🌡️ A wetsuit for all seasons
Every season brings its own challenges for surfers. The key to meeting them lies in the choice of wetsuit. Whether the waters are cool in spring or pleasantly warm in summer, selecting the right wetsuit ensures an optimal experience on the waves.
When the water temperature drops, a full-body wetsuit becomes essential. This covers the body from head to toe, including arms and legs, offering maximum protection against the cold. On the other hand, when the mercury rises, the shorter shorty, which frees up the arms and legs, proves to be the choice par excellence for enjoying the warmth while remaining protected (and it's perfect for tanning calves! 😎).
The decision between a full wetsuit and a shorty largely depends on the water temperature, but also on the type of practice. Surfers venturing into the cold waters of northern France, for example, often favor integral models, equipped with advanced closure systems and specially designed seams to limit water ingress.
Conversely, in milder regions, where water temperatures invite more relaxed sessions, shorty suits offer unparalleled freedom of movement, ideal for maneuvers and tricks. The choice of wetsuit directly affects the level of performance and pleasure derived from each surfing session.
🔍 Neoprene is the best in its field
Neoprene reigns supreme in the world of wetsuits, thanks to its unique ability to combine warmth and flexibility. This material, at the heart of every self-respecting wetsuit, plays a crucial role in enabling surfers to stay in the water longer, whatever the temperature.
The thickness of neoprene, measured in millimeters, varies according to body part: thicker at the chest and back to maximize warmth, thinner at the joints so as not to impede movement.
Choosing the right thickness of neoprene becomes a balancing act. For cooler waters, a generous thickness is required to protect against the cold. In warmer waters, a thinner suit allows greater freedom of movement.
Seams, too, deserve special attention. They must be sturdy yet discreet. Closure systems, whether zippered or non-zippered, also influence the comfort and ease of use of the wetsuit. A well-placed zip makes the suit easier to put on and take off, while a model without a zip has a better seal and greater flexibility.
📏 The right size in every detail
A perfectly fitting wetsuit forms a second skin, minimizing water ingress and maximizing comfort and warmth. The process starts with precise body measurements: chest size, waist size, height and weight are the basic criteria for a successful selection. These measurements, once taken, serve as a guide for navigating through the vast range of sizes on offer, ensuring that every surfer - man, woman or child - finds the wetsuit that best suits his or her figure.
Size differences between men, women and children are not just a question of dimensions. They take into account the anatomical specificities of each, guaranteeing a snug fit that enhances performance in the water (and doesn't make us look like a floating sack 😅 ).
A wetsuit that's too large risks letting water through. Conversely, a wetsuit that's too tight limits blood circulation and restricts movement, making every maneuver more difficult.
🤿 Other players for the surfer
Accessories are too often underestimated by beginners. Slippers, gloves and balaclavas are essential to keep the body warm and increase comfort during extended sessions in cold waters.
Slippers protect feet not only from the cold, but also from cuts and scratches when walking to the surf spot or unexpected contact with the seabed. Gloves, meanwhile, keep hands warm, enabling a better grip on the board and more efficient paddling. Finally, the balaclava protects the head and ears, areas that are particularly sensitive to the cold. Integral protection that's not to be underestimated if not already provided by the wetsuit.
The decision to use these accessories depends largely on water temperature and personal sensitivity to cold. Some surfers adopt them as soon as the temperature drops below 15°C, while others wait for more extreme conditions. Whatever the decision, the objective remains the same: maximize comfort to prolong surfing sessions.
On the other hand, this additional equipment also has its place in bodyboarding, where close contact with the water calls for increased thermal protection. By equipping cold-sensitive extremities, surfers and bodyboarders can concentrate fully on their performance, without being distracted by unfavorable water temperatures.
🏄♂️ Some surf suit brands and models
Here's a look at three major players in the world of wetsuits.
Deeply takes an innovative, environmentally-friendly approach with its Mineralprene. This revolutionary material, made from recycled rock and oyster shells, ensures unprecedented lightness and comfort. Flow Comfort, Deeply's key concept, highlights a wetsuit that is both supple and respectful of the marine ecosystem.
Rip Curl, a pioneer in the field of wetsuits, continues to distinguish itself through its advanced technologies. Known for its constant innovation, Rip Curl offers wetsuits designed to offer optimal thermal insulation, without compromising the flexibility needed to execute the most complex maneuvers.
Billabong, with its commitment to quality and performance, has a wide range of wetsuits to suit all types of surfer. Whether you're looking for a full wetsuit for cold waters or a shorty for summer sessions, Billabong has a solution.
