Wetsuit help

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Wetsuit help

Postby amandab92 » Thu Feb 13, 2020 1:05 pm

Hi everyone,

Sorry if this question has been asked a million times before.

I'm a paddlesports instructor who is about to venture into the saling/surfing/supping world.

I've been offered a place on a Sport Scotland instructor development scheme. This will be based on the isle of Cumbrae (firth of Clyde). Water temps seem to range from 8 degrees to about 14 degrees (celsius) for the time of year I'll be there. As it's a development scheme I'll be in the water till my toes fall off.

Does anyone have any advice on thickness of wetsuit required. I've just done four years in Spain where you don't need a wetsuit lol.

I was guessing about a 4/3mm? I spoke to a guy at wetsuit outlet and he said 3/2! Surely not. I am Scottish and have paddled a lot here but surely a 3/2 wouldn't suffice?

Massively grateful for any advice that leads to saving my extremities.
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Re: Wetsuit help

Postby Lebowski » Thu Feb 13, 2020 1:42 pm

I'd have said that you'll be too cold even in a 4/3.

5/3 minimum in my opinion, unless you're only in the water over summer.
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Re: Wetsuit help

Postby amandab92 » Thu Feb 13, 2020 2:02 pm

Thanks man, will be on water five days per week from 1st March til 31st November. Some summer stuff but a good chunk of baltic too
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Re: Wetsuit help

Postby waikikikichan » Fri Feb 14, 2020 12:01 am

amandab92 wrote:will be on water five days per week from 1st March til 31st November.

That's easy then, get a 5/3 AND a 4/3. Somedays it'll take more than a full day for your wetsuit to dry out. With two wetsuits you'll be able to rotate them out.
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Re: Wetsuit help

Postby Prancing monkey » Fri Feb 14, 2020 12:33 pm

Unless you are hard as nails, definitely get a 5/4, 5mm boots, gloves and hood for 8 degrees. The water in Brighton is about 8 / 9 at the moment (the exception being the break off the local power station hot water outflow pipe!) and I definitely need that much rubber. 4/3 will be better for the top end of your temp range.
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Re: Wetsuit help

Postby BradP » Mon Jun 29, 2020 10:39 am

Hi amanda

You've probably got what you need by now....but I snorkel weekly in a similar area - west kilbride, portencross etc
I have been surviving in a cheap 3/2 without boots or gloves. Ive just started using a 5/4 and its so much more comfortable so im upgrading to that and then i will use my 3/2 when the water is at its warmest. I still dont use thick boots or any gloves but i would recommend boots...anything - 5mm would be nice though
If you are looking for gear or advice, C & C marine in Fairlee is great. Old man with experience and will help you get exactly what you need.

Thanks
Brad
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