wetsuit vest for winter

[pmcaero]

Hey everyone, been a long time. I haven't surfed as much the past three years, but would like to go back to year-round in the cold North Atlantic if possible.
I have a 5mm Excel wetsuit and a bibbed hood, but it's not enough from January to mid April. Ideally I would get a 6mm wetsuit which has worked well for me in the past, but the prices are just crazy. I was thinking to supplement my wetsuit with a hooded vest worn under. I don't plan to surf when it's very cold outside, but maybe sneak in a sesh or two when the air temps are above freezing in mid-winter.
My main concern is retaining flexibility, my 5mm wetsuit already feels a bit constricting, but I hope to lose some weight before winter

[BoMan]

Welcome back!

There are big quality differences in wetsuits. I used to freeze in a 5 mil RipCurl with a 2 mil vest and a rashie but now feel comfortable wearing only a 5 mil O'Neil. Research locally and don't be afraid to spend a few dollars. It's way more fun to think about surfing than how cold you are.

[one0one]

i agree with above

I invested in a flashbomb that mate got and didn't fit properly for a good price.. ever since, I buy expensive suits.. the ones with lining from ripcurl dont last, but they are warm as..

I agree with above, the boys always say oh you wearing a hood today, I say, i like being hot in the water, because I hate being cold in the water.. if you have a choice be hot not cold.. just my tip.. I never complain about being too hot, as you can just pull back head gear and duck dive and boooom cold again lol.. but yeah, a good wetty is the best.. warm, good seems, and wash and hang same day as you surf out of sunlight, even though i put mine in sunlight lol.. must be too rich lol..

if I was in those cold as areas like you i'd probably get heat seeker or something top top of the range.. i usually just get 4/3 with the lining flach bomb plus i think it is.. but I always buy when theres sales in summer, or last seasons ones so its cheaper

[waikikikichan]

This wetsuit is a 5/3 meaning 5mm torso and legs with 3mm arms. The smoothie skin really helps to keep the wind chill out.

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There's also a inner collar that flushes away any water that gets through the neck

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This fuzzy material is super warm.

Price for this wetsuit is lower than any of the higher ended Oneil, Ripcurl, etc. wetsuits sold in the U.S. but that is without shipping from Japan. But with the Yen rate so low, that might even things out.

[one0one]

any links to that wetty @ Waikiki