Windsurfing vs surfing specific wetsuits

I do both surfing and windsurfing in winter.

I can get away with a slightly less effective wetsuit surfing when the sun is out and there is no, or very little wind. When there is a bit of breeze and overcast I need the full kit.

When windsurfing, the wind chill factor is always there, but if I am very active when windsurfing and don't stop on the beach for an extended chat, I find that helps a lot.

Good booties and head gear make a huge difference for me. An insulated skiing helmet when windsurfing and a neoprene bonnet when surfing.

When windsurfing, I always use my ProLimit 'weight' vest (mostly without weight in it) as it is constructed of thick Neoprene and closed cell buoyancy foam. Both help insulate the core chest area a lot. The other big advantage is that if I do fall in, I float a lot higher, often keeping my head, neck and face out of the water, and it allows quicker water starting.

Last year I got a new GUL 4x3mm wetsuit which was on 'special' from the UK. It is fantastic and I think the thickness is a generous measurement. I wear it surfing as well but it is not as flexible in the shoulders as the Aussie surfing dedicated Wetsuits. For the warmth, I can easily accept that. I figure that Poms know a thing or two about designing wetsuits for really cold conditions! Their summer conditions are more like our winter temperatures, and their winters are insane!

My take on it is that dedicated surfing wetsuits sold here are often made with ultimate flexibility as the priority. This is fine if that's what you are after, except that my experience is that the cell structure of the neoprene craps out a LOT quicker, the more 'stretchy' it is. I don't think the really stretchy Wetsuits last much more than one year before they are severely degraded for insulation, even if they look fine. and at the asking price for most of them they are really bad value from that aspect. When I was using them I bought the cheapest 4x3mm I could and threw them away and replaced them every year! This GUL suit is in it's second winter and still fantastic! I would be looking at the Euro designed wetsuits, especially those orientated for windsurfing.

Wearing a 1mm short sleeved 'radiator' type vest under the wetsuit is also a great idea when it is really cold.

Last Friday it was 20 knots and 5 degrees sailing at Sandy Pt. I had full ankle covering 4mm booties and aforementioned setup on. After the couple of runs my hands were hurting bad, but soon after, my body realized it was still toasty warm and allowed the blood back into my hands. From then on my hands were fine.

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Gnotukker said..
In the market for a new winter suit. Windsurfing specific wetsuits are all new to me.

As a surfer turned windsurfer...:

- what, if any, is the difference between a windsurfing specific / brand suit and a surfing brand? and at the end of the day does it make a real difference? If so what are the better brands for windsurfing?

- if I wear a 4/3 surfing Vicco in winter, would a 4/3 be right for sailing - or do you need thinner or thicker?

considering you are up to your chest in water 95% of the time surfing, and only 5% windsurfing - but wind chill is a less of a factor when surfing its all a bit confusing for a simpleton like me

Cheers

I have a slick-skin single-lined semidry Ion (Quantum?) 4/3. It is meant for wind sports. It has velcro ankle cuffs - easy to put over booties, and drainage holes in the calves, so no balloon calves ever. It does not let much water in, and the drainage holes in the small of the back let the water out quickly. It really cuts down on the wind chill. Also, it dries very fast. But in the water it does feel cold - even as it's semidry, I can feel the cold water outside the suit sucking the heat out through the wetsuit material (less of a problem as I spend less time in the water these days). This can be mitigated by wearing something underneath (like your old summer wetsuit!). More expensive semi-dry wetsuits have this fuzzy lining to keep you warmer. The other downside is that the smooth surface nicks very easily. It's quite stiff and heavy too, so you will never use it for surfing. OTOH, I don't see it stretching out and thinning like my double-lined wetsuit, which resembles rice paper after 2 years. For $300 I think it was a great buy all in all. I will probably buy another semi-dry in the future.

I think windsurfing specific wetsuits are just a marketing ploy and not necessary, unless cheaper than surfing.

With regards to ultimate warmth you can even consider 5mm diving wetsuits. Most of the windsurfers on flattish water doesn't need a so mush movement oriented wetsuits for up and down runs

get a good hoodie and boots

Buy a wetsuit that is at least one size too big.

It will last at least twice as long and it will feel like you are not wearing a suit.

I hate tight fitting suits - it takes away the fun from the sport.

If you are looking for warmth get one of those blind stitched suits that are a lot warmer.

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djl070 said..

petermac33 said...
Buy a wetsuit that is at least one size too big.

It will last at least twice as long and it will feel like you are not wearing a suit.

I hate tight fitting suits - it takes away the fun from the sport.

If you are looking for warmth get one of those blind stitched suits that are a lot warmer.

WTF ,get one that fits

Yep, a proper fit is super important. The entire science behind them working is a thin layer of trapped water between you and the suit.

I agree with sonny2727,

I wear a surfing wetsuit and it works great. I had it for about 7 years before it wore out. Just bought another one which will probably last another 7 years. I use it quite a lot too.

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sonny2727 said..
I think windsurfing specific wetsuits are just a marketing ploy and not necessary, unless cheaper than surfing.

With regards to ultimate warmth you can even consider 5mm diving wetsuits. Most of the windsurfers on flattish water doesn't need a so mush movement oriented wetsuits for up and down runs

get a good hoodie and boots

Not a ploy.
If you got a 3mm smooth skin suit which stops windchill for windsurfing it would be warmer than the 5mm dive suit.

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Gnotukker said...
Great insight. Thanks everyone.
Though getting a suit one size too big feels like a wind-up. Imagine that would lead to more cold water flushings than I am willing to endure

anyone tried rrd suits?

I also have a RRD 2mm spring suit,it's comfortable and flexible,build quality is good

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evlPanda said..

djl070 said..

petermac33 said...
Buy a wetsuit that is at least one size too big.

It will last at least twice as long and it will feel like you are not wearing a suit.

I hate tight fitting suits - it takes away the fun from the sport.

If you are looking for warmth get one of those blind stitched suits that are a lot warmer.

WTF ,get one that fits

Yep, a proper fit is super important. The entire science behind them working is a thin layer of trapped water between you and the suit.

Whilst I completely agree they should be a good fit, the 'thin layer of trapped water' thing is a myth.

The drier inside , the better, which is why all the top of the line winter suits are seam sealed etc.

Quite right. Never pee in your sealed wetsuit!

Would like to agree with and reiterate those that pointed out slick skin suits are better for windsurfing.

I own a 3mm surfing steamer (full length) and a 2mm smooth skin long sleeve top. They are comparable. Even with just shorts on the bottom they are comparable : \
I think the smooth skin top also has the fancy stiching/seams while the steamer doesn't.

I will definitely buy a smooth skin next time I buy a wet suit, based on experience of both.

Get any brand of 4/3 sealed-seam wetsuit - having a smoothskin helps lots.

Expect to purchase another every-year / second-year when the shoulders go thin.