However, the world of wetsuits is vast, and there are specific wetsuits designed for different watersports. For example, a wetsuit for swimming is very different from one you would use for surfing.
Additionally, these suits are heavier as you are not required to swim in them. If you hope to compete in a triathlon, the wetsuit you will require will be much lighter than a wetsuit used for watersports such as surfing and bodyboarding.
Competitive swimming wetsuits are created purposely to prevent the water from leaving the suit and to assist with your swimming performance. So the first step is to determine what you will be using your wetsuit for and researching the type you will need. Here at Wetsuit Centre, we stock wetsuits for a whole range of sports, including surfing, swimming and sailing.
If you are unsure of what you need, our friendly team will always answer any of your questions! Once you know the type of wetsuit you will need, you will need to consider what thickness is most suitable for you. Figuring out which thickness of wetsuit you require depends on when and where you will be using it. Wetsuits come in a range of different thicknesses to regulate your body heat according to the water's conditions and temperature. For example, wetsuits used for surfing are available in summer, winter, and midseason thicknesses to meet the varied water temperatures that change throughout the year.
Think about when and where you will be predominately wearing your wetsuit. If the answer is the UK, you need to consider the weather, especially the cold winter months. With the temperatures dropping hugely during this period, you should opt for buying a wetsuit with a or more thickness than you would require for the warmer months.
However, if you will be using your wetsuit mainly during the warmer months and not venturing in the sea in the winter, a summer or shorty wetsuit will be a much more suitable option. As long as your wetsuit is suited to your water-based activity and fits you correctly, you should be able to remain warm.
The number one rule of wetsuits is if a wetsuit doesn't fit correctly, it will be useless. Here are a few areas you should consider. There are three main kinds of wetsuit cut available, offering different performance benefits for a variety of swimming styles.
So you don't damage the material of your wetsuit, it's advisable to cut your finger and toenails so you can't nick the neoprene as you pull it on. Secondly, if you're wet or sweaty, dry yourself off, it's much easier to put on a wetsuit when you're dry. Some people also like to put dry, thin socks on whilst they are putting on their wetsuit as this can help your feet slide through the leg holes a little easier.
Put one leg through and pull higher above your ankle than you think it needs to sit, do the same with the next leg. Pull the crotch of the wetsuit up high, if you don't feel like you have enough space or material to do this, you may have to pull the material on your legs up higher again. You want the fit to be tight around the crotch region so that the wetsuit doesn't bag when you pull over your torso or have pockets of air.
Once it's over your hips put one arm in and pull higher up your arm than you think you need to similar to the legs and repeat this process on the other side. You want the fit to be very close to your armpit. Bend over from the waist and do a little wiggle around if needed to get the wetsuit into the right place. Now do the zip up and make sure the neck is high. The wetsuit should feel tight to your body but not cutting off any circulation.
Surfing wetsuits overall are thicker than triathlon wetsuits as they tend to spend less time moving their body to warm up. Swimming wetsuits glide through the water more easily as they are made of many different panels to exactly fit around your body shape plus have a much thinner material around the arms to allow freedom during your swim stroke. Swimming wetsuits are coated in a fast-drying outer layer, which absorbs much less water making you more speedy through the water.
If you are open water swimming, you can simply wear a swimming costume or shorts under your wetsuit. If you are taking part in a triathlon, you will wear a tri-suit underneath, which is a thin, tight material with padding in the crotch for when you get on the bike. It's also advisable to apply some wetsuit lube or anti-chaffing cream so that your wetsuit doesn't rub and is easy to get off when you come out of the water. Whether you're cycling, hiking or stargazing, one of the best base layers will keep you the right temperature.
T3 is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number Select your region. Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter. O'Neill Hyperfreak. Specifications Material: Technobutter 3X neoprene. Seams: glued and blindstitched. Entry: chest zip. Main use: surfing. Reasons to avoid - Easier to damage.
Specifications Material: neoprene. Entry: front chest zip. Reasons to avoid - Could lose shape over time. Quiksilver Highline Pro 1MM. Seams: glued. Thickness: 1mm. Entry: zipperless shoulder. Reasons to avoid - Expensive - Non-traditional design. Specifications Material: limestone neoprene.
Seams: liquid sealed and neoprene taped. Reasons to avoid - Unable to try before you buy. Entry: rear zip. Reasons to avoid - Get what you pay for. Finisterre Nieuwland 3E. Specifications Material: Yulex natural rubber. Seams: blind stitched and taped. Blindstitch is recommended for colder water.
This construction is best for colder water because the seams are glued and then stitched to help prevent seepage. This seam construction looks similar to the flat stitch but is narrower. The seams are glued and bonded together and then stitched in such a way that the thread and needle holes penetrate only the top area of the surface. Some seams are only stitched on one side. Very little water if any will seep through these seams.
Blindstitched with seam taping Fluid Seal is recommended for extremely cold water, usually 50 degrees F and below. The seam construction is the same as above except that the inner seams are reinforced or covered with tape. Before you concern yourself with what size wetsuits will fit you best, you need to figure out what type of material and what thickness you need.
There are many different kinds of material available, though nearly all are a variant of neoprene. Most wetsuit manufacturers will use similar materials, though they may have different names for them.
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