What wetsuit to get? (Sheboygan WI)

[lakesurfer]

I live close to Sheboygan WI (Elbow) and was wandering what thickness of wetsuit I should get. I like to surf in the summer only about June through August. What thickness should I get and what brand, and do I need shoes or gloves?

[billie_morini]

Ha, I immediately thought 5/4 mm suit when I first saw Sheboyhan. Then I saw the statement about surfing in the warm months of summer. Water temperatures during that period average 15C to 20C (59F to 70F). Most surfers I know, me included would use a 3/2 suit between 15C and 18C. A few would use a heaver suit like a 4/3, especially guys from South America. When at the warmer range (18C to 20C), the heaviest you could tolerate would be a 3/2 and you might use a 2mm or a spring suit (short arms and/or short legs). Some guys would simply wear a long sleeve rash guard and board shorts in the warmer range. On sunny days with high air temperatures, I would.

Chest zip suits are warmer than most back zip suits because they let less water in. The back zip suit exception is made by Oneil. They've got a suit with a fabric flap that keeps cold water from trickling down your back. As far as which brands, the better made and/or more functional suits seem to be Xcel, Oneil, and Quiksilver (have probably offended many people with this). If you are buying at the lowest price range ($100 to $150), they're all pretty much the same and you should buy what is on sale.

Now, with all that said, are there really any waves in Sheboygan in the Summer? I thought it was only surfable in Winter.

[billie_morini]

Oh, couple of more comments.

Only a teeny tiny percentage of surfers surf with shoes. And when they do, it is a Converse or similar sneaker. Many surfers in colder water wear booties. Booties come in a variety of thicknesses. I like the thinnest one possible for a little bit of warmth, but mostly to protect my feet when walking (foot injury and surgery when kid leads to foot protection requirement). I tried gloves and don't like surfing with them. Most people don't, but in frigid water there may be no alternative. I found they interfere with grabbing the board. They also create drag when your hands are on the rails when catching a wave.

I do wear the thinnest fabric hood available. This is more to keep the sun from burning me. My skin is very fair. However, the hood also keeps water from going directly into my ears and I like this secondary benefit.

[Hurricane]

Don't forget you can always buy a wetsuit used as well instead of a new one. 3/2 should be good for summer surf. Billie as for offending people it happens I am all ripcurl when it comes to wetsuits but my best advice to lakesurfer is if you like a wetsuit make sure it is the right size for one and just get or look for reviews, most of us on here have owned a few different ones.