When it comes to winter surfing, kitesurfing, and wingfoiling, your wetsuit is your best friend. It’s not just about staying warm – a good wetsuit will keep you flexible, comfortable, and ready for action in the coldest conditions. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the right one? Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know to pick the perfect winter wetsuit, including the key features like seams, inner linings, and neoprene. So you can stay warm and enjoy the surf for longer this season.
A wetsuit works by trapping a thin layer of water between your body and the suit. Your body generates heat, warming this water, and the wetsuit’s neoprene insulates it, keeping you warm even in cold conditions.
The key is keeping that thin layer of water from flushing out when you crash or dive under waves. Cold water flushing into your wetsuit can sap your energy as your body works to reheat that water. So, for maximum warmth and comfort, it’s essential to choose a wetsuit that fits well and has the right features to keep the cold out.
Choosing a winter wetsuit involves considering three main features: seams, inner linings, and the type of neoprene used. Let’s break these down so you know what to look for:
Seams are where the wetsuit panels are stitched or bonded together. While seams are necessary for construction, they can also be a weak point where cold water can seep in. The way seams are sealed is crucial for warmth and durability.
It’s not just about what’s on the outside of your wetsuit—what’s on the inside matters too. The inner lining plays a key role in keeping you warm. It adds extra insulation and helps your wetsuit dry faster. Depending on the wetsuit, the lining can range from basic insulation to advanced materials designed for maximum comfort and performance. Every brand has their own type of lining.
The real difference with these linings comes into play when you're not moving—whether you’re chilling on the beach or waiting for the next wave. The extra insulation from the lining keeps you warmer and makes it easier to stay comfortable during those breaks.
Neoprene is the core material in wetsuits, and not all neoprene is created equal. Some neoprene can take on a little bit of water, which is fine in warmer conditions but becomes an issue in colder weather. When the wind is cold, like in the north winds at 6°C, the water in the neoprene starts to cool down, and you’ll feel that chill on your body. It can really affect how warm you stay.
Once you’ve selected your wetsuit based on key features like seams, inner lining, and neoprene, the next critical step is finding the right fit. A wetsuit is only as good as how it fits your body. For winter wetsuits, it’s especially important to ensure the suit fits snugly. A tight fit is key. No matter how thick or high-end your wetsuit might be, if it’s too big, cold water will flush in, and you’ll be shivering no matter how much neoprene is in there.
We’ll dive into the importance of fit in the next episode of our guide, where we’ll explain how to pick the right size and get the perfect fit for warmth and comfort.
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