Wetsuits?

[pigrge]

Hi Ladies and Gents,
As the weather begins to slowly warm up, I'm really getting the itch to get back out there on the water. This year, I plan on really logging quite a bit of time on the board. I'm hoping to be able to get on the water late March early April. I know the water temp will be in the upper 50's lower 60's where I board, Alum Creek. The question is, does anyone on here wear a wetsuit on water around the same temps? In doing some research, I've learned there are different thicknesses, and have pretty much settled in on a 5-4-3 suit for the colder temps. Can anyone recommend a good quality suit? Thanks!

 

[skibrain]

Re: Wetsuits?

We ski in MN from late April to late November and I've got a variety of wetsuits.

I wear a Neil Pryde neoprene semi-dry full suit with mostly water-tight seals at the neck, wrists and ankles. I wear that suit from water temps mid-40s to about 60, then switch to a shorty wetsuit until the water is about 70. When it cold I wear a layer of poly pro under it.

Most of our skiing is early a.m. so air temps are lower and there is less sun. If you are really concerned about staying warm, get a dry suit.

Something to remember on wetsuits is that when you are in the water, water flows into the suit, which is warmed by your body. If you stay in the water you keep that warm water. As you come out of the water on skis or a wakeboard and stand up, that warm water runs out of the suit until you stop and it sort of fills up with cold water again. Once out of the water it is more of the air-chill that you are defending against.

I don't know that a 5 mm suit vs a 3 mm suit is going to keep you that much warmer. They still let in water. Long wetsuits seem to be around $100. Drysuits start around $350 Shorties are around $60. I like to find stuff that is on sale. I would rather buy an inexpensive full suit and shortie than on expensive long suit. Off-season shopping has gotten me some 1/2 price deals.

www.bartswatersports.com
www.overtons.com

 

[tgell001]

Re: Wetsuits?

Go with a 4-3 or a 3-4 dont touch the 5mm. A 5mm will be stiff and heavy out of the water. Get a zipperless with sealed seams and you'll be as warm as a 5mm. The best bet is to get one made for surfing, they're a little more expensive but they're really strechy and warm. I have and O'Neil Mutant (4-3 zipperless) and its the best suit i've ever owned

 

[2ndtry]

Re: Wetsuits?

My 16 y/o son badly wanted to go wake boarding last weekend and did not want to wear a wetsuit (water temp was 50). This is what we tried: We blew up a tube and anchored it in a cove. He launched directly from the tube, I towed him for a about 15' then headed back to the cove, cut the throttle right as we passed the tube. He made a perfect landing.

If he had fallen he would have paid the price, but he didn't. I towed him in November (cold, but I didn't get the temp), and he squeeled like a little girl when I had to retrieve him, maybe 45 seconds tops. No worries with the tube.