Neoprene is an incredibly versatile synthetic rubber used extensively to craft wetsuit jackets. Its unique properties make it perfect for keeping adventurers warm and protected while they dive into the waves or explore the ocean’s depths.
Whether surfing, snorkeling, or swimming, neoprene is the unsung hero that helps you confidently embrace the water! It is obtained by polymerizing chloroprene and has high chemical stability, making it ideal for these suits.
However, the most impressive element of neoprene is its ability to adapt to a wide range of temperatures. It means that this material works very well in surf suits due to its comfort and adaptability.
How to choose your wetsuit jacket
Choosing a new wetsuit jacket can eventually become a grave decision if you plan to surf. It is a significant investment, and choosing it should be the most appropriate because it will make a difference in and out of the water.
Many people wear wetsuits for long, so choosing a suitable and nice one makes sense. It should last as long as possible and be to your liking so that you can surf comfortably.
Let this serve as a definitive guide to knowing what to do when choosing the most suitable wetsuit jackets. To do this, we have come up with some questions, the answers to which will be the North of your search, so let’s get to the point.
What do you want the wetsuit for?
The first thing you should ask yourself when buying a wetsuit is what you need it for: swimming, windsurfing, or surfing. It could also be for various other aquatic specialties, all to determine the type of suit.
Statistics indicate that most people look for a lightweight wetsuit jacket for surfing, which gives them more flexibility. But you could also choose a thermal wetsuit to keep you warmer if swimming in open water.
Is your wetsuit jacket for summer or winter?
This answer will determine the thickness or consistency of the suit. Generally, you will need a 5/3 or 5/4 wetsuit in cold countries. It will allow you to use it all year round and is ideal for surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing or their different combinations.
This suit can also be used for paddleboarding, especially if there is a reasonable chance of falling into the water. Besides, in summer, you could choose a 3/2 or 4/3 wetsuit that is not very hot but can cover you well.
The latter is ideal for a strong summer when your activities are out of the water. This would be the case for kayaking, paddleboarding, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and kayaking, where you will not be cold.
Now, you have options: You can choose a wetsuit jacket simply for swimming or a long one. Most of these will combine 2—to 4-mm panels with different prints.
Summer
A 3/2 or 4/3 full wetsuit would be ideal for summer, but if you’re going to keep it year-round, choose a 5/3 or 5/4. There will be a few days when you’ll be hot surfing in a suit made specifically for winter.
But if you’re feeling hot, a short-legged suit might be your choice if you’re going to kitesurf or wakeboard. But you’ll need a short-sleeved suit if you’re going to windsurf or surf.
Winter
For winter, you will need a 5/3 or 5/4 wetsuit to keep you more protected, but you will need to wear boots. Of course, gloves and a hood will be necessary during the colder seasons.
Alternatively, buy a second wetsuit jacket with a 6mm hood if your budget allows. This would be ideal for harsher winters and surfing.
Brands can also offer an excellent 5/4 wetsuit option with a removable hood. This would be a reasonably versatile suit you could quickly wear all year round.
Remember to select a pair of wetsuit boots to match your wetsuit, depending on the sport you practice. It is worth stopping to analyze the variety of boots to detail the differences between the high-end and the more moderate ones.
What size should I buy?
Even though brands have sizing charts for their wetsuits, it is always advisable to try on the wetsuit before making a purchase. Remember that sizes vary significantly between brands, so check everything before buying online.
Stores will always be willing to advise you on sizes; if you ask them via email, you must contact them. It is always better if the suit fits you snugly, more than you might think.
Moreover, it is good to remember that neoprene is stretchy, and if you buy a suit that is too big, it will not fit you properly over time. It may be uncomfortable if you have not worn a wetsuit, but the salespeople will give you personalized treatment and advice.
Zipper in front or back
Front-zip wetsuit jackets are pretty popular; some say they are more comfortable. However, they also have detractors, such as those who prefer a back zipper.
A front zipper may have some advantages over back-zip suits. For example, you may need drainage pores and a zipper that is easy to lose.
Indeed, no one wants to ask strangers to help you put on the suit, in addition to the structure that lets water out. Now, a back zipper can also be advantageous, especially to make it easier to put on the suit alone.
High-end suits are designed to minimize water entry and maximize flexibility in the back. These zippers can be smaller and on a second layer outside the suit, but you should check the prices.
Differences in zippers for wetsuit jackets
A front-zip wetsuit’s zipper is located horizontally, which is different from a back-zip suit. These have a vertical zipper in the front, made to let water in when used in summer suits.
Of course, this was thought of because other items, such as jackets and sleeveless suits, are used in warmer conditions. This is an easier way to get dressed, but it also lets the most water into the body.
That is why we would not recommend using it in colder temperatures, except for the summer jacket and wetsuit. If you want to use it for winter diving, choose the one that will keep you warmer and more protected.
