Are you wondering about the right wetsuit thickness for your needs? Unsure which suit is suitable for the water temperature you’ll be in? Curious about terms like “3/2 wetsuit”? Look no further! We’ve put together a guide to help you find the right suit thickness based on the water temperature that you plan on being in. We’ve included some charts tailored to each water sport to help you in making an informed decision.
Importance of Wetsuit Thickness
The thickness of a suit plays a crucial role in determining its thermal insulation properties and flexibility. These factors are pivotal not only for comfort but also for minimizing fatigue during water sports activities.
Thermal Efficiency and Flexibility
Effective thermal insulation and flexibility are essential for conserving energy while engaging in water sports. Optimal thermal properties help regulate body temperature, preventing both overheating and excessive cooling, which can lead to decreased power output. Additionally, flexibility ensures ease of movement, allowing for efficient performance on the water.
Balancing Thickness and Flexibility
When selecting a suit, it’s vital to strike the right balance between thickness and flexibility. While thicker suits provide superior warmth, they may sacrifice flexibility, requiring more effort during movement. In cases of uncertainty, opting for a slightly warmer and thicker suit is advisable, as it offers better insulation and comfort in colder conditions.
Consideration for Injury Prevention
Warmer suits help in injury prevention by promoting muscle, ligament, and tendon flexibility. The heat generated by thicker suits helps keep them supple, reducing the risk of strains, sprains, and other injuries. Additionally, maintaining optimal body temperature minimizes the likelihood of sudden muscle contractions and cramps.
Understanding Wetsuit Thickness Measurements
Suit thickness is typically measured in millimeters (mm), with specifications indicated by two numbers. For example, a suit labeled 3/2 mm indicates a neoprene thickness of 3 mm on the torso and 2 mm on the legs and arms. This variation in thickness caters to the differing thermal and flexibility requirements of various body parts.
Kitesurfing or Windsurfing Wetsuit Temperature Guide
In kitesurfing and similar activities, such as windsurfing, riders spend a significant amount of time above the water. Although beginners might experience a few extra dips, this aspect shouldn’t define your suit thickness decisions. Despite being out and above the water, you’re continuously exposed to wind and external temperatures. Additionally, the cooling effect of being wet while riding further factors into your comfort. Moreover, sunlight intensity plays a more pronounced role compared to surfing or even diving. Based on experience, a slightly thicker wetsuit is often recommended for these water sports compared to surfing.
| Water Temperature | Wetsuit Thickness | Destination example |
|---|---|---|
| > 25°C (> 77°F) | No wetsuit required, Lycra or Rashguard | Bali, Sri Lanka, Hawaii, Philippines, Brazil, North Carolina in summer |
| 22 – 24°C (71.6 – 75.2°F) | 2 mm neoprene top or shorty | Mediterranean Sea in summer, Florida except summer |
| 19 – 23°C (66.2 – 73.4°F) | 2 mm shorty, spring suit or 3/2 mm full suit | Mediterranean Mid-Season, California Gulf of Mexico, Cape Town in summer |
| 15 – 20°C (59 – 68°F) | 3/2 mm full suit | Tarifa / Spain |
| 12 – 15°C (53.6 – 59°F) | 4/3 mm or 5/3 mm full suit + 3 mm boots + 2 – 3 mm gloves + optional hood or cap | San Francisco, Cape Town in winter |
| 7 – 13°C (44.6 – 55.4°F) | 5/4 mm or 6/4 mm hooded full suit + 5 mm gloves + 5 mm boots | England, Netherlands in winter |
| Below 7°C (Below 44.6°F) | 6/5 or 6/4 hooded full suit + 7 mm gloves + 7 mm boots | Greenland / Arctic |
Surfing Wetsuit Temperature Guide
Surfing distinguishes itself by the amount of time that you spent immersed in the water. Whether you’re paddling out or patiently waiting for your next wave, your exposure to wind and external temperatures is lower than activities like kitesurfing, or windsurfing.
| Water Temperature | Wetsuit Thickness | Destination |
|---|---|---|
| > 24°C (> 75.2°F) | No wetsuit required, Lycra or Rashguard | Bali, Sri Lanka, Hawaii, Philippines |
| 22 – 24°C (71.6 – 75.2°F) | 1 – 2mm neoprene top | Mediterranean Sea or Ocean City/USA in summer |
| 19 – 22°C (66.2 – 75.2°F) | 2mm shorty or spring suit | Mediterranean Sea Mid Season, Gold Coast/AUS in winter |
| 17 – 20°C (62.6 – 68°F) | 2 mm full suit, Long John or Jane | Portugal Algarve in summer, Jeffreys Bay/South Africa |
| 13 – 18°C (55.4 – 64.4°F) | 2 mm or 3/2 mm full suit | Atlantic Southern Spain, Algarve, France in Winter, Cape Town |
| 10 – 14°C (50 – 57.2°F) | 4/3 mm full suit + 3 mm boots + 3 mm gloves + optional hood or cap | California / USA in winter, England, Ireland |
| Below 8°C (Below 46.4°F) | 6/5 or 6/4 hooded full suit + 7 mm gloves + 7 mm booties | Cornwall / England in winter, Vancouver Island / Canada |
Wetsuit Inner Lining
Looking for some extra warmth during your water adventures? Many suits incorporate thermo textiles in the form of fibers into their design. These fibers, infused with minerals, are activated by your body heat. They then convert this heat into infrared energy, providing effective insulation. This innovation broadens the suit’s versatility. For instance, if you have a wetsuit with an inner lining designed for a 5/3 mm thickness, you may comfortably wear it in waters where a 6 mm wetsuit would typically be recommended.
Moreover, these inner linings aim to enhance your overall performance of the wetsuits and your enjoyment. Typically integrated into the upper body area of the wetsuit, brands like O’Neill and Mystic employ this technology. However, the thermal properties of these models may vary in terms of flexibility and thermal strength.
Remember to work your way through the below checklist when choosing your next wetsuit.
Wetsuit Thickness Checklist:
- What is the water temperature of my destination during the chosen time of year?
- How sensitive am I to cold?
- Is the wetsuit of high quality?
- What water sport will I be engaging in?
- Does the wetsuit feature an inner lining?
If you get stuck or are still unsure give us a call, drop us an email or stop by the shop and we’ll happily assist you in finding the correct wetsuit. Also remember to give us a follow on Instagram and Facebook for regular updates.
