Its soon time for me to make my move down to victoria,
but just need some local knowledge on what thickness/type of wetsuit I would need to survive victorian windsurfing climate?
I have no knowledge on wetsuits, so please add as much detail as possible :P
Cheers
ask for 2 to 3 in thickness for sure (full body wetsuite)... you might need booties as well. Its COLD and if you dont strech and drink enough water before going out you will get crambs
A good 4/3 steamer will keep you warm enough once you get use to have numb feet. BYO wind at the moment i,m afraid 
As much as you can afford in winter.... 4/3 steamer, booties, and even wettie gloves and balaclava if you want to feel even remotely tropical.
In summer you only really need a wettie to keep sun and jellies of ya, 1 - 2 mm, if at all
Other times i use a 3/2 steamer.
Some of the hard as dudes here wear a bit less, but im softer and prefer warmer
holy ****!
1600 for a H-Bomb 3/2 steamer
Is there a 2nd hand market at all for these?
Or is it just buy brand new and empty your wallet?
About $500-$550 will get you a 4/3 E-bomb or something equally good with all the bells and wistles.
I just go for the poverty pack version at at 220 - 300 depending on brand and where you go to get it.
Some guys reckon its worth spending more and swear by it, and im not doubting them, but its all about how much water time you get and how much you can justify i guess.
A good quality 3/2 is better than a cheap 4/3 (sorry for the obvious comment!)
I picked up a 3/2 E-bomb for $250 at the Torquay wholesale outlet, good stretchy wetty & it gets me out in sub 10 degree conditions...incl. hail storms!
My next purchase will be a neoprene beany - head has to stay warm.
I got previous season 3/4 O'Neill Mutant for a bit over $300. In the peek cold with booties and perhaps an under vest it is more than enough unless I am standing on the beach wet doing nothing. Just don't get the basic cheap versions of any of the companies, they leak through the seams and can be quite stiff.
Good shopping!
I bought a cheapy 4/3 fully sealed O'Neil steamer last winter for $200 (on special at Tonic, Barwon Heads) Got me through last winter, warm as toast. Much warmer than my 3/2 E Bomb that has only been used a dozen times. Don't need to spend the big bucks if you are wiling to hunt around. I really don't find the 4/3 wetties restrictive when windsurfing, unlike surfing where the thinner wetsuit is more important when shoulder movement is needed to paddle.
How many seasons usage would you tend to get out of a wetty?
Jump on this one?
www.seabreeze.com.au/Classifieds/Windsurfing/Accessories/~rzi1p/2009-43-EBomb-Wetsuit.aspx?search=BYPcS9OYvePBAffqp0K0hw%3d%3d
its probably an ok deal.
Hey Scully,
I hate to state the obvious, but you're in for a real shock. The water temp in the bay will bottom out at around 10 degrees...........but there is a suit that will help you overcome this.
Check outhttp://www.ion-essentials.com/public/content/products/neoprene/wetsuits/series/strike/wetsuit_products/semidry_4_3_skin/
They differ quite a lot from a traditional surfing suit and teamed with booties and a neo beanie should allow you to sail comfortably right through your first southern winter.
Cheers
Warwick
haha looking forward to it,
I'm not overally fussed about being warm, just something that will allow me to keep sailing rather than passing out
Thanks alot
See ya in 2 weeks
Hey Warwick/RPS
Do you stock Ion Wetsuits?
If so, Whats the price tag on the one you just reccommended me?
Hey guys,
we have the Ion Strike which sells for $589 and for the real wimps [me!] we have the Ion Quantum 5/4 which is $689. They're pretty plush suits.
So they are comparably priced to any of the top end surf brand wetties, but are loaded with materials and features that really make them windsurf specific.
Cheers
Warwick
Select to expand quote
... it's really not that cold compared to other places.
coming from a whingeing POM... oops forgot about the 20/20 world cup....
