How Does A Wetsuit Work & What Is Difference Between Winter & Summer.

Wetsuits For All Seasons

How Does A Wetsuit Work