Many people who are new to surfing ask themselves why the experienced athletes go into the water in wetsuits despite the warm weather outside. Actually, there is no guarantee that the weather outside will be reflected by the ocean water temperature, which is affected by various factors and affects your comfort while surfing. This is why the question Why Do You Wear A Wetsuit When Surfing becomes essential for most beginners. The right wetsuit allows you to spend more time in the water and to feel more comfortable.
Do You Have To Wear A Wetsuit When Surfing
It all depends on the water temperature, the weather, the length of the training session, and the person’s sensitivity to the cold. The answer to the question Do you have to wear a wetsuit when surfing? can vary between two people who surf at the same beach.
In tropical areas, where the water temperature is always higher than +25 °C, some surfers prefer to enter the water wearing only lycra or surf-specific clothes. Even in such warm conditions, a wetsuit is worn in order to protect against UV rays, irritations, or long-term exposure to the seawater.
In cold water regions, everything is quite the opposite. The human body loses heat much faster in water (around 20–25 times). This is why water at +18 °C water can feel quite cold after just 20–30 minutes after the start of the training.
According to international surfing organizations, most training in California, Great Britain, France, Portugal, and Australia takes place in wetsuits of various thicknesses. This allows athletes to stay in the water longer and maintain a comfortable body temperature.
In addition to warmth, a wetsuit performs several other important functions. It protects the skin from rubbing against the board, reduces the risk of minor scratches, provides light cushioning during falls, and even helps to slightly improve buoyancy.
The main advantages of using a wetsuit:
- preservation of heat during long sessions;
- protection from ultraviolet radiation;
- less risk of abrasions and scratches;
- additional comfort when paddling;
- the ability to train longer without hypothermia.
This is why the professional school of surfing, such as Santa Barbara Surf School, recommends choosing your gear based on the temperature of the water, and not the weather conditions.
One more popular misconception is the idea that the wetsuit keep you warm. But in reality, it does not heat the body itself. Its mechanism of action lies in the creation of a layer of water between the body and the neoprene suit. This layer is heated very fast because of the human body temperature.
When To Wear A Wetsuit Surfing
Many beginners believe that the decision to wear a wetsuit depends only on the season. In fact, professional surfers are primarily guided by the water temperature, wind strength, and the duration of the upcoming session. These factors determine When To Wear A Wetsuit Surfing becomes necessary and when lighter equipment can be used.
For example, if the water temperature exceeds +24 °C, most athletes feel comfortable in a lycra or short neoprene suit. When the water cools to +18–22 °C, it is already recommended to use a full-fledged wetsuit. If the temperature drops below +15 °C, neoprene boots, gloves and a hood are often added to the equipment.
Interestingly, the feeling of cold is strongly dependent on the wind. Even after leaving the water, a strong sea breeze significantly accelerates the body’s cooling. That is why experienced surfers often choose a thicker suit even on relatively warm days.
Another factor is the duration of the training. If you plan to surf for only 20–30 minutes, you can use a lighter version of the equipment. But if the lesson lasts more than an hour, the body gradually loses heat even in warm water. This affects not only comfort but also concentration, reaction speed, and endurance.
Approximate recommendations are as follows:
- above 24 °C – lycra or short neoprene;
- 18–24 °C – light full wetsuit;
- 15–18 °C – 3/2 mm or 4/3 mm neoprene;
- below 15 °C – a warm suit with additional accessories.
During training, instructors also take into account the physical fitness of the student. People who are new to surfing often spend more time in the water between attempts, so they cool down more quickly. This is why beginners are sometimes recommended to wear warmer suits than experienced surfers.
Another interesting fact: modern neoprene materials are almost 30% more elastic than they were a decade ago. This makes wetsuits more flexible when paddling and has little effect on your technique.
When it comes to When To Wear A Wetsuit Surfing, there’s a simple rule to remember: it’s better to feel a little warmer than to freeze too quickly. Feeling comfortable allows you to focus on the waves, not the cold.
What Type Of Wetsuit For Surfing
Once you’ve decided you need a wetsuit or not, there is another question that arises, and that is What Type Of Wetsuit For Surfing should I choose? The modern market offers a wide range of wetsuits, which vary in the thickness of the neoprene material, cut, zipper style, and functions. First of all, it seems like a very difficult choice for a beginner, but then, when you understand everything properly, you will see that it is not that hard.
First of all, consider the water temperature where you plan to surf. This parameter will help you determine the most suitable thickness of neoprene material. So, for example, a wetsuit with 2/2 mm thickness of neoprene is perfect for warm water, while suits with 4/3 or 5/4 mm are designed for cooler waters. Still, you have to keep in mind that a too-thick wetsuit will also be uncomfortable for you in warm water.
Equally important is the fastening type. The most widespread wetsuits are those with a fastener in the back and on the chest. The first option is easier to put on and is therefore usually recommended for beginners. The fastener on the chest ensures a better seal and less water penetration. For these reasons, this type is preferred by experienced surfers.
One more factor that should be considered is the material elasticity. Neoprene modern suits are much softer than a couple of years ago. Because of this, even thick suits do not limit movements when paddling.
In the beginning, it is recommended to try several suits. In surfing schools, including Santa Barbara Surf School, learners have an opportunity to try on different wetsuits before purchasing their own suit.
How to try on a wetsuit correctly
Even the most expensive wetsuit is useless if it doesn’t fit properly. When choosing it, it is necessary to take into account not only its size, but also its behavior while moving.
The proper suit should fit snugly against your body without any big folds. As soon as there is a lot of space between neoprene and the skin, water will continuously move inside, and the insulation effect will be lessened. Besides, too tight suit may restrict arm movement, cause difficulties with breathing and fatigue sooner.
Before buying a wetsuit, it is necessary to raise arms several times to simulate paddling and squatting. If it does not cause any pain and the suit fabric is not stretched, it means the size is correct.
Interestingly, approximately 60% of beginners initially choose a wetsuit one size larger, considering it more comfortable. In fact, it is a too loose fit that is one of the most common reasons for rapid hypothermia.
How to care for a wetsuit so that it lasts longer
A quality wetsuit will last much longer with proper care. An expensive suit will be ruined after one season if basic rules are not observed.
It should be washed thoroughly with clean water every time you have a training session. The process will wash away salt, sand, and other elements that gradually wear out the material. It is better to hang it in the shade, inside out. High temperatures and exposure to sun may affect the elasticity of the neoprene.
You should not keep the suit folded for a long time or keep it in a wet room. A wide hanger that avoids deformation will be useful.
To make the equipment last as long as possible, follow these simple recommendations:
- wash the suit after each use;
- dry it naturally without heating devices;
- do not leave it in direct sunlight for a long time;
- avoid sharp bends during storage;
- regularly check the seams and fasteners.
Such simple actions can significantly extend the service life of neoprene and maintain its thermal insulation properties.
Things to remember before getting into the water
A wetsuit is only one part of an enjoyable surfing session, while its importance is often overlooked. The right choice of such a product keeps the body warm, helps protect the skin and makes it possible to stay in the water as long as necessary without losing focus. This is why the question “Why Do You Wear A Wetsuit When Surfing?” is not only about comfort, but also the efficiency of each training session.
After some time, as experience accumulates, the choice of equipment becomes automatic. You will be able to immediately understand which kind of wetsuit for surfing would be perfect for a certain season or place, and careful maintenance will make it possible to use it for more than one year. What is most important, always keep in mind that comfort and safety in the water are more important than the fashion trends or the wish to save on equipment.