wetsuit advice (Ventura, CA)

[TheRedlines]

I'm in southern California, Ventura and wondering what types of wetsuits I should be looking at for now and through winter. Any suggestions?

[bruinft]

I surf mainly Venice and El Porto. If you plan to surf during the winter, just get a 4:3 full suit. Some people get away with a 3:2, but a 4:3 costs a little more and I'd rather be warmer than colder. During the few months when I don't need a full suit, I go with a spring suit or trunk it with a rashguard or jacket.

[billie_morini]

TheRedlines,
I live in Santa Barbara and surf there and in Ventura County. I use a 3/2 suit that has neck entry and liner (Quiksilver Cypher). It's a little too warm in late summer, so I use a shortie or spring suit then. I lived many years in NorCAL and used a 4/3 back zip suit. The water is truly cold up there and I never use this suit here in Santa Barbara and Ventura. If I go out on a winter morning in my 3/2 and think it will be a little bit cooler than normal, I'll where a sleeveless rash guard shirt and rash guard shorts under my 3/2 suit. However, this does not occur often. The combination of good seam seals, liner, and, especially, neck entry make all the difference in the world. I would not suggest a 4/3 suit over the 3/2 that I use here. Oh, I also use a very thin pair of booties and a very thin hood in cold winter.
billie

[TheRedlines]

Thanks guys...That cypher suit looks nice. Something I didn't mention is that I'm packing a few extra lbs and have no doubt I'll lose probably20-30 lbs over the next few months so this purchase no doubt will only last me through this season before I'm replacing it. Thanks again

[bruinft]

Well, everyone is different. I've know people to be freezing in a 3:2 while there are people paddling out in boardshorts and a rashguard or a jacket. I've been cold in my springsuit while people are paddling out in just a bikini or boardshorts.

[billie_morini]

TheRedlines,
if you think you are going to need a different suit in short order due to weight loss, than buy a used suit. That's what I got started with. You'd be surprised at the good prices you can find on websites like Craigslist and really busy rental surf shops (or kite surfing shops) if you buy used.