Try "ion" wetsuits too.

Thanks guys. I posted on the SHQ Facebook page and they said they do sell NP, even though their website only has O'Neil and Ripcurl (think the website isn't really maintained). I'll drop in there tomorrow and see if I can get something I can actually try on, otherwise, I'll start ringing around other places and will hopefully have a better idea what size I need.

Stu, how do ION suits compare with NP? I don't need anything too fancy, I just don't want to die from the cold.

BTW, is there anything in particular I should be looking for to suggest the warmth of the suit for windsurfing? I imagine wind chill in the winter is also an issue. Does the amount of rubber over the neoprene on the back, chest and shoulders help with that sort of thing?

That link is awesome, thanks! So basically look for blindstitching if you want the warmest stitching :)

That's a bit colder than here! I'm also from the Northeast of England (Guisborough, near Middlesbrough), but live in Melbourne as of approaching 7 years ago.

Just checked the bay temperatures here and they're around 16c at the surface. The air temperature tomorrow is supposed to be around 20c. That is unseasonably warm though. I'm expecting to be out in < 10c consistently once the winter really sets in.

Hoping I can get a suit and go out tomorrow. NW should be ok on the east side of the bay. Not looking very windy, but enough to get a feel for it again after a brief hiatus.

MrCranky said...

d11wtq said...
BTW, is there anything in particular I should be looking for to suggest the warmth of the suit for windsurfing? I imagine wind chill in the winter is also an issue. Does the amount of rubber over the neoprene on the back, chest and shoulders help with that sort of thing?

The biggest price differentiator is the seams.

Isn't that for surfing (constant immersion)?
Dunno if it relates to windsurfing that much?

I think good fit and smoothie.

O'Neill Psycho with the front zip gets my vote. Once getting it on and off are sorted this is a very nice winter suit.

If you've got a good 3/2 wetsuit and its just wind chill hitting your chest then try one of these Puppies


www.whitworths.com.au/burke-kennedy-polar-fleece-jacket-black?q=17994

Very surprising how much extra warmth they give without any sailing restriction or noticeable weight, there also trousers available as well

Think carefully before you buy an NP wet suit.
We get to use wetties a lot here in South Island NZ and NP fall to bits.
Very warm and comfortable but after two of them dying I've just had to buy another brand.
I think they are intended only for occasional use.
Not really fit for purpose.

WindmanV said...
^ -1.

I've got 2 of them, both over 5 years old. With smooth skin wetties, you HAVE to be careful how you treat them.

Yes, have heard that story from NP dealers.
Seems to me if you use them, you're not being careful enough.

I have heaps of NP gear including sails, masts, vests, wetsuit jackets etc. and I am happy with most of it but I am not a fan of their wetsuits either. I had a NP spring suit last years model and lasted me less than a handful of sessions. It ripped open a massive hole in the seem on the leg I looked closer at the rest of it and I could rip it all apart completely very easily if I try. Looks very poorly made! I didn't even bother going back for a warranty claim.

My Rip curl wettie is definitely well made. Cost me a bit (one of the higher end models) but has sealed seems and so comfy and warm. Once on you hardly even think about the fact that you are wearing it. Perhaps the sealed seems adds to longevity too? I have not been cold during winter and almost the opposite. I wore it last week in the northerlies and you have to jump in every now and then during carve gybes not to overheat. At least that is my excuse I only got the NP one as the Rip curl 4/3 is too warm for transition seasons. In my opinion it would be too warm in Australia north of and including about Perth/Sydney latitude. I prefer at least a 4/3 in Victoria if you go down to Sandy Point or southern coast in middle of winter. I have got away with a 3/2 in the bay and throw the 1.5mm jacket over the top when really cold but a good 4/3 is better..