Guide to Surfing Wetsuits: Choosing the Right Size and Putting Them On
Guide to Surfing Wetsuits: Choosing the Right Size and Putting Them On
Wetsuits designed for surfing are suitable for a variety of water sports and activities beyond just surfing. These wetsuits are designed to provide warmth, flexibility, and protection from the elements, making them ideal for any water sport that involves prolonged exposure to cold water. Some of the water sports appropriate for surfing wetsuits include:
Surfing: Of course, surfing is the primary activity for which these wetsuits are designed. Whether you're catching waves in chilly waters or warmer climates, a wetsuit provides insulation and protection from abrasions.
Bodyboarding: Similar to surfing, bodyboarding involves riding waves while lying on a bodyboard. Wetsuits help bodyboarders stay warm and comfortable in the water for extended periods.
Stand-up Paddleboarding (SUP): Stand-up paddleboarding is another activity where wetsuits are commonly worn, especially in cooler conditions or colder water temperatures.
Kayaking and Canoeing: Whether you're paddling on rivers, lakes, or the ocean, wearing a wetsuit can help keep you warm and protect against splashes or capsizing in cold water.
Wakeboarding: While wakeboarding is often done in warmer weather, wearing a wetsuit can still be beneficial, especially in cooler climates or early mornings when the water temperature is lower.
Kitesurfing and Windsurfing: These high-energy water sports often involve spending long periods in the water, making wetsuits essential for maintaining warmth and comfort, especially in windy conditions.
Diving and Snorkeling: While diving and snorkeling may necessitate specific wetsuit types, surfing wetsuits offer versatility across a range of conditions.
Choosing the Right Size:
Measure Yourself: Use a soft tape measure to measure your height, weight, chest circumference, waist circumference, and hip circumference. These measurements will help you find the right size according to the wetsuit manufacturer's sizing chart.
Check the Sizing Chart: Different wetsuit manufacturers may have slightly different sizing charts, so always refer to the specific chart provided by the manufacturer of the wetsuit you're interested in.
Consider the Fit: Wetsuits should fit snugly but not be too tight. You should have full range of motion without any restriction, and there should be no excessive bunching or sagging of material. Keep in mind Mamala Wetsuits are constructed of Yamamoto 40 limestone neoprene and will stretch your first go out to fit your body.
Putting on a Chest Zip Wetsuit:
The process of putting on a wetsuit can indeed be likened to putting on pantyhose or leggings.
Prepare the Wetsuit: Ensure that the zipper is fully open and in front before putting the wetsuit on. It's easier to put on a wetsuit when your skin is dry, so avoid putting it on when you're already wet.
Start with Legs: Step into the legs of the wetsuit, one leg at a time, pulling the material up evenly on both sides. Make sure the legs are pulled up snugly but not uncomfortably tight.
Pull up Torso: Slowly pull the wetsuit up over your torso, being careful not to force or stretch the material excessively. Reach inside the suit to adjust the fit as needed, making sure there are no wrinkles or folds.
Close the Zipper: Once the wetsuit is pulled up over your torso, reach behind you or lean over and flip top of wetsuit and pull over your head and zip.
Secure Neck Seal: Ensure that the neck seal is properly secured and flush against your skin to prevent water from entering the suit.
Adjust Fit: Check the fit of the wetsuit once it's fully on. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure it's snug but comfortable and allows for full range of motion.
By following these steps, you should be able to choose the right size wetsuit and put it on properly, ensuring a comfortable and effective fit for your next cold water adventure.