Full Suits and Wetsuit Materials Explained

Full Suits and Wetsuit Materials: Exploring the World of Surfing

When it comes to surfing, having the right wetsuit is essential for staying warm and comfortable in cold water. But have you ever stopped to think about the material that makes up your full suit? In this post, we'll dive into the world of surf wetsuits and explore the different materials used to make them.

Scenario: A Winter Morning Surf Session

It's a chilly winter morning, and you're hitting the beach for a surf session. The water is crystal clear, but it's freezing cold, with temperatures in the mid-50s. You've got your trusty wetsuit on, but you can tell that it's not doing its job as well as it could be.

As you paddle out to catch some waves, you notice that the water feels icy against your skin. The wetsuit is too thin and doesn't provide enough warmth, making you feel uncomfortable and even a bit chilly. But then you realize that it's probably because of the material used in the suit.

The Problem with Thin Materials

Thin wetsuits are great for beginners or short sessions, but they're not designed to keep you warm in cold water for extended periods. The materials used in thin wetsuits tend to be made from less insulating materials like nylon and polyester. These materials provide some warmth, but they don't retain it well, making you feel cold again after a few minutes in the water.

Introducing Full Suits

Full suits, on the other hand, are designed to keep you warm for longer periods of time. They're made from thicker, more insulating materials like neoprene, which is a popular choice among surfers. Neoprene is a synthetic rubber material that's highly effective at trapping heat and keeping it close to your skin.

Neoprene Thickness: From 3mm to 6mm

To give you an idea of the thickness of different wetsuits, let's take a look at some examples:

• A 3mm full suit is like wearing a thin, lightweight wetsuit that provides little to no warmth. It's perfect for short sessions or warm water conditions.
• A 5mm full suit is still relatively thin and not very effective at keeping you warm. It's suitable for mild ocean temperatures and shorter sessions.
• A 6mm full suit is the gold standard when it comes to wetsuits. This thickness provides excellent warmth and insulation, making it perfect for cold water conditions or extended surf sessions.

What Makes Neoprene So Effective?

Neoprene works its magic by trapping warm air close to your skin, keeping you insulated and comfortable in cold water. The unique properties of neoprene also make it resistant to stretch and tear, ensuring that the suit lasts long after a few sessions.

Conclusion: Choose the Right Full Suit for You

When it comes to choosing a full suit, the right material can make all the difference between staying warm and uncomfortable in the water. With thin materials like nylon and polyester, you may find yourself cold and chilly even after just a few minutes out on the waves. But with neoprene, you'll be able to surf for longer periods without feeling the chill.

Remember, your full suit is an investment in your surfing experience. Take the time to choose a suit that's made from high-quality materials and provides excellent insulation and warmth. Your cold-water woes will be a thing of the past! Full Suits and Wetsuit Materials: An In-Depth Comparison

Material Type	Thickness (mm)	Insulating Power
Neoprene 3mm	0.5mm - 1.5mm	Low - Medium
Neoprene 5mm	2mm - 4mm	Medium - High
Neoprene 6mm	5mm - 7mm	High - Extremely High

Key Takeaways:

• Thin materials (3mm-5mm) are suitable for beginners or short sessions, but not ideal for cold water conditions.
• Thicker materials (5mm-6mm) provide excellent warmth and insulation for cold water conditions or extended surf sessions.
• Neoprene is the gold standard in wetsuit materials, offering high insulating power and resistance to stretch and tear.

Material Comparison Chart:

Material Type	Nylon	Polyester	Neoprene
Insulating Power	Low - Medium	Medium - High	High - Extremely High
Durability	Good - Excellent	Fair - Poor	Excellent

Note: The chart provides a general comparison of the insulating power and durability of different wetsuit materials. However, it's essential to remember that individual experiences may vary depending on factors such as water temperature, session length, and personal preferences.