Not sure what suit would I need for surfing in the winter

[Matzliah]

Hey,
I'm into surfing and want to start next winter, my plan is to first buy a suit some time soon and later on get a board and start learning,
question is, is a normal swimming/triathlon suit is fit to surfing? if it isn't whats the difference and what would you suggest me to wear?
Thanks.,

[drowningbitbybit]

The "where are you" bit is kind of critical for this question.

[waikikikichan]

triathlon wetsuit do not have Knee Pads.

[jaffa1949]

If you are planning to hit Israel surf, today was between 15 and 18 c, wetsuit would depend on where you are going to surf in winter.
a triathlon suit will get you by but will breakdown where the knees and legs meet the board, the flex panels are different to accommodate the different action of the two sports.

[Matzliah]

The "where are you" bit is kind of critical for this question.

I live in Israel and right now not too mobile so..
Its not arctic cold but I'm not great with lower temps.

If you are planning to hit Israel surf, today was between 15 and 18 c, wetsuit would depend on where you are going to surf in winter.
a triathlon suit will get you by but will breakdown where the knees and legs meet the board, the flex panels are different to accommodate the different action of the two sports.

Ok thanks, that was good to know, I am going to surf in Israel in the winter, so are there full body surfing wetsuits? are they capable of swimming as well? I'm looking for a suit I could use for surfing and swimming both.

[billie_morini]

Mittens? (This is a poor attempt at humour)

Seriously:
1. In addition to wearing through non-padded knees, tri-athelete suits are not adequately durable for surfing ( the entire suit cannot take it due to neoprene selection and stitching). Tri-athelete suits do not seal as well as wetsuits, so you will become cold more quickly.
2. Yes, there are highly stretch-able full wetsuits suitable for surfing and swimming. Here is an example and is what I use for both purposes: https://surfing-waves.com/Item/WWch3 ... etsuit.htm