Surfing Waves

Hi,
I currently have a 3/2 Oneill Reactor Back-Zip Wetsuit. I get quite cold in the California water and the backzip lets a lot of water in. I am thinking of getting a 4/3 Quicksilver front zip because the Oneill wetsuit is getting small anyways (I am 12 and growing). The Quicksilver is also avialable in backzip so I was wondering what you prefer. I heard it is hard to get out of a front zip but I also heard they are more durable. Id like to spend around $150 but will spend a little more if it is a good value. I am still growing though so not too expensive. Any help is appreciated!

Front zips are certainly warmer than back zips due to the harder path water must take to get in, and the extra layer of neoprene over your upper chest at the zip area.

They're not too hard to get in and out of, but it takes a little practice to get your technique sorted. Unfortunately you need to stretch the neck/chest area a fair bit, so it may not last as long as a back zip around the neck and shoulders.

My RipCurl is starting to stretch a bit at the shoulders after 2 years constant use.

A good fitting wetsuit is the better than a front or backzip. If your wetsuit is a good fit, water shouldn't really be getting in your wetsuit regardless of front or backzip. I use a backzip and I never have a problem with water getting in.

I prefer a front zip suit, and don't get flushed near as much as when I have had back zip suits. Here is a little trick to make them easier to get on and off. Reach inside and grab the wetsuit under the arm pits and then open it up. You can then just put it on almost like a pair of pants. After you get the legs all pulled up you just slip your arms in and then pull the flap or hood over your head and zip it up in the front. Some wetsuit manufacturers also make back zip wetsuits with an extra barrier in the back to help with flushing if you decide to go the back zip route. They can be quite a bit more expensive though.

Getting on is the easy part. getting it off is more difficult. After one arm is off past the elbow... then the rest is easy. I was hesitant to convert.. but i'll never go back. Go into a store and just try on a ripcurl ebomb. the second you have it on you will notice the increased flex in the back. Combined with todays super stretchy materials... its absolute heaven! I would definitely recommend the chest zip. The neck seal is leaps and bounds better. And since the flap seal... like tony said, its super hard for water to get in. get on it!

Aloha!