Has anybody tried wetsuits designed 'specifically' for windsurfing, ie those NP ones?

I've just purchased a standard Quicksilver 3/2 and love it. Last wetsuit I bought was nearly 20 years ago, they have come a long way since. Very flexible, very comfortable.

Feels like I'm wearing nothing at all... nothing at all... nothing at all... - Ned Flanders/Simpsons.

Does it have built in (or more correctly built over) boardshorts?

You need a wetsuit in QLD

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easty said...

You need a wetsuit in QLD

Yessssssss more for wind chill though

Triple X wetsuits - based in Ballina NSW. Cant rate them highly enough. The material they use is equal to double your standard suit. ie a 2mm gives equivalent of a 4mm suit warmth.

These things are great. I use a 2mm for diving on Sth Coast NSW in winter for crays - down to about 13 degress no worries. Also use it in the surf in winter and have to throw water on your face you get hot. The best part is that being able to wear a thinner suit thwey are far less restrictive. AND THE PRICES ARE GREAT.

Anyone looking for a new suit, they are worth a look.

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evlPanda said...

Has anybody tried wetsuits designed 'specifically' for windsurfing, ie those NP ones?

My Dad used to have to the top of the line NP with full dry suit zip and 100% smoothskin finish - it was very warm and completely windproof. I have a specific Rip Curl windsurfing wetsuit, 3,4,5mm which is 90% smoothskin and extremely warm! You don't need a specific one here but you do in the UK - that's why all the big brands (Rip Curl, O'Neil etc) had Windsurf Specific ranges, and there are some specific Windsurf wetsuit companies.

Beware of smoothskin - It's definately warmer, but if you are going to surf in it (or fall on your gear a lot) you'll find it tears a lot easier.
The suits Ellobuddah is talking about sound good - I checked their website and might give them a try next time I need one.

Mystic Make windsurf specific wetsuits, boardies, Harnesses etc. their based in Holland so are mega warm, i wear there stuff all year round love it..

Yeap, lifetime warranty too. Titanium, super lightweight, super stretchy, super comfy. We sell heaps of them. Anyone in Qld after one we are doing end of financial year clearance 20% off all stock. www.triple-x.com.au.

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Ellobuddha said...

Triple X wetsuits - based in Ballina NSW. Cant rate them highly enough. The material they use is equal to double your standard suit. ie a 2mm gives equivalent of a 4mm suit warmth.

These things are great. I use a 2mm for diving on Sth Coast NSW in winter for crays - down to about 13 degress no worries. Also use it in the surf in winter and have to throw water on your face you get hot. The best part is that being able to wear a thinner suit thwey are far less restrictive. AND THE PRICES ARE GREAT.

Anyone looking for a new suit, they are worth a look.

What's a wetsuit

Believe it or not...

There is a difference between surfing and windsurfing/kitesurfing wetsuits......

I hate the legs of my surfing steamer filling up with water so that I have an extra 4kg of water to carry - windsurfing steamers (and the semi-dry type mainly) usually have tight fitting ankles and velcro straps to stop this. They also have loose forearm areas with tighter wrist seals so that the arms don't get as easily cramped when the bloodflow is restricted by tight neoprene.

The semi-drys are unreal because they let you fall in and if you get back out of the water in 10 seconds or so, you are still dry.Particularly nice when the water is below 10 degrees!

Most windsurfing steamers have pre-bent knees and some have built in shin guards (handy for shorebreaks)