Surfing well in winter: having the right wetsuit
It's winter, the waves aren't always ideal, it's cold, but you wouldn't have gotten into the water if the thermometer was 10°C warmer?
Lower temperatures, shorter days and poor weather are forcing many of us to raise our standards and/or reduce our time spent in the water.
In these winter times, choosing the right equipment becomes essential to avoid spending your session dreaming of a hot shower.
Here is a selection of combinations that will make your sessions (clearly) more pleasant.
Here, the thickness of the neoprene as well as the quality of its construction will be two important factors.
The 4/3 MM
WEST
WEST - Edge Extreme 4/3mm front zip
The WEST Edge Extreme 4/3mm front zip is a 100% “Limestone” wetsuit which is a neoprene made from the transformation of minerals and not from petroleum. A neoprene, more waterproof, warmer, more flexible, more durable but also more eco-friendly.
WEST - Lotus 4/3 front zip (2018)
Very warm due to its insulating panel at the torso and its GBS (“glued and blind stitched”) construction, the Lotus maintains very good stretch and will thus give you greater freedom of movement. Made entirely from 4th generation “Ultraspan” neoprene, this suit is a real ally against the cold, in particular thanks to its triple-layer seam which also improves its durability. Another little bonus provided by this neoprene is its softness. Finally, the internal layer of glue serves as a finishing touch and makes the suit as waterproof as possible .
VOLTE
A very competitive quality/price ratio at Volte for high-end wetsuits.
VOLTE - Premium 4/3 Front Zip
A high-end, latest generation surf wetsuit. Equipped with GBS construction and silicone strips at the ankles and handles, the Premium 4/3 Front Zip offers very good waterproofing as well as good support at the ends. Its exclusive Mémo-Flex neoprene provides the suit with significant flex and excellent durability . The “Ultra Free Lining” lining allows for quick drying so you can continue sessions, even in the heart of winter.
An exclusivity in Europe, Woodstockshop being the exclusive distributor of the brand.
V OLTE - Supreme 4/3 front zip
The Supreme takes the construction of the Premium and adds a few features that make it an even warmer combination.
The water-repellent Heat Flex lining (very soft and comfortable) which will surround your torso, ribs and back, will keep the most sensitive part of your body warm. This liner also features ultra-fast drying.
The Solar Skin foam that surrounds the chest absorbs heat from the sun and insulates your body as much as possible. Your chest and back are perfectly protected thanks to the combination of the Heat Flex Water Repellent lining and the Solar Skin foam.
VOLTE - Lady Supreme 4/3 front zip
The Lady Supreme 4/3 front zip is a cut-out suit designed especially for women , with perfect ergonomics and adjusted to the female body shape . It has exactly the same characteristics as the Supreme Homme model and is therefore a very warm and comfortable suit.
GYROLL
Even if the brand (created by multiple bodyboard world champion Mike Stewart) is mainly aimed at bodyboarders , the wetsuits offered by the brand will suit everyone (bodyboarders but also surfers or fans of both disciplines) who will certainly find what they need. what they are looking for in terms of quality, price and characteristics given the high-end placement of the products offered.
GYROLL - 4/3mm Shield Front Zip – Black/Green
Featuring an interior lining covering almost the entire body, this suit will keep you warm but that's not all. Also ultra-flexible and comfortable, you will not be hampered in any way during your sessions and will maintain very good freedom of movement.
The seams are sewn then glued with “liquid seal” on their exterior side in order to waterproof them without altering their flex. Finally, as Gyroll suits are mainly designed for bodyboarders, the Shield has reinforcements (small silicone grips) under the forearms to improve grip on the surface of the bodyboard. This suit closes with a front-zip system.
GYROLL - 4/3mm Shield Zipperless - Black
Still with the same characteristics as the Shield front-zip, the Shield Zipperless does without its zipper in order to maintain its flex over the entire surface of the suit and further limit possible water entry through the zip . Here no zip at all, an entry through the side of the collar and a closure with an ultra-strong elastic to adjust the tightness.
The 5/4/3 MM
WEST Enforcer 5/4/3mm back zip
A wetsuit made for winter sessions, which uses "Ultraspan" neoprene in which the nylon is laminated to the neoprene making it even warmer and more comfortable. The smaller back zip helps limit water entry. A very good compromise if you are looking to acquire a thicker wetsuit at an affordable price.
WEST Lotus 5/4 front zip (2018)
The high-end version of the 5/4/3 mm wetsuit from WEST . Equipped with a front zip, water entry is even more limited. Made from 100% Ultraspan , it combines stretch, comfort and warmth to keep you feeling good when the water drops below 12°C . The Polypro Mesh at the bust gives you even more warmth in your vital organs and also acts as a windbreaker. Finally, the glued/triple-layer stitched seams will insulate you from the cold and you will just have to enjoy your session, regardless of the water temperature.
Several options are therefore available to you, whether you are looking for the highest performance wetsuit possible or whether you simply want to find a warm wetsuit and/or thicker than your usual 4/3 mm without spending your entire budget on it. The wetsuit remains one of the key tools for not wasting a good session and spending maximum time in the water.
Visit Woodstockshop.com to view our entire wetsuit range.