Search for:. Helpful Tips. Table of Contents. Author: Frank Lawson Frank Lawson is a former kayak instructor, avid kayak angler, and a converted stand up paddleboarder. With years of paddle experience, and what his wife would say is a problematic gear obsession, he wants to share his knowledge with both seasoned and aspiring paddlers through PaddleGo. Get Social With Us! Pinterest Tumblr Twitter YouTube. Browse The Site Search for:.
Privacy Overview This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Strictly Necessary Cookies Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. Wetsuits are actually made of 'foam neoprene' which has nitrogen bubbles trapped in it during manufacture. It is these bubbles of air that keep you warm, because air is a poor conductor of heat.
This is exactly how a jumper or the hair on your skin works by trapping air, just a waterproof version. The less water you get into a wetsuit, the warmer it will be, which is why the following features keep you warmer: GBS seams, a tighter fit, a shorter zip, a better neck seal, wrist seals, ankle seal, etc.
This is also why thicker wetsuits keep you warmer - the warmth is in the thickness of the material. If you don't believe me, just Google "myth wetsuit layer of water" and you will be flooded with hits. In reply to the above question regarding wearing t-shirt and shorts under a wetsuit, yes, of course, this is just like a guy wearing speedos and a rash vest, which is quite common. Bear in mind though that the article is wrong - wetsuits do not keep you warm with a layer of water it's a common myth but completely false ; this layer of water, which does exist thus the name wetsuit actually cools you down, and you're better off without it, or certainly minimising it.
The t-shirt and shorts will hold water, which conducts heat away from your body, so in theory they won't be as good as wearing nothing, but definitely try it if you find it more comfortable for other reasons wetsuit rash or similar.
Note that you can buy thermal layers designed to be worn under a wetsuit that get around this issue by retaining more heat than they lose by holding water, so they'll provide the best of both worlds for you. I hope that helps.
A friend of mine is going to teach me how to surf when I visit. That's why I'm planning to buy a wetsuit. However, I've been wondering what the point of one is. I hadn't known that it's basically a warm blanket for surfers and protects their body temperature. Thanks for the concise information. My wetsuit will help me extend the season of swimming in the upper Allegheny River through October, and maybe even into November. As well as being in the river earlier in the spring. Thanks again!
Longboarders Only. Surf Chat. Surfboard Advice. Wearing a wetsuit will allow you to stay warmer for longer, and therefore expand your surfing time. Wearing a wetsuit in these conditions, even if the water is warm, will provide some protection from the cheese grating ocean floor.
Although a wetsuit will do nothing for you in the extremely unlikely chance of a shark attack, it will protect you from the more likely sea creatures such as jellyfish, bluebottles, and sea lice. Because all these animals have very small stinging particles, they will not be able to penetrate the neoprene the rubber of which wetsuits are made. It is, however, important to remember that your feet, hands, and face are still exposed, so it is an unwise idea to enter a jellyfish-infested wave break.
It is likely you have experienced a great day on the beach, only to come home a few hours later in agonizing pain from sunburn. If you are familiar with the dangers of surfing , then you will know that most surfing injuries come from surfboards, and not the ocean itself.
Although a wetsuit will not protect you from a knock on the head and possibly a surfing-related concussion , it will protect you from those razor-sharp fins. Surfboard rash, also known as wax chafing , is caused by the salt in the seawater and the continuous rubbing of skin on the rough wax. This is particularly helpful when taking a hard beating which leaves you low on energy when you resurface.
If you are wondering when you should be wearing a wetsuit for surfing, the easiest answer is that if you are not sure, always wear one. However, having a wetsuit and not needing it will almost always be better than not having one and needing it. Following what the other surfers in the water are doing is a good idea when it comes to safety in the water. This is particularly true when surfing larger waves , whether you are a world-class swimmer or not.
The only time you should consider not using a wetsuit is when you know the break that you will be surfing, along with all its risks.
If the water temperature is very warm , there is no risk of sea life , the water is clear , and the majority of surfers in the water are not using a wetsuit , then it is likely okay for you to do the same. On a hot day, in warm water, wearing a wetsuit can cause you to overheat, which is uncomfortable, and in some cases just as dangerous as hypothermia.
Even in these cases, it is still a good idea to wear a layer of protection such as a rash vest , which will protect you from the sun, as well as a board rash. Freedom of movement , temperature regulation , and connection with the ocean. Wetsuits are made to be tight in order to trap water inside of them, which is what keeps you warm. As surfing is an extremely dynamic sport, the greater your ability to quickly move, the more efficient you will become.
For protection from the sun and chafing from the surfboard, you can also wear a rash vest. Basic rash vests are inexpensive, and you can even buy them on Amazon! Looking for gift ideas for surfers? However, many surfers still wear a wetsuit in warmer water so that they can surf longer, prevent injuries and protect their skin from the sun. Your email address will not be published.
Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Notify me of new posts by email. There are a few reasons people have this preference, and here are the reasons you should consider wearing a wetsuit: 1. Protection from injuries Taking a hit to the body from a surfboard can be incredibly painful, but having an extra layer over your skin can help to protect you from the full impact.
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