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The problem is that there are so many different surf suits on the market, it's hard to find your way around.
We'll help you understand all the essentials for choosing the right wetsuit. Thickness, size, seams, materials and fastening system will be the main features to observe when making your choice.
Let's start by explaining the principle of neoprene, the main component of wetsuits.
It's been around for a long time! Neoprene was originally introduced to the rubber industry in the 1930s. But it wasn't until the early 50s that American entrepreneur Jack O'neill decided to use neoprene to make the first wetsuits suitable for surfingNeoprene is a synthetic rubber that's more expensive than simple fabric. It's thick, light, stiff but also elastic, and above all warm, which is why surfers love it.
As time went on, the combis improved and were lined for greater comfort. Resistors are also attached to the back.
Today, despite its original black color, neoprene is available in a variety of dyes, making it easy to spot your buddies in the water.
There's a wide range of wetsuits, from full wetsuits to shorty wetsuits, so we'll help you choose the one that will get you tubing!
The full-body hooded suit : One of the most frequently used suits in cold climates (for your next trip to Ireland). The hood plays an important role in keeping out wind and water. Let's not forget that 30% of our body heat escapes through the top of the skull, hence the importance of a hood in these conditions.
Strengths: maintains body heat
Weaknesses: High price (€300)
Integral wetsuits: Integral wetsuits (without hood) are the most popular in mainland France. They cover your body up to the wrists and ankles, and are ideal for warmth and flexibility (depending on the thickness chosen). It's the most popular wetsuit in the snow sports world.
Strengths: More than 4 thicknesses available
Maintains body heat
Numerous varieties and technologies
Weaknesses: Insufficient for cold water (6°C)
- The "Long John" and "Long Jane": Designed for and by surfers, they offer interesting arm freedom and freedom of movement. A symbol of the surfing world, it was one of the first wetsuits to distinguish itself from standard wetsuits.
Strengths: Great freedom of movement
Cold water protection for critical areas
Weaknesses: Water tends to get inside the suit.
Strengths: Good freedom of movement
Lined at the knees
Weaknesses:retains body heat like a shorty
C’est l’une des combinaisons qui permet la meilleure liberté de mouvement tant au niveau des jambes que des bras. Avec 2 à 3 mm d’épaisseur, ce n’est pas cette combi qui maintiendra une chaleur corporelle suffisante dans des eaux <16°C
Strengths: Great freedom of movement
Useful in all disciplines
All sleeve sizes available
Weaknesses: Combination that least preserves body heat
Surfers usually lie on their torso, which is why the back zip has been designed so as not to get in the way. One of the big advantages of the back zip is that you can put it on quickly and easily, and still be comfortable in your suit while surfing.
For its first 20 years, the back zip had no competition. More recently, however, improvements to the front zip have enabled it to adapt to the conditions of the surfer, and today it can compete.
Although more complex to put on and remove, one of the main advantages of the front zip is that water tends to infiltrate the suit much less. But it's not for everyone, and some may find it uncomfortable. It's up to you to decide what suits you best ;)
Finally, chest zip and zip free are two much more comfortable types of zip. The chest zip is a zip that opens only at the side to let in as little water as possible. It's difficult to put on, and a little less flexible around the shoulders.
Zip free is the most flexible and comfortable, avoiding hard points on the upper body. But it's still a little less waterproof than the chest zip, as the opening at chest level is a little larger to facilitate passage.
Here is a table with a summary of the combinations:
(Did you make this chart yourself? If not, please cite the source)
Source : lagreensession
All you have to do is stick a strip of neoprene to the inside of the suit at the seams.
Holes are placed in various parts of the suit to evacuate excess water accumulated in the suit. A very basic but very useful system, especially for the wrists and calves.
It performs two functions that significantly improve a suit's thermal performance. The first, as the name suggests, is to cut out the wind, and the second is to absorb heat from the sun's rays. For surfing, it's best to have a bib in the back to cut the wind while paddling.
Now that you know all about combinations, there's just one more step. What thickness of combination will you choose from this large number of combinations?
First you need a suit that fits:
For men :
For women :
Thickness level :
The thickness of a combination is measured in millimeters and is presented as a series of 2 or even 3 digits: 2/2, 3/2, 4/3, 5/4 or even 6/5/4.
Each number corresponds to a thickness, e.g. a 4/3 combination means that the neoprene used will have two different thicknesses: 4 and 3 mm. The first number corresponds to the thickness of the neoprene in millimeters for the torso, back and stomach, and the second for the arms and legs.
Before we stop there, we'd like to introduce you to a few brands that are close to our hearts.
SEN NO SEN
SEN NO SEN is a French wetsuit brand based in the southwest of France. It was created in 1999, and since 2008 has been selling surf wetsuits and clothing.
Available only in a handful of physical outlets, to keep the entire creation and manufacturing process intact, cut the costs of heavy distribution and respect the environment (use of eco-responsible materials such as organic cotton, recycled fabrics and natural rubber or neoprene limestone for surf suits).
Today, many pros use their combis, including Pierre Louis Costes and Justine Dupont.
or Joan Duru
Picture
Since 2009, Picture Organic Clothing has been committed to developing eco-friendly products for outdoor sports.
Over the past few years, the brand has made a name for itself with products made from recycled materials.
In the wake of this huge success, the brand decided to move into the manufacture of low environmental impact wetsuits.
It's worth noting that 92% of the cotton they use is organic, reducing CO² emissions by 46%.
Many pros use these combinations, like France's Pauline Ado for example.
Author: Nicolas Fernandes, Surf Community Manager, Sealocker.