Surfing Waves

Hello. I'm a newbie hoping to get a wetsuit so I can be in the water in the Pacific Northwest. I tried on a bunch. Here's an example: A "Roxy Women's 4/3MM Syncro Series Back Zip Fullsuit" in an 8 tall is a couple inches too short in the legs and at least that much too long in the torso. Basically unwearable in the top, though if the legs were big enough around not to dig into my calves I could manage with longer booties. Anybody have a suggestion that isn't too expensive? And that will keep me warm enough?

Our women members are fairly quiet at the moment and realistically the guys here including me can't help much.
Custom made might be one way but a little expensive.
I'd suggest measuring yourself and sending an email to various manufacturers and see.
I know there are custom makers in the US

Try on different wetsuit brands. As much as I want to fit into them, I can't seem to get the fit I want with Rip Curl wetsuits. I tend to find O'Neills that fit me nicely--I dunno why. I've had bad luck fitting into Excel wetsuits as well. Sometimes you have to be persistent and keep trying them on. Vary the sizes you try on as well, I tried on a 2XL and discovered, to my surprise, that it fit. Throw out the sizing guidelines you read and rely on how it feels to you, but try to imagine what a particular wetsuit fit would be like in the water. Your suit doesn't necessarily need to be skin tight. I prefer my wetsuits a lot looser than the manufacturer's recommend, mainly because I wear a hood shirt underneath my wetsuit when it's really cold. I also prefer my wetsuits to have a lot of play in the shoulders. Think carefully about your fit and you'll refine what works for you over time Unfortunately, it may take one or two wetsuits to get it dialed in. Another thing with me, I don't order wetsuits online. I only buy wetsuits that I can try on and then buy. I'm too picky to hope I get the right fit from an online retailer.

You definitely want something that fits well. Surfing became so much more enjoyable for me once I got a wetsuit that fit properly and kept me warm. I get cold so easily.

If nothing seems to fit well, ask the local surfers around and see if you can get any recommendations for an affordable order made suit. With winter coming along soon, a lot of the makers here are offering deals on wetsuits for those that order early. (no extra charge for full order, or some discounts for early orders) Maybe you can find some similar offers near you.

I am short (5'3ish) with an average sized torso. I've found that billabong suits fit me really well so you can probably cross Billabong off your list since the leg length is OK for me. Custom suit might be the way to go!

How about Oneill? Their arms and legs are longer than the same size xcel while the torso seems about the same length, or maybe a bit shorter even. If you have broad shoulders you may need the chest zip as Oneill fits a little narrow around the shoulders. I've read Rip Curl and Xcel fit better on shorter women.