your face buy some Zinc oxide to smear on your face. Should resolve the issue.

[Island Bri]

There is that too. Would it be less expensive to buy the boardshorts/rash guard than a full suit?

Zinc oxide? How does that help? (I'm unfamiliar with the substance)

[Chriss]

5'8 & thin, I would say a minimal to start with 7'6 sort of size.

You may want to rent first to try, or buy secondhand so you get your money back when you sell. BIC & NSP seem to hold their value and take a bit more of a beating. Probably not going to want to ride it forever.

Yes boardshorts and rashvest will be cheaper. Not sure how warm the water in NZ is but in Oz last year I would have been way to hot in a full suit.

Zinc Oxide is the stuff that looks a bit like war paint.

[iNFiNiTi]

Hey there,

Looks like you've already had some good advice. I'd agree with just going with a long sleeve rashie and boardies...and if you are as pale as you say, be liberal with the zinc. It's all worth it in the end.

I am selling my Aloha Mini Mal (7'4") which is actually still brand new because I ride my other board religously. This one comes with new fins (3) & FCS key, and a new 2.5m leash still in the packaging. Are you still looking for a board?

Photos available if ur interested.

Cheers.

[RJD]

'bri you still heading for Auckland?