Surfing Waves

ok...a good new wetsuit (ripcurl, oneill, billabong, qs etc.) costs about 150 and up depending on size. well i just realized i was driving today, passing the West Marine shop, what about diving wetsuits? snorkling wetsuits? wetsuits you use to scuba dive? is there any difference to those in the surf shop?

cause i was lookin on ebay for one and i saw a swimming wetsuit, and diving wetsuits, as well as surfing wetsuits. whats the difference

Apart from maintaining warmth, I would think it's mainly on the type of material and technical construction of the suit.

For example, surfing wetsuit will concentrate on it's material lightness and flexibility on certain areas (most commonly on shoulder).
Where as I would imagine that diving/snorkeling wetsuit construction would concentrate more on durability of the material which may affect its flexibility.

But having said that, this technical differences will only become a major issue on advance (and above) level skills, type of surfing and weather and/or water temperature.

I don't think it really matters much for beginners or leisure type of surfing in warm climate (shorty wetsuits).

Just my opinion of course.

fit is more important with a surfing wetsuit than a diving wetsuit. Having said that i know a few people round here used to get dirt cheap wetsuits and boots etc. from a local fire protection equipment supplier and i think they where diving suits.

A lot of it is the shape and where the thick/thin bits are.

F'r instance, a swimming wetsuit will fit you when your legs are straight, but a surfing wetsuit is 'bent' at the knees and elbows 'cos thats the position you'll be in at the important moments.

Anyone who's ever paddled in a badly fitting wetsuit will tell you how much difference it can make - knees and elbows which dont want to bend will soon wear you out, so stick with a surfing suit.

As said before, alot of the diving suits are too thick and not as flexible as a wetsuit designed for surfing, plus divers opt for dry suits alot because they work in a different way and focus more on warmth.

Dont diving wetsuits zip up from the front? So you'll be a bit uncomfortable lying on the zip!

There are different types of wetsuits for a reason (form follows function).

Yes, you can probably get a different type of suit for cheaper, but it won't be as good for surfing as a suit that is designed for surfing.

I have a wakeboarding wet suit, and I can definately feel the difference between the other suits I have had.

It's not bad though, but after an entire day of paddling, my underarms started to rub

yea so this is what i got (4/3 Hurley MT) any opinions of owners?




i actually paid only 190 for it. it was originally 50 bucks but some jackass bid on me at the last second and jacked it up. whatever, i still got it for a bargain considering it was new and at 270

Like anything brother u have to look around , I just bought a new wettie 3 days ago , I made some phone calls to the major coastal surf shops closest to me (still about 40 mins drive) and happened to luck out and talked to a guy at 1 who said there wetties where 20% off and if I come down he could drop it even more I got a Peak (Aussie Manufacturer) Flex 3:2 steamer, that was $259.99 sticker price for $199 AUD , Wetsuit is fully sealed, superstretch neoprene and designed for surfing I went str8 to beach from shop to try it out and was so warm after freezin my nuts of in springsuit for a month and half, also was very happy with the maneouverability I had in the suit. , my advice if u want to surf in it get a wetsuit designed for surfing and dont be scared to ring around or bargain on price most salesman wouold rather drop the price $20 then blow the sale.