How to choose the right wetsuit (Part 1)
The first selection criterion when choosing a surfing wetsuit is the water temperature.
Water temperature varies according to the spot and the time of year.
Systematically make sure that the water temperature at your spot corresponds to the recommended temperature range:
Water warmer than 20°C.
Water between 17°C and 22°C.
Water between 12°C and 17°C.
Water between 7°C and 12°C.
Visit the site seatemperature.org to find out the temperature of your spot.
How to choose the right wetsuit (Part 2)
Also take into account the length of your sessions.
For sessions lasting less than 1 hour, the 100 models are suitable.
Up to 2 hours, go for a 500 model, with slightly thicker neoprene.
Up to 3 hours (or if you feel the cold), check out our 900 models.
The 500 models offer better warmth, greater flexibility to reduce fatigue, improved mobility, and enhanced protection against chafing.
The same goes for the 900 models. NOTE: the 900 models are easier to put on.
Choose the right size
To get the most out of your wetsuit, it’s essential to choose the right size.
We recommend trying on your surfing wetsuit before purchase and simulating paddling or take-off movements (whether inside or outside the changing room—don’t worry, we don’t judge at Decathlon!).
A surfing wetsuit should be a snug fit, with no visible creases under the arms or at the back.
It’s normal for it to feel slightly tight when dry, but this discomfort disappears once you’re in the water.
YOU ARE AN INTERMEDIATE SURFER
You regularly go surfing.
During your sessions, you paddle out to the line-up, duck dive under the breaking waves if you are on a shortboard (or turtle roll if you are on a longboard) then surf waves of less than one metre.
You often fall and are used to being shaken about underwater. Your swimsuit must meet the requirements of your activity and stay in place for each of your movements. We have designed a range for you that is suited to regular activity and your body shape.
Fastening
Our zips and fastenings are laboratory tested in order to ensure an optimal lifespan and good resistance to salt water.
We have put the zip at the back of the shorty to make it easier and more comfortable to get on and off. To allow even less water into the wetsuit, try our women’s front zip surfing shorty.
An outfit for every temperature range
When we are in the water, we lose more than half of our body heat through our extremities (feet, hands, head).
As such, here are the recommended accessories for surfing:
- In water > 17°C: low neoprene shoes.
- In water between 12 and 17°C: Surf boots and gloves.
- In water between 7 and 12°C: Surf boots, gloves, hood or hooded top.
