First Wetsuit - Summer in France

[Kiwistarista]

Hey guys,

Im planning two trips to the atlantic coast of france this summer. Last time Ive been there I only used a neopren rashshirt whicht got quite cold in the morning n evenin hours esp. when the sun was gone. So Im thinkin of gettin my first wetsuit.

Unfortunately I do not have the slightes idea what to get and what prices Im lookin at for a decent wsuite. Would u go for long arms/legs or short, whats the appr. thikness, and what about the quality? I'd like to order it online since there no shops in my area. Do you have some good links?

EDIT: Im 172cm, 68kg

Thanks for helpin me guys
Cheers
Kiwi

[mowflow]

I was around this area recently. I used a 3/2 O'neill convertible suit with the sleeves off most days. It was easily warm enough and didn't cost much.

[jon.biarritz]

There's a big difference between NW, W and SW France in terms of water temperature.

If you're talking SW France where I am, for summertime a 2/2 short sleeve would be good. A 3/2 would be a bit warm for July/August, it's more a mid-season suit for Sept-Nov and April-June. I personally use a short john wetsuit in July and August, which is a halter top (bare arms and shoulders) that stops above the knees. You can get one retail for 60 euros at midrange quality. A full 2/2 quality wetsuit will be 120 euros and up. Of course, if you buy off-season (i.e. wintertime) at the factory outlets it's more like 30 euros then.

[Kiwistarista]

Nice thanks for your advice guys.

Well Im actually not headin down to biarritz etc , but will stay further up north in the remote area of nantes. Big temp. difference already?

[jon.biarritz]

According to surf-report.com, water temp in Biarritz right now is 16-17 C but in Nantes it's 10-11 C.

So a 3/2 might be best at the moment in Nantes.

But I don't know how warm the water gets there in the summertime. In Biarritz it gets up to 21-22.

[Kiwistarista]

Alrite thanks! - gonna keep an eye on the temp.
Cheers
Kiwi