Sports & Fitness Wet suit

It's winter soon and I still kinda want to go to the beach, so currently thinking of wetsuit.

Suggestions on brand and what to look for? I want to be able to use it in Sydney and next year in Vic. Not for extreme sport, just for swimming and body boarding hoping for something affordable (budget is $250 atm, just because)

 

Winter's at least 3 days off yet.

 

Fixed

 

Wetsuits ain't wetsuits any more.

a good quality surf wetsuit is very flexible and soft but remains very warm.
The key to any wetsuit is actually the fit of it rather than the quality. The aim is to limit water flow. So a size too small is better than a size too big.
Try and get a 'single' peice without zips. Zips leak water.
If it's just for swimming there are reasonable swimming skins which may be sufficient.
'Blind glued' seams are better for warmth but more susceptible to tears.

Anyway look at the 'x-bomb' surf wetsuit. Not sure on the cost new days but I think they are around the $500 mark. Should be able to get a good second hand one off gumtree. These are super durable and super warm.

Going up a level in quality (and price) will be worth it as it will be warmer (worn more) and last 3-4 times as long.

Personally I get all my suits custom made now - but I'm an extreme user.

Blacky

 

Thanks @Blacky they come custom made? Where do you order?

 

Heaps of companies are doing custom suits nowadays. In oz Neptune are doing custom orders and make good quality suits.

My last few suits have been from seaquell in NZ. The 3mm dive suits are excellent, warm, flexible and durable. However their 5mm suits are getting very stiff so will probably get a Neptune suit next time.

Tbh unless you use the suit a lot, or are an unusual body shape a custom suit shouldn't be needed. Noting they aren't that much more expensive anyway.
But I mix and match depends on what diving I am doing any the conditions.

Blacky

 

Look for "glued" seams not just stitched, a lot warmer. The way to test this is grab the sleeve, pinch it off, blow into it like a balloon, filling it with air and pinch the other end off. A good glued wetsuit will not leak air. stitched ones will.
Depends on location ect but the magic number for me is a 3-2 - that is 3mm thick body 2mm thick legs and arms. Any thicker and your movement is really reduced.
Cheers

 

Go check out Adreno Spearfishing shop World's Largest Spearfishing Store | ADRENO Spearfishing Supplies It's down in Alexandria and they have a huge range of wet suits. It's also just a fun store to check out if you're into that kind of thing. @EN710

 

You won't get one that will suit winter both in Vic and NSW, IMO. If you're in the ocean in Vic during mid-winter, you need at least a 4/3, IMO, whereas I know of many people in Sydney getting by with a 3/2 or even a 2/2 steamer.

I am already into my 4/3, and we still have a few degrees of water temp to drop. Down here, I even have some colleagues who stay in a 3/2 springy all through summer! I have to admit, I used my 2/2 short-sleeved, short-legged a little bit this summer, too.

I'm not going to recommend a brand, as I work for a well-known surf apparel company, so slightly biased.

 

No issue of being proud of the brand you work with, especially if they are good

I'd need to learn the lingo on the suits first 3/2 and 4/3 I assume are thickness?

 

You into spearing Northy?

adreno are generally my 'go to' store for gear.

Blacky

 

Well, I think they are good. Starts with Quik and ends with silver.

 

Yea, I love it but I'm not very good yet. Geting about 1.5 min diving breath holds so far but haven't done the freediving course yet. I was looking at doing one in the next few months because my wife got angry at me when she realised I was just jumping in and hoping for the best.

What's your background with it? I think you mentioned freediving in a different post before.

 

Lol... How is it suppose to be done?

 

Yea that's what I told her, but then she watched me get nailed up against the cliffs at North Bondi for close to 10 minutes and wasn't convinced with my argument haha.

 

Mm. Quite a long way from it.

Apnea diving can be a very safe sport or incredibly dangerous.
The biggest threat to yourself is yourself. And the only person who can save you is someone else.
Blackout isn't uncommon. And is often punished with death. Mostly this occurres during lone, social or training dives when 'buddies' aren't watching, paying attention, or aren't there at all.

Blacky

 

No wonder the wife was angry!

 

I don't free dive myself but I know a few people who do. There is a fair amount of training and techniques involved, so definitely do a course. It'll increase your time underwater and your safety.

 

Summer is the time to buy, everyone's looking for one in Winter.
You might get lucky for one in your size in a 2nd hand place.

 

Yeah. Kind of understandable.

This was the most recent death Which popped up on my Facebook feed - however many go unpublished.

Coaching/lessons and a buddy are a good idea.

Blacky