Winter Vs Summer Wetsuit

[Laguna]

Ive noticed that many people on here think its best to have a summer and winter wetsuit. I planned on wearing my winter wetsuit all year round and save money but the other day when surfing I got quite warm in it and its only spring! Do you think that its possible to surf the summer in a winter wettie and when hot enough boardies?

I have got an baggyish summer wetsuit that I used last year , it came free in this surfing bundle I bought on the Internet. I dont think it should be worn really, no point selling it as its £35 brand new.

[orbital]

Well, I have a 4/3 for the spring, fall and summer. And i'm going to get a dry suit for the winter. You have to remember that, I live in Canada with harsh cold winters and the water is cold.

But if you live in an area where your winters aren't hards I can imagine you could get away with just one suit. I'd go with a 5 mm for year round.

[dondiemand]

ya, depends on where u live, around here (so cal) it gets really warm during summer, so it's best to get a springsuit, plus it's more comfortable than a full suit

[Broosta]

I used to go all year in a winter suit but that was a while ago and winter suits are warmer now.
My advice is to buy a really good winter suit and then try to save for a cheap summer one.
Summer suits are thinner so more flexi anyway, and don't put your knee on the board, ever, cos suits often wear at knee quickest. Use foot to duck dive instead. If you have 2 suits they both last longer, and longer still if you're careful .

[Laguna]

ye I was thinking about getting a cheap summer wetsuit if I see one. I spent a lot on a really good winter suit because winter surfing is more serious. A cheap summer suit would be the way I think. Thanks

[PapaW]

ITs worth it in the long purly because you really notice the benifits of the winter suit when it gets to winter. Wearing the same one all year round you get used to it and end up still feeling cool. I try are stay out of the wintersuit till mid november/december.

Additionally by having a thinner suit your be alot more flexable and so can usually stay out longer cause your not getting tired so quickly!

[Laguna]

Ye good points, I guess it is best to have both suits. Paddling would be a lot easier in a summer suit!

[eco]

and whats about washing your winter wetsuit?, i was used to clean with water but now it smells so bad, so what can i do? maybe with some special soap or something like that? thanks guys

[Laguna]

You can buy some wetsuit shampoo which is a few pound, but if I was you I would just add normal shampoo in your tub with cool water. Any kind of shampoo should be ok really.

[PapaW]

Or put it in the washing machine on a COOL wash, Short cycle, NO SPIN. with a little lemon or other citris juice.

[eco]

thanks people!

[Broosta]

Piss Off .

[Laguna]

Im not convinced by the wetsuit shampoo, It costs like £3-4 and claims it works well , making your wetsuit live longer....etc But I think its just a way of getting more money out of you. I find regular shampoo fine.Smells nicer too

[sinistapenguin]

If you live in Wales, I would say that you should look at 2 suits.

Basically I only have a 3/2 suit and that does me from Now til November. I really want to get a winter suit, because this winter has been so long and cold that I haven't even been in yet (would have over the easter weekend, but it was only 1 ft, so not worth it!)

Cheers

Sinista

[Laguna]

Thanks for all the advice. Theres been a lot of good points discussed and I will keep my eyes open for a cheap summer suit. I had to splash out on a decent winter suit last year to allow me to surf on the coldest of days, I use to become ill easily, but now ive never become ill or cold after surfing.
Summer, really I think a cheap wetsuit will do me fine. Winter surfing is the more serious one.

[Laguna]

oh, forgot to ask. Whats everyone think about these summer wetsuit convertibles? I hav seen some cheap O'Neill summer wetsuits and I like the fit of O'neill wetsuits, and it says convertible. I think I can see zips on the arms which can be taken off. What are these like? Anyone know?

(oh and yes I know , never to buy a wetsuit online. But its so much cheaper and I tried on an O'neill wetsuit last year and the fit was perfect)

http://www.shore.co.uk/epages/newshore. ... 25000L&2FS

[Broosta]

I have had convertables in the past and they're fine. Little bit of hassle fitting the sleeves, just to get them rotated correctly so the velcrow matches up, but not too bad. I choose fixed sleeve suits now - but then I've got a shorty too.
I would not reccomend you get anything with flatlocked seems or you won't be able to use it when water is slightly colder, but anything taped, glued, blindstitched should be fine. Well its horses for courses really but flatlocked seams let in loads of water, whatever the temp, so fine when its really warm but otherwise sucks.
And if you know that a certain size fits within a range then I'd say online is fine. So that O'neill Epic II 3/2 convertable for £50 looks a safe bet.

[dreamer]

boardies and no shirt during the summer in syd australia -- no way i'd even wear my springer here in summer.

[Laguna]

Thanks for the help Broosta, didnt know much about wetsuits in detail. Im wondering now whether to go with a convertible wetsuit, I think for money that O'Neill Epic II should be alright. Just dont know if a convertible is necessary.

[Brian]

boardies and no shirt during the summer in syd australia -- no way i'd even wear my springer here in summer.

word