Family getting into surfing need wetsuits and booties

[murphysf]

Hello

We are a San Francisco Bay Area Family

Myself aged 53 and my two kids 9 & 7 want to get into surfing. My kids took surf lesson in San Clemente last week and really enjoyed it.

I am looking for three pairs of booties and three 4/3 wetsuits, one for myself about 6'2" 210 lbs and my kids they are size 10 and 12.

Want to buy wetsuits and booties that are decent but don't need anythig high end.

Besides ebay and craislist for used stuff what are some good sites for new stuff?

Also are there any brands that aren't the big names that are still really good and worth looking at.


I don't mind spending $ but am looking for a good deal on decent stuff. I'm open to the big names like Rip Curl and ONeill but am sure there are good deals from some of he smaller companies, especially booties?

Thanks!

Also if this is not the best forum to post in please let me know of other forums that exist.

[tomthetreeman]

Hyperflex has a lower price point and good quality. You get what you pay for, but the products are decent. I’d avoid Craigslist used stuff for so many reasons.

Tom

[Ratfinksurfer]

I'd go with ONeill. They've been around forever, they're high quality and the price is reasonable. You can also occasionally find good deals at Non-surf-centric malls will carry Quiksilver wetsuits they sometimes just need to clear the shelves.

[dtc]

Needs essentials wetsuits are a pretty good mid range brand - have most of the high end features but about 1/2 the price

However for your kids I honestly would just go for cheap suits. I’m not in the US but Aldi or Walmart etc level suits. They grow out of them very quickly, won’t last more than a year (maybe spend a little more on the bigger kid and then hand it down). Or whatever is on special or runout- there is some benefit in getting higher end suits eg some extra warmth or comfort, but you won’t get much use (source: have kids). Maybe for kids you could go for a second hand suit?

For you - everyone has their own favourite but the key is to get a suit that fits. For some people everything fits, but for others (eg me) only certain brands or even certain models are comfortable. So I suggest you either buy from a shop where you can try it in, or make sure you can return anything bought online