What's a good wetsuit for kiting over winter? One that prevents water shooting up the legs would be #1 for me (apart from fit obviously). The Mystic Crossfire looks pretty sweet...

Hey Jeff,

Possibly depends on how cold it get's where you kite, being down south I bought a 'Peak' 3mm on the arms and 4mm on the core steamer- keeps me nice and toasty! it works a treat, really tight fit around the ankles and seals are excellent, got it for $200 new at one of those Torquay factory outlets! bargain!

A decent seal around your neck is a must! you don't want that cold rush of water down your spine on a wipe out!

Good luck!

Rip Curl F- Bomb the warmest 4/3 you will find. Expensive which is a problem. But without doubt the warmest wettie I have ever put on. Perfect for Vicco winters.

I got a Neil Pryde 5/3. Nice and warm with velcro straps around the ankles to close em up and make sure no water gets in. For cold water kiting, the Neil Prydes are the bomb.

We stock the Lifetime guaranteed Mega-stretch Titanium Neoprene Triple-X wetsuits from 0.5mm to 5mm.

The 1mm Titanium suits is our best product to date for tackling stingers particularly in Brisbane (blue blubbers).

Winter suits only half the thickness for 3 times equivalent standard neoprene warmth, giving double the freedom and extremely light weight. Dry in 1/3 the time of conventional wetsuits and have a ZERO chill factor because of the Titanium lining. A 3mm suit equates to 5mm neoprene suit. It is the HOTTEST wetsuit you'll ever wear!

The O'neill Psycho 2 4x3 is an awesome wetty as well. Its toasty as and extremely flexible. It got me through winter last year in S A where in some areas the water temp got down to 11 degrees. Water does seem to make its way up the legs a little when kiting, but a small price to pay for warmth and flexibility. Good luck

Would definately go the titanium option, i have a normal West 3/2 wettie with the stretch material in the chest region only and water is always shootie up the legs, but i brought a titanium wettie the other day and is so warm and so light, the titanium fits like a glove to ur skin... wikid :D

Just picked up a Billabong Revolution and tested it early today - very impressed. Warm, flexible and no water entry through the top patent system.
Thanks to Marcus and Jibby at Beach Beat surf shop for some good info and top deal.

me i have the mystic virus 3/2 got it fisrt thing last year, still fits like a glove plenty of freedom and has the velcro for the legs plus the flush system that stops water going down your back.

Has anyone tried this years mystic crossfire? I'm thinking of buying that one.

ALthough i am but a mear turd I do wear a Mystic 5-4-3 and think it's unreal. Nice hole in the back like sorse said, that stops water going down your neck, velcro straps for the ankles AND a cool water outlet valvey kinda fabric on your calves to let any water that gets in... out.

TURDZ...

I've been riding with an O'neil heat 4/3 for last couple of years in Tazzy and found it pretty good, warm and tough. Still hasn't worn out anywhere and I've been giving it a fair hammering.

Next wetty will definitely be a Mystic though, the 5/4/3's look perfect for kiting.

Rip Curl has a new heated wet suit. No sure how it works but it looks cool. Seeing as you live in NewCastle I'd suggest a fluro orange not seal black.

hahahaha either this water gets freezing or u guys are 2 used 2 summer:P i usd 2 kite nz during spring n winter with a 2:2 springy and a titanium woven longsleeve rashy but seriously someone mentioned the titanium wetsuit and it is a must, its thin and flexible and VERY WARM because it reflects your body heat.

saw and felt the new rip curl h-bomb rechargable heated like an electric blanket steamer with adjustable heating control last week!

very impressive, must have if you feel the cold.

povvo cheapskates, don't go there girlfriend!

don't even comment.

i know you want to.

I just got a 4/3 Rip Curl F Bomb used it a few times feells great flexible and warm and with the batwing ther is no chance of cold water flushes down your back, great wetsuit best I have ever put on.

