Looking like its starting to cool off. Any recommendations for best type of wetsuit to get through winter???

I haven't bought a new wettie for a few years. Last few winters have been mild so i didn't use mine last year. Or only once if i did.

this year winter looks to be a cracker and cold. All i can say is wear a hat or helmet and put a rashie over your wetsuit and it will make a huge difference.

I bought a rip curl e bomb 2.2 mm last year an upgrade the one previously bought in 1990 . Firstly i couldn't believe how warm they have gotten and secondly they are very comfortable ( like I want to wear to bed comfortable ) .

The brands are probably much of a muchnes but QLD winter 2 to 3mm is fine I wear a wet shirt underneath on cold days

E-Bomb are an awesome suit for sure, they do lack a bit of smooth skin for wind protection on the body though.

I have a Flying Objects Flux Steamer, 3/2 and it is bloody awesome. Easily the best wind sport suit I have ever owned. It has a smooth chest and back sections for wind protection and is cut to allow for the different way we use our suits as opposed to surfing. It also has velcro fasteners around the ankles to stop water pushing the suit leg up. With the newer super stretch materials I found that happened a lot more than with older suits, so the fasteners have come in very handy (just don't piss in the suit, it has no where to go!!!).

Pics and a further write up here... ozwindrider.wordpress.com/2013/06/11/new-suit-ready-for-business/

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Gestalt said..

I haven't bought a new wettie for a few years. Last few winters have been mild so i didn't use mine last year. Or only once if i did.

this year winter looks to be a cracker and cold. All i can say is wear a hat or helmet and put a rashie over your wetsuit and it will make a huge difference.

You only sail once a year?

nope I think you misread that.

I only used my "wetsuit" probably once last winter. it wasn't that cold.

I don't think I sailed once at wello last year either.

we're overdue for some good westerlies.

oops, no I did, I sailed that 50knot day.

ok. back to the point of the thread.

I got a Peak Flex 3/2 full steamer a couple of years ago, arms and legs are super stretchy, smooth body, plush chest lining and a lining inside the zip.

I have a Xcel Drylock 3/2 which is great. It's warm, very stretchy and comfortable with a warm bamboo fluffy material in midsection. However there's one problem. As it's so stretchy it easily allows water to enter inside around the ankles. It's a real issue especially on the fast slalom board caused by increased water pressure. Sometimes I end up with my legs full of water, up to my knees. Really annoying so I will be using Velcro straps purchased in Bunings electrical section. That will fix it. So I reckon windsurfing dedicated wetsuit should have a Velcro strap automatically be part of it, at least around the ankles.

Last year I wore an old Billabong short john in winter. This year I think I will add a 1 to 2mm long sleeve vest

Thanks for the feedback

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GeoGeo said..

I have a Xcel Drylock 3/2 which is great. It's warm, very stretchy and comfortable with a warm bamboo fluffy material in midsection. However there's one problem. As it's so stretchy it easily allows water to enter inside around the ankles. It's a real issue especially on the fast slalom board caused by increased water pressure. Sometimes I end up with my legs full of water, up to my knees. Really annoying so I will be using Velcro straps purchased in Bunings electrical section. That will fix it. So I reckon windsurfing dedicated wetsuit should have a Velcro strap automatically be part of it, at least around the ankles.

This is exactly what I mentioned about the FO suit I have. It has some velcro on the ankles of the suit so you can attach or remove the straps as required which is good too.

No matter what suit you go for have a serious look at getting a chest zip suit. They take a bit of getting used to in getting in and out of the suit, I'm sure the first times I used it I may have resembled a crazy trying to extricate themselves from a straight jacket, but once you have it sorted it isn't too difficult. The benefits in flexibility are awesome, a back zip suit feels like sailing with a rod up your back by comparison.

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aus301 said..

I have a Flying Objects Flux Steamer, 3/2 and it is bloody awesome. Easily the best wind sport suit I have ever owned.

I used to work in surf shops so I've always had all sorts of the latest surf brand wetsuits, E-Bombs, Cell, Psycho etc etc. I just recently bought a Flying Objects Flux 3/2 and I am soooooooooo impressed. So much better for windsurfing with the velcro staps at the ankles which stops the water spraying in.

As you guys have all said, the chest zips ROCK. So much better than traditional, zipper up the back.

I cut the sleeves off mine (they do make a S/S but it was only 2mm which is too thin for winter for me) because I cannot windsurf in long sleeves it just cuts off the circulation to your forearms (and doesn't actually make you warmer) and so far it's been really sweet. Get the yellow/purple one cause it looks SICK and the world doesn't need more black wetsuits.

Actually had it on today here in Portugal at the Formula World Championships. Water temps 16 degrees... super comfortable with the 3/2mm with cut off sleeves.

Try as many as you can on and pick the one that suits your body shape the best.

My full length suit doesn't have straps for the legs but it also doesn't need them. Water doesn't flow out the leg let alone into it.

Man up and go without.

I put my boardies over the top of mine!!

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boardboy said..

Man up and go without.

Didn't see you out there Shane??

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Glynn Merrit said..

boardboy said..

Man up and go without.

Didn't see you out there Shane??

Also Justin thought I would see you sailing at Wello.