Any experience with a 2mm full wetsuit in SoCal?

[SoCalSurfing]

Hey there,

Anyone have experience with a 2mm full wetsuit in SoCal?

Pros / Cons?

Is it that much different than a 3/2?

Does it keep some cold out or is it like a rash guard, for example?

Any other info would be very helpful.

Thank You!

[oldmansurfer]

I don't know how it would work in SoCal but I do know how a wet suit works. Wet suits are called that because the hold water over your skin. Your body warms up the water and the suit trys to keep it from getting cold. It should be way better than a rashie. The wetsuit at least will keep cold water from going straight through it like a rashie. When I went diving in colder water I would wet my suit and put it on for a while before I went out diving. This allowed the water to warm up prior to entry into the water and kept me warmer for a longer period of time. The only time I used a wet suit in the waves was when I paipo boarded big waves. I wore it mostly for protection from chaffing on the wooden board as I would get bounced around a lot, but it also served to keep me comfy temperature wise for longer periods of time. (I live in Hawaii) Back in those days there were no surfing wet suits (in Hawaii) so I used a beavertail and cut off the tails to get rid of the metal fastener that would rub me the wrong way. Hahahaha well just something to occupy the time till someone who knows something can answer.

[SoCalSurfing]

Thanks oldmansurfer.

I wonder if there are any tests,

...say given the same exact body temperature (in the same water)

what would be the difference in water temperature inside the suit, between different suit?

For example, in water temperature 55 F with body temperature 97.8 F

4mm/3mm - inside suit water temperature 70 F
2mm - inside suit water temperature 62 F

[oldmansurfer]

There are too many variables. Partially it depends on your activity level and your metabolic rate and at least the sensation of cold is affected by your own bady fat. I know for myself when I was young and super fit and fatless I got really cold but now with a good layer of fat I am comfy in Hawaiian waters.

[waikikikichan]

Most wetsuit makers only start their full suits ( long arms and long legs - not short sleeves )at 3/2mm. So what brand are you looking at that has a 2mm ? Before you had to sacrifice warmth for flexibility. But now the modern 3/2mm are both flexible and warm. Go with a good 3/2mm full with a front Chest Zip. If it get to hot, you can unzip it or even flap it back over. If your looking to save money buying a 2mm over 3/2mm, don't do that. Buy the best your budget will allow.

( by the way, I have a 2mm full and it's not very warm. But good for jelly fish. )

[jaffa1949]

( by the way, I have a 2mm full and it's not very warm. But good for jelly fish. )

Are they the Fukashima glow in the dark jellyfish?

[SoCalSurfing]

waikikikichan,

Wetsuit Warehouse has 14 of them:
http://www.wetsuitwearhouse.com/wetsuits/category/mens-fullsuit-wetsuits.html#/?_=1&filter.thickness=2mm&page=1

It's not the money, it the flexibility.

I have a full 4/3 and feel too restricted.

[waikikikichan]

Out of the 14 , only 5 have long arms to the wrist. Sure a short sleeve will have more freedom of movement. If your 4/3 is a few years old, then it will be a lot stiffer than when you bought it new. Get a 3/2mm chest zip. It a lot more flexible than a back zip. My shoulders don't hurt as much after a long session with a chest zip.

Question: is the water temperature more than 70 degrees where you surf ?

[SoCalSurfing]

waikikikichan,

thanks, I will try on some 3/2mm chest zips.

I wish it was warmer than 70, then I wouldn't be looking for a suit!
(it was 72F a few months ago for the first time in years, the rash guard was all I needed)

but yes I saw that recommendation on the site for the 2mm.