Shorty wetsuit recommendations?

[Newfer]

I'm looking to get a women's shorty for the Australian summer, wondering if anyone had any recommendations?
I'm fairly new to surfing so I'm looking for something fairly entry level, around $100-$150.
I was looking at the O'Neill Bahia Jane: http://au.oneill.com/shop/wetsuits/wome ... k-blk.html
Or the RipCurl Dawn Patrol: http://www.ripcurl.com.au/shop/girls/we ... l-spr.html

[dtc]

Either will be fine so long as the fit - the worst wetsuit is one that doesn't fit. Too tight across the shoulders, or too loose and doesn't keep you warm or gives you a rash...So get the one that fits the best

Where are you surfing?

In terms of the suits you suggested, I have found that

- on a longboard (or a wide board), if your bare legs rub against the side of the board, you can get a bit of a rash esp if there is some wax there. Plus your legs can get a bit cool (hence I like long legs and get the wetsuit to protect my dainty sensitive legs) (I'm male so can't handle pain)

- on the other hand, short sleeves just leaves you open to sunburn and, if there is a cool wind, to getting a bit cold! (However, if you know this in advance, a 1mm rash vest can be used as well as the suit)

Personally I would go for the longer legs and shorter sleeves. Not necessarily full length, but not short (eg the O'Neill reactor or Roxy syncro). So the legs are long enough to prevent bare flesh rubbing against the board

I surf NSW south coast and use a 3/2 full length all year. Sometimes I do get a bit hot and its overkill in summer, but its perfectly bearable and I can use it in winter as well. But north of Sydney, I suspect the water temp is going to make this option not feasible.

Anyway, it you want to research things these have some good info

http://www.carvemag.com/2013/05/the-tru ... HHDvVKKAv0

http://www.wetsuitwearhouse.com/wetsuit ... -wetsuits/

[jaffa1949]

Boards shorts an 1mm titanium rashy yesterday great to be free of rubber

[Newfer]

I tend to stick to Manly, since it seems to be a pretty good beach for beginners like me.

I was thinking about getting a versatile 3/2 that'd last me most of the year. I was looking at the Ripcurl flashbomb but the staff said it'd probably be too hot for Sydney summer weather.

Thanks for the tips.

[jaffa1949]

The flash bomb would be too hot for Sydney summer , yep , also if you use the same wetsuit year round you lose the feeling of being warmer when you put it on for winter.
There are vests and other women's tops or different cuts of wetsuits that are really light, I'll ask our local girls and we are much further south than you and see what heir suggestion are!

[drowningbitbybit]

A 2mm shortie is best for Sydney summer
3/2mm would be a touch warm, but I do know people that wear 3mm all year.

A 2mm springsuit doesn't need to be all that high tech. Avoid the really cheap ones that don't have sealed stitching, but apart from that, go with what fits best.

[drowningbitbybit]

Oh, and prepare for a ridiculous suntan

[Newfer]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the help!

[Newfer]

Okay so I kept hunting and I found this.
http://www.roxyaustralia.com.au/ladies- ... ult=159146
Longer in the leg than the Ripcurl, with a chest zip which is nice. Going to get a good deal on it too, which is also nice.

[drowningbitbybit]

...but does it fit? Don't buy it off the internet without trying it on.

[dtc]

Front zips are good, although second DBB - make sure you can return it if it doesn't fit. Check across the shoulders and underneath the armpits - those are the main problems and cause real issues if its too tight (after a couple of hours wearing it). Length can sometimes be an issue

[Newfer]

Naw went in store to try it on. I'm not crazy, anything over $50 I try on in person. It fit snugly, but not uncomfortably. I ended up getting it for $135.

[dtc]

Snug but not uncomfortable is perfect - they will stretch a bit over time and some stretch in the water as well.

Now its time to clear out some backpackers from Manly and go for it...when there are waves