Surfing Waves

The last time I surfed without a wetsuit was a long time ago, with cold-ish water and strong winds. I suffered enough through that experience to come to the conclusion that I'd always need a suit in California. Fast forward to today, when I went out with a couple buds who didn't bring any wetsuits, and I didn't want to be the only pansy in the water with a suit on, so I decided to just get in with boardies and the difference between neoprene and bare shoulders was insane. Water was warm and there was no wind and I loved every second of freedom. Stayed out for quite a while until the sun began to set and the wind kicked up, so I went to the car to get the suit (of course I still brought it with me). Even just the first few paddles with it felt like such an endeavor. Wetsuits are now completely ruined for me. I will forever envy you Hawaiians and your tropical waters, among other things.

I have worn a wetsuit while bodyboarding partly for comfort and partly for protection against the wooden bodyboard in bigger waves. It was a beaver tail with the tail cut off so just a short sleeve top. But so far haven't worn a wetsuit surfing although some surfers here do wear wet suits although usually just tops and maybe sleeveless . I wore a shortjohn type of suit scuba diving although it wasn't entirely necessary but just more comfortable. The water temperature temperature here in Hawaii is often quite comfortable but not according to my wife but then I went bodysurfing at Zuma beach in the winter with no wetsuit and was okay with that cold but manageable.

But you have to remember, there is a price for living in Paradise.


I moved from Hawaii to Japan. Here I have a 5/4/3 hood, 4/3 full , 3/2 full , long john, spring suit, and 2mm long sleeve top. ( oh and also a drysuit, when it too cold to change into dry clothes in the parking lot )

I live in SoCal, and my favorite surf outfit is board shorts and a 1-2mm wetsuit top.

Also, that is crazy for a gallon of milk! How much is gasoline? Our milk is much cheaper, our gasoline is generally much pricier than nationwide average (around $3.25/gal now.)

Last weekend the water was almost 70, I was burning up surfing at OB. Fast forward a couple of days, the water took a very chilly dip, it's in the low 62's right now.

I have been taking 2 to 3 trips a year to mainland Mexico and Cabo to enjoy the 75dgree water, and surf without a wetsuit, I highly recommend the experience of being able to surf 3 to 4 hours because your body is not busy trying to keep you warm.

By the way, OB must have been 62 this morning again, I have a 2mil fullsuit and it wasn't enough neoprene

I think I kinda can relate. I never want to wear clothes again!