"Choosing the Right Wetsuit for Advanced Surfers: Full Suits vs Shorties"

Performance-Driven Full Suits for Advanced Surfers: Navigating the Right Choice

As an advanced surfer, you've likely spent countless hours testing and refining your wetsuit performance. You're always on the lookout for the perfect combination of warmth, flexibility, and durability to take your riding to the next level. One crucial aspect often overlooked is the type of full suit you choose – specifically, whether to opt for a full-suit or a high-performance, short-sleeve (shorties) version.

Let's consider a scenario that illustrates the importance of choosing the right wetsuit:

Scenario: Riding a 15-foot wave on a chilly winter morning

You're paddling out to tackle a challenging break during a cold winter morning. The water temperature is around 50°F, and the wave is towering at 12 feet with moderate speed. You've surfed this spot before, but today it feels different – the waves are bigger, and your board is taking more punishment.

In this scenario, you need a wetsuit that can handle the cold water temperatures, moderate wave size, and increased pressure on your body. A full-suit would be ideal, as they provide complete warmth and protection from the elements. However, you're concerned about flexibility – the bigger waves will put additional stress on your suit, which might compromise its performance.

The Case for Full Suits

Full-suits are designed to offer superior thermal insulation in cold water temperatures while maintaining flexibility and maneuverability. They typically feature a more relaxed fit through the shoulders and chest area, allowing for greater freedom of movement during surfing. This is especially important when riding bigger waves or engaging in high-intensity activities.

A full-suit can also provide better protection from wind-driven spray and reduced drag, which can be significant advantages on larger waves. Additionally, full-suits often have a more streamlined cut that reduces heat loss through the torso area, keeping you warmer for longer.

The Case for High-Performance Shorties

On the other hand, high-performance shorties are designed for advanced surfers who require maximum flexibility and mobility during surfing. These suits typically feature shorter lengths (usually around 18-22 inches), which provide better maneuverability and reduced drag. The shorter length also helps to minimize heat loss through the torso area.

However, shorties might not offer the same level of warmth or protection as full-suits in colder water temperatures. This is especially true if you're surfing at lower wave sizes or in warmer waters (e.g., during peak summer months). In these cases, a shorter suit can be an excellent compromise between performance and warmth.

Key Performance Considerations

When choosing between a full-suit and high-performance shortie, consider the following key performance considerations:

• Water temperature: If you're surfing in cold water temperatures (below 60°F), a full-suit is likely the better choice. However, if you're surfing in warmer waters or at lower wave sizes, a shorter suit might be sufficient.
• Wave size and speed: For bigger waves with moderate speed, a full-suit provides superior protection and warmth. Smaller waves or those with less speed may allow for a shorter suit to provide better flexibility.
• Body position and movement: If you're surfing in a more dynamic position (e.g., paddling or standing), a longer suit can help keep your body warmer and protected from wind-driven spray. For more relaxed movements, a shorter suit might be preferred.
• Personal preferences: Ultimately, the choice between a full-suit and shorties comes down to personal preference and your individual surfing style.

Conclusion

As an advanced surfer, you know that choosing the right wetsuit is crucial for optimal performance. By considering factors such as water temperature, wave size, speed, body position, and personal preferences, you can make an informed decision about whether a full-suit or high-performance shortie is best for your needs. Whether you're cruising on a cold winter morning or shredding bigger waves at the beach, the right wetsuit can help take your surfing to new heights – literally! Here's a suggested outline and table summary based on the provided text:

I. Introduction

• As an advanced surfer, you've likely spent countless hours testing and refining your wetsuit performance.
• You're always on the lookout for the perfect combination of warmth, flexibility, and durability to take your riding to the next level.

II. Scenario: Riding a 15-foot wave on a chilly winter morning

• You're paddling out to tackle a challenging break during a cold winter morning.
• The water temperature is around 50°F, and the wave is towering at 12 feet with moderate speed.
• You've surfed this spot before, but today it feels different – the waves are bigger, and your board is taking more punishment.

III. The Case for Full Suits

• Full-suits provide superior thermal insulation in cold water temperatures while maintaining flexibility and maneuverability.
• They typically feature a more relaxed fit through the shoulders and chest area, allowing for greater freedom of movement during surfing.
• A full-suit can also provide better protection from wind-driven spray and reduced drag, which can be significant advantages on larger waves.

IV. The Case for High-Performance Shorties

• High-performance shorties are designed for advanced surfers who require maximum flexibility and mobility during surfing.
• These suits typically feature shorter lengths (usually around 18-22 inches), which provide better maneuverability and reduced drag.
• However, shorties might not offer the same level of warmth or protection as full-suits in colder water temperatures.

V. Key Performance Considerations

Factor	Full Suits	High-Performance Shorties
Water Temperature (°F)	Ideal for cold water temps, e.g., <60°F	May not be sufficient for warmer waters or smaller waves
Wave Size and Speed	Superior protection and warmth in bigger waves with moderate speed	Better flexibility and maneuverability in smaller waves or lower speeds
Body Position and Movement	More body heat retained, especially during dynamic movements	Better suited for relaxed movements

VI. Conclusion

• Choose a wetsuit that balances performance and warmth.
• Consider factors such as water temperature, wave size, speed, body position, and personal preferences to make an informed decision.

VII. Additional Tips

• Always try on different suits before purchasing to ensure a comfortable fit.
• Adjust the suit's length and cut to optimize flexibility and comfort during surfing.
• Regularly check and maintain your wetsuit to ensure optimal performance.