If you live or surf in the Northern Hemisphere, then you’ll know that summer is going to come to an end pretty soon. Autumn is just around the corner, and winter will be here before we know it. The beaches of Australia might be warming up, but for the rest of us, it might be time to start thinking about a warmer wetsuit. With this in mind, here’s a quick guide on what to look for when you’re surfing the icy waters of Cornwall:
- Material – One of the most important things to consider when you’re looking at winter wetsuits is what it’s actually made from, and how thick it is. Standard neoprene is the most common material wetsuits are made from, and the thicker the better. There are of course some seriously warm suits on the market, which are generally made from ‘air neoprene’ which has air pockets in it for even better insulation.
- Seams – Avoid plain stitching in winter. It’s not at all water tight, and your suit will be compromised no matter how thick it might be. Similarly, glued stitches are unlikely to stand the test of time. Liquid or neoprene tape is by far a better option, as it is flexible and totally waterproof. Most winter suits should have this as standard, but it’s a good idea to check.
- Design – Unless you’re particularly resistant to the cold, you’re going to want a full suit that covers the whole body – leave as little skin exposed as possible. You might even want to go for a suit that has its own built-in hood for maximum warmth. Fitting is even more important in winter – you need the suit to be tight but not uncomfortable.
- Special Features – Winter wetsuits in particular have all kinds of different special additions in order to keep you warm. This can be anything from dry lock zippers, to heated vests. Polypropylene panels inside the suit are common and effective features which help to insulate and draw away water.
There are loads of options when it comes to choosing a winter wetsuit and you can spend as much or as little as you want, but it’s important to know what you want it for. A basic, thick neoprene suit will keep you warm, but might be more restrictive than you want. Air neoprene suits are light, warm and flexible but are more expensive. Well worth it if that’s what you need, however. Different brands might have different names for some of the materials and features, so make sure you check out the details.
Adam Hart-Davies writes for Secret Spot, and you can find a great range of wetsuits at Secretspot.co.uk
If you’re into extreme sports or just feel like a change of outfit, you can also find great casual, surf and snowboarding clothing and accessories at www.shore.co.uk