Whether you want to surf, kitesurf, ski, or partake in any number of other water sports, one of the most essential pieces of equipment that you will need is a good wetsuit.
A wetsuit serves to keep you warm, in and out of the water, and this can be a huge help when you live in a cold climate or you are holidaying where the waters are cold. A wetsuit works by trapping water around your body, which your body then heats and keeps warm. If you are serious about water sports, you need to find yourself a decent wetsuit.
Fortunately, choosing a wetsuit is fairly straightforward and there are a just a few key factors to look for. The first thing to consider is flexibility. You want the wetsuit to be as flexible as possible; it should feel like you are not wearing a wetsuit at all. Ideally, the wetsuit should mould to your body and move freely in all activities.
You want your wetsuit to be as tight as possible without being uncomfortable. A good wetsuit should not constrict your wrists and neck, yet it should not be loose enough to allow water or air to get under it. If possible, you should try the suit both in and out of water to see if it’s the right fit for you, as there will be a difference before and after it gets wet.
It is also worth looking at the material to see if it is right for you. There are many different types, from neoprene, which is cheaper and works well but has a shorter lifespan, to spandex, which is protective against undersea creatures, to thermoplastic, which is warmer and stronger than spandex.
Make sure you choose the right suit, even if it means paying a bit of money, and you will be set for many happy days out in the water.