This thread is very funny

I'm a Kiwi coming to Brisbane soon and doubt I'll need more than a springy in winter

Ride a 7th Wave Kiwi-made 3/2 titanium steamer here and totally agree it's HOT but pumps h2O up legs need duct tape?

haha yeah u wont need more then a springy. i used 2 use a springy and a 7th wave titanium longsleeve rashy n that did me full season last year;) water is still baking in WA good 4 springy at last
come on flag brisbane come 2 Perth :)

quote:

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Originally posted by Newcastle_Jeff
..... One that prevents water shooting up the legs would be #1 for me (apart from fit obviously)...

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Any top of the range 4/3 sealed seam steamer is fine.

The best way to stop water shooting up the leg of your wetsuit is to wear booties and tuck the legs of the suit down into the booties.

I have a RipCurl Fireskin and it is warm enough for Melbourne in winter. I also have a 6 year old RipCurl Ultimate Elasto which is still warm enough for most uses. The nylon sections used to be dark blue and have faded to a pooey beige colour so I prefer the newer black suit.

Anyone know if fabric paint will stick to wetsuit nylon?

Just wear boardies over the top. You will look so cool that you'll just forget about all the other little issues.[}:)]

Finally, I now know why they do it. It's all making sense, clever really I might try it.

I wish I was wearing boardies over my old steamer when I was doing my dive ticket and the arse ripped open! Embarrassment at 20m. No speedo's either, commando.

I replaced that old POS with a lovely Xcel Infiniti 4:3 off ebay. A climb in through the neck number, sealed, stretchy, titanium, all that good stuff. Recommend it. Velcro bands on the ankles are the go for kiting.

I'm sure no-one will want to do what i did because it doesn't involve titanium or brand names.

BUT here goes.

i got a 1mm neoprene wetsuit and a 3mm vest. total of $70 from a non branded factory outlet in adelaide.

the 1mm of neoprene keeps me warm because i spend most of the time above the water (i'm not that good, i just don't try very hard)and the wind chill is probably the coldest thing. I use the vest if it is particularly cold.

I find the combination of these gives me ultimate freedom of movement for putting the board back on and keeps me comfortable.

If you're not fussed about displaying your coolness by wearing a brand-name i would reccomend this option.

quote:

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Originally posted by colinwill78

I'm sure no-one will want to do what i did because it doesn't involve titanium or brand names.

BUT here goes.

i got a 1mm neoprene wetsuit and a 3mm vest. total of $70 from a non branded factory outlet in adelaide.

the 1mm of neoprene keeps me warm because i spend most of the time above the water (i'm not that good, i just don't try very hard)and the wind chill is probably the coldest thing. I use the vest if it is particularly cold.

I find the combination of these gives me ultimate freedom of movement for putting the board back on and keeps me comfortable.

If you're not fussed about displaying your coolness by wearing a brand-name i would reccomend this option.

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does this factory have a name or website??

the factory makes the brand "Bodyheat," they have/had an outlet on south rd near junk food corner (down in the southern suburbs)i couldn't find a website but there are quite a few of their wetsuits on Ebay to have a look at. I'm sure i've seen this brand in department stores like target or k mart and sports stores, Amart
i'll see what else i can uncover for you this weekend.
col.

no good news i'm afaraid.

the factory outlet has closed. The factory is still going but not direct to public. (unless you're lucky enough to know someone who works there, like i do)

It seem 1mm is quite limber enough but it was a little cold over the weekend and a 2 mm might have been a better choice, however i was still comfy enough and while riding along kept warm enough too. But maybe not such a good idea for those swimming in the southern ocean.

All wet suits are generally the same, but if you want the best I have a proper dry suit . These are that good that I wear a track suit and a jumper under the suit and they do not get wet . They are made by Dry suits Australia but are around $850.00 if custom made.

I currently use a 4/3 steamer as well but am considering a Dry Suit. I haven't looked into it enough yet but a mate that wakeboards orders from the U.S. and can get for about $600. I reckon dry suits are the way to go. Warm and no getting into a cold wet wettie the following day if it's still on. Ocean Rodeo make a range of them that are self donning as well. Worth a look given the cost of a quality steamer. (My opinion only of course)

yeah im pretty sure ull just ROAST in a frikin drysuit!! lol dont be scared of your cold wetties, its not gona eat u.. might just shrink u down a bit