Looking for a new wettie, what are good quality wetsuits for windsurfing?
I dont like wearing wetsuits so I want something flexy and not cramp up my forearms.
What brands make windsurfing (or kitesurfing I'm guessing they'd be the same?) wetsuits?

kitesurf wet suits are built a little more feman, because alot of blokes who use them are gay or lets say happy

Gestalt said...

kitesurfing wetsuits are really good value for money. you also get a pair of boardies.

so true, so true

Lads,

These are awesome as they are shoulder entry and no zip for the harness to annoy your spine.

Unless your wearing a gay nappy harness, then it doesn't matter.

www.wetsuitwearhouse.com/wetsuits/category/hyperflex-wetsuits.html

I followed another thread last year. Here is the excerpt:

"...oneil guru 2/3mm full wetsuit. Just got it. Best thing in the world i can be in the water for 3 hrs windsurfing and still not even get wet inside. the neck seal is comfy but seals to perfection. And it feels like your not even wearing a wetsuit. i thought it was 1/2mm when i first got it."

"Rip curl E-bomb. "
"..E-bomb 3/2 and it's keeping me toasty through Vic winter!"

"O'Neill Mutant 4/3 (chest zip) for about $320. Best buy I've done. I only get a cold water flush if I do a really nasty stack and it's quite windproof."

"Just bought an ONeill Epic 4/3 for sale price of $125 and the water now feels like a warm bath"

People talked about the www.wetsuit.com being great.
I think iit is OK if your measurements are standard.
I'm just to long to be buying wetsuits without trying them on first.

How serious are you about sailing through winter, and how cold does it get where you sail?

With the right wetsuit and neoprene beanie, you won't be cold. You will get some epic conditions and no crowds. Finding a buddy to sail with may be your only problem.

I have a Quantum Ion 5/4 semi-dry suit. It was designed for windsurfing. Apart from being somewhat difficult to get into, I cannot fault it. 5/4 may be a bit of overkill where you sail, but it's just right for winters here (Canberra), with water temperature about 7 degrees. Don't skimp on your suit; it's false economy.

Also recommend you get an insulated head coverage of some sort. Avoids that "ice cream" headache should you fall in. Ripcurl make a good one.

I don't see how you can confidently buy any suit without trying it on for size; there seems to be a lot of variance in manufacturers' size standards.

Good luck with this.

Thought the idea of "windsurfing" wetsuits only applicable to Europe where there isn't so much surf so they would use them, whereas here we just use surfing wetties.

Tried a "windsurfing" wetsuit - bloody sweet!

Semi dry 4/3 so good - the forearms are loose, so NO restriction on them (less chance of cramping), pre-flexed knees, Sharkskin type external material (no evaporation) and tight at neck and wrists, with a strap to stop your legs ballooning up. Keeps me MUCH warmer. All great - now I only use my 3/2 surfing steamer for surfing.

Wouldn't use anything else now when using a steamer.

Oneil Psycho 2...

Yep, got 2 flying objects wetties - love 'em. Still got a psycho 2 that I use for surfing, but don't windsurf in it anymore due to the 'balloon leg'.

Obelix said...

I followed another thread last year. Here is the excerpt:

I'm just to long to be buying wetsuits without trying them on first.

I ended up buying an Xcel Infinity 4/3 wettie over the last w/e, and yeah I agree with you that you definately need to try it on before buying. I am usually a medium size (5'10 and 70kgs), however trying on the xcel medium the neck part only came up to my chest! I ended up having to get the large which fitted me perfectly.

westozwind said...

I have just got a NPX Assassin wettie from Reg at Windsurfing Perth.
www.windsurfingperth.com.au/
Check em out here
www.npxwetsuits.com/index.php?option=com_npxproducts&view=detail&id=2&Itemid=150
Fantastically warm and designed for watersports. Super stretchy neoprene, vents in the bottom of the legs prevent 'balloon leg' and the bamboo carbon will stop the smell if you pee in it.
For $200 it's amazing value for money.
Also, I'm with Obelix. Buying a wetsuit before you can try it on is a big risk.

I got me one of these. I love it. My mate loved it and bought one too.

Have to agree with Bertie I have two of the NPX wetsuits and they are brilliant .
They have replaced my less than stellar RipCurl and other surfing wetties and are much cheaper.

Hi Obelix. I have the 3/2.
As for the neck, too early to tell, but the older NPX wetties I have had have not had problems with the neck area of the wetsuit.
Check the website, the new suit has the "E3" entry system

"The E3 entry system is comprised of a pull-over bib and gusset that forms a water-tight neck seal and prevents water from entering through the back."

The 3/2 suit is primarily designed for surface water sports. You might want to go thicker for diving as the increased pressure and water temp is cooler at depth.
Are you going below 10m regularly? If so a thicker suit is advisable.

Perth does not really have a winter
Max of 16 is a really cold one. Water temp does not get below 18 anyway.
A 3/2 is fine, especially when you are sailing as it's the wind chill, not the water temp that gets you.
Never had a problem with older suits of this thickness. This one will be better

Just got NPX E3 3/2m XL "tall".
It feels very fine as you touch it, and is very comfortable.
I like the bib, and how it locks the neck and the fact that my long arms and legs are fully covered.

Can’t wait until Monday…

I was hoping for a silver one, but the only available colour was black.
Still, I'm quite happy.

As for the diving, it feels good, but I would hate to see it ripped to shreds on corals and reefs.