Choosing the Right Wetsuit: Essential Considerations
Surf Essentials Wetsuits
A good wetsuit should support dynamic movements and fit well without restricting movement or chafing areas of the body. The type of entry system will also affect how easy it is to get in and out of the suit.
Founded in 2013 Ryan Scanlon created Need Essentials with the aim of producing premium wetsuits at a price that is friendly on the wallet. They do this by cutting out the retail mark ups, branding and extra costs by selling online direct to surfers.
Fit
The fit of a wetsuit is crucial. It needs to be snug without being too tight, and it should hug the body around the ankles and wrists, covering the gloves and boots to create a seal and prevent water ingress.
A good neck seal is also important, and it should move with the head when moving around. A zipper is another feature to consider. Some require two hands to operate, others can be opened and closed with one hand. You also need to consider the thickness of the suit depending on the water temperature and whether you plan to surf in wind or sun, as a thicker suit will retain heat more effectively. A good fit will also minimize chafing from contact with your board.
Warmth
The purpose of a wetsuit is to keep the body warm in cold water conditions. Without a wetsuit you will quickly get too cold and that will ruin the surfing experience.
Most surf essentials wetsuits are made of neoprene, which is great at insulating your core from the cold ocean water. The neoprene is usually layered and sandwiched with other insulating materials to increase the effectiveness of the suit.
The thickness of a wetsuit is displayed within the suit in millimetres. Most suits are thicker in the torso and thinner in the extremities to give you flexibility while maintaining warmth. Some suits come with accessories that will help you keep warm in colder conditions. These include gloves, boots, and hoods. The accessories are typically neoprene and designed to cover parts of the body that are exposed to the colder elements such as your feet, hands, or head.
Flexibility
The type of entry system is an important factor to consider as it impacts how easy and quickly you can get into and out of your wetsuit. Construction is also a key factor as it will determine the durability and flexibility of your suit. There are several different seam types such as flatlock (stitched all the way through which can let water in), glued and welded or fluid sealed/taped.
A good choice for autumnal/springtime conditions is the 2mm long sleeved short leg, it will keep you warm when the wind chill starts to kick in and is flexible enough to allow for surfing. If you’re looking to go deeper into winter then you will need a 3/2 with hood and boots. This suit will be able to handle a Victorian or South Oz chill.
Construction
A wetsuit is an indispensable piece of surfing equipment that helps to protect the body from cold water temperatures and harsh conditions. Typically made of neoprene, wetsuits keep surfers warm through gas bubbles trapped in the material and thermal linings that amplify the insulation.
The construction of a wetsuit refers to how the different panels of the suit are joined together. There are various types of seams including; fluid sealed/welded, flatlock and taped. The type of seaming used will impact how easy it is to get in and out of the wetsuit and whether or not water penetrates the material.
A neoprene surf booties are also a necessary piece of surfing gear to help you get into the water safely. They provide protection from sharp rocks and help with balance, footing, and grip on the board.
Colour
Most surf essentials wetsuits are only available in black. This is because it’s the most popular colour and therefore companies don’t have much incentive to offer a range of other colours. However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t find a wetsuit that suits your style and taste.
Choosing a wetsuit depends on the water temperature and surf conditions. For example, most weekend surfers in the UK will use a full wetsuit or hooded full suit during the Winter months and will pair it with gloves and boots. These wetsuits are designed for those who surf regularly throughout the year and who want to be warm and flexible in cold conditions.