Wetsuits

Buying a wetsuit

A wetsuit is essential for any water sports enthusiast. A good wetsuit protects you from cold, UV rays, and abrasions. We offer a wide selection of men's wetsuits, women's wetsuits, and kids' wetsuits.

Not sure exactly what the purpose of a wetsuit is or what to look for when buying a surf suit? Check out our blog or watch our YouTube video!

How does a wetsuit work?

All wetsuits are made from neoprene material. Neoprene is flexible and absorbs little water. A wetsuit allows a thin layer of water inside, which is warmed by your body, keeping you warm. The thickness of the neoprene determines how well you're protected from the cold.

Types of wetsuits

There are several types of wetsuits, namely:

1. Streamer wetsuit: made entirely of neoprene, ideal for cold temperatures.
2. Semidry wetsuit: these are the most common wetsuits. This type lets a thin layer of water in that warms up.
3. Full wetsuit: covers the entire body. Suitable for mild temperatures.
4. Overknee wetsuit: covers the upper body and up to the knees. Perfect for warmer days.
5. Shorty wetsuit: short sleeves and legs. Ideal for summer sessions.
6. Drysuit: fully waterproof and suitable for extreme cold.

At Telstar Surf, we sell a variety of wetsuit brands, including Mystic wetsuits, Prolimit wetsuits, ION wetsuits, and O'Neill wetsuits.

WHAT WETSUIT THICKNESS DO I NEED?

Surf suits come in various thicknesses, from 1 to 6 millimeters. The thickness of a wetsuit is expressed in two numbers (5/3mm). The chest and back are made with 5mm thick neoprene to keep your core warm, while the arms and legs are made with 3mm thick neoprene. Check the table below to see which thickness you need for different temperatures:

WHAT SHOULD I CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A WETSUIT?

In addition to the type of wetsuit and thickness, there are several other factors to consider when purchasing a wetsuit. Think about the type of neoprene material, front and back zips, size, and fit. Read on for more details or read our blog about wetsuit sizes.

TYPES OF NEOPRENE

There are two different types of neoprene used in wetsuits, namely single-lined and double-lined neoprene. This refers to the number of fabric layers applied over the neoprene.

1. Single-lined: the outside of the wetsuit is made of smooth rubber, and the inside is covered with fabric. In general, single-lined neoprene is warmer than double-lined because the structure is completely sealed.
2. Double-lined: the wetsuit has fabric on both the inside and outside.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF ZIPPERS

Wetsuits come with different types of zippers, including:

1. Frontzip: a frontzip wetsuit has a zipper on the chest. This provides more freedom of movement and water tightness.
2. Backzip: a backzip wetsuit has a zipper on the back. The advantage is that this type of surf suit is easy to put on and close.
3. Zipless: this type of surf suit has no zipper (zipless). The advantage is that you will experience more freedom of movement during windsurfing or kitesurfing. A disadvantage is that you cannot fully seal the suit, allowing some water to occasionally enter.

Ultimately, the choice is very personal, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. By trying on different wetsuits with varying features, you will figure out which surf suit works best for you!

SIZE AND FIT

One of the most important factors is that a wetsuit fits your body well. This limits the amount of water that can enter and helps keep you warm on the water. In addition to warmth, comfort is also crucial. You should feel comfortable in your wetsuit, as it should not hinder your performance on the water! Therefore, make sure to find the right size and look for the perfect balance between comfort and fit.

ADVICE ON BUYING A WETSUIT

It is crucial to purchase the right wetsuit for optimal performance. If you're still unsure, have a question, or need advice on choosing the right surf suit, visit our surf shop or feel free to contact us. We are happy to help!