There was a thread on here a couple of weeks ago re rugging up. Having just finished my first summer season I find myself without any winter gear. Whilst I probably just need to HTFU a bit, can anybody tell me where this shop is in Torquay where I could pick up a reasonably priced steamer. The range in SHQ and RPS is pretty limited. I'm all skin and bone and feel the cold like a 5 year old girl - so any suggestions on what to go for would be great.
Across the road from Rip Curl is a shop that sells cheaper wetties. Cant remember the name but you cant miss it. I have a Peak 4/3 that I got from there at a good price. Its a cheaper brand but its kept me warm and has stood up pretty well so far (1.5 years)
Edit: Its called Strapper Factory Outlet - on the corner of Surf Coast Hwy and Spring St.
Heading down past rip curl - towards beach - turn R onto Baines crt. This is where all the big surf shops have their seconds and discontinued lines. Normally will pick up a good deal there!
Croweman - time your trip down with some wind and join us for a sail?
Crowie,
On the other side of the bay, SSS @ Inverloch had a wettie sail on over the last few weeks...I picked up a new 4-3 for a couple of hundred (about 40% off)
mick
Hey Croweman
Whatever you buy make sure you have good freedom in your arms. I have cut the arms off my winter wet suit as they restricted my forearms too much and I had no strength after 15 minutes. Windsurf wetties tend to take this more into consideration rather than other water sports. I going out to get myself a neoprine hood so this winter I will look like a ^%#@&%$*$ inside a condom
Thanks all for the tips. Looks like a quick roadtrip to Torquay when the Breadknife's not looking...Is Inver/Pit looking good for the weekend? Anybody going down?
Red - thanks for the offer to sail with you guys. I'll definitely head down your way sooner rather than later. Steve
I am happy to tag along also. Good way to meet our Western buddies and see if there spot is all they make it out to be!
Most recently our session at Green Point......
I am also keen to check out Connewarre and other Geelong spots and to meet some of the Geelong crew. I have sailed Altona a few times but it will be good to check out further around the coast.
On wetsuits, it is good to know of the seconds outlets at Torquay. I just bought a new steamer, with a really good discount, but probably not as cheap as a second - a "psycho freak" and it is super warm - 4.5/3.5mm. Like Croweman I am skinny and feel the cold. So far I have been toasty warm in this new suit. But the full retail price is a bit steep, unless you still have some Rudd bonus to splurge!
I think Mordys (surf shop in Mordialloc) are doing a sale on some of their 4/3 steamers at $199 at the moment.
Hard to beat.
I got one a short while back, and it's easier to get on and off and more comfy to wear than my old 3/2 'cos of the new super stretchy/lightweight materials.
Definitely money well spent. Haven't worn my 3/2 steamer since!
Hi Leman
I know a seamstress(could dream about that mistress/ seamstress!) and got her to cut the arms about 6 inches from the shoulder. She put a gusset and velcro tie on also. Been like that for 2 seasons and standing up well. I wear a full length rashie under it during the cold of winter. Really happy with the outcome.
I had real problems with 2 previous winter suits being not flexible enough in the arms. Took me a while to work out it was not me being a 80 kg weakling but the wettie restricting my muscular frame
Now I am unsheathed and proud of it
Now I am unsheathed and proud of it
regarding winter equipment - need your suggestions for shoes / socks... have a nice wetsuite, don't feel the wind or low temps - but my foot... just freezing!
