Wetsuit Back zipper

[jddc7]

Hi All,

What are everyones thoughts on a back zipper for a wetsuit? I've been using one for a while now but it can get pretty hard at times to zip yourself up.

I've looked at front zip suits but heard they are hard to get out of

Cheers

[Big H]

I don't find the one I have hard, just get irritated by the zipper lanyard pull thing flopping around...I usually tuck it into the back of the neck but it always comes out again. I have one like the below pic that I wear on dawn patrols from June to August here. If it's hard to zip that is nature's way of telling you to stretch a little more.....BTW the muscles that you stretch that will make zipping yourself up easier are the same ones that make paddling easier if flexible.

[jaffa1949]

Ah , the pre surf yoga of getting into your wetsuit, sometimes all the warm up you need

[jddc7]

yeah it sure is a work out haha

I can get the suit on ok it's just trying to zip it up without looking like a fool. Everyone else seems to be ok, I try and almost give up

[jaffa1949]

Not one person around you would be concerned on what you look like zipping up!
Get yourself more flexible, I'm 68 and use a back zip! Flexible improves your surfing ( that's why so many pros do yoga)

[RinkyDink]

I have a front zip and it's a pain to get out of. I really hate having to struggle with it after a session when my arms are noodles. My next wetsuit will be a back zip because wetsuit technology has gotten so good that I doubt the back zip will really make a difference with regard to staying warm in the water temps I surf in. If I were surfing in Iceland, then I'd probably stick with a front zip, but again, the technology is so good these days that I might be able to get away with a back zip there too. In the end, I just don't want the hassle of a front zip. I'd rather just use the back zipper after I'm out and be half-way done with getting my wetsuit off.

[dtc]

I will never go back to a back zip; front zips are so much more flexible across the back. For me. After you figure out the pattern, getting them off isn't that hard

If your back zip is hard to do up, get a longer string/cord. It should just be reach behind your hips and zip.

[oldgrom22]

If you have any issues with a back zip don't think it's the best idea to look into chest zips as they are harder to get on. Like DTC said, for CZs it's all about how you put it on and off, there is definitely a system to it. Truthfully, I have never heard of anyone having issues with a back zip, maybe your suit is too small or the zipper has issues?

[Namu]

I only use back zips, there is technique to not getting the zipper stuck, hard to describe, but once you figure it out it is easy to get it zipped. I like to roll my shoulders back, pinching my shoulder blades together, make sure there is no material between the zipper and pull the zipper not just up but away from you.

[jddc7]

Thanks all

Will keep trying. I get there in the end just gotta try a different technique I guess