Dress Formal, Suits Required...
by Paul Finley
Few, if any, would disagree that we live in a beautiful place here on the Central Coast. Many people here enjoy surfing as a way to celebrate this beauty. If you plan on hopping in the water anytime soon—or anytime at all around here—you will most definitely want to be wearing a wetsuit.
Wetsuits have come a long way in functionality and comfort in the past few decades. Every year there seems to be more new developments taking place, so this article is dedicated to those confused about what rubber to get for the Christmas season.
If you are going to be surfing around the Central Coast you will most likely want to have a 4/3 wetsuit. The four stands for the thickness of the neoprene material measured in millimeters around the torso of the suit. The three is the same, but represents the thickness in the extremities. Generally, the thicker the suit, the warmer it will be, but with decreased flexibility. A stiff wetsuit is a big drawback for surfing, so you don't want to overdo it with the thickness of the suit.
There are three dominant types of seam construction on the market. Flatlock stitching is the lowest end of the spectrum. It is basically just a sewn seam. Some water will seep in through these seams, making these suits less desirable around this area. Then there are glued and blindstitched seams. They are much better and allow very little water to come through, but are still not as desirable as a glued and taped seam. This type allows virtually no water to enter. The idea behind a wetsuit is not to try and stay dry, but to allow the most minimal amount of water into the suit so your body temperature can heat that water and maintain warmth. The more times your suit is flushed with new cold water, the harder it is to stay warm.
There are different types of neoprene materials and inner linings that have their own particular advantages and disadvantages. This article is not attempting to highlight particular manufacturers, but more to provide a general overview of the requirements of staying warm. So far we need at least a 4/3 and would prefer a 100% sealed and taped seam suit.
There are a few parts of your body that loose heat fast and if they are protected, your surf session will last much longer and be far more enjoyable. Your head does not like ice cream headaches. A hood will help with this. Your little piggies can get lost out in the cold, so surf booties help here. You want them tight, because it is hard to surf with a ball of water and rubber around your feet. A separation or split toe "ninja" type boot helps keep it in place and keep you from sliding around while surfing. Your chest and back/kidney area will be very happy if you get a suit that blocks a bit of wind. There are many suits that boast great flexibility and warmth, but are not very compatible to any windy conditions. Well, if you have spent any time around here, you know that on most days the wind is in movement.
Everyone has their own preferences and opinions on wetsuits and equipment. I do know one thing we would all agree on — if you are freezing, shivering and cramping up in the water, you are probably not having an enormous amount of fun. Get a good suit, take care of it with neoprene shampoo/ wetsuit cleaner and have fun this winter!
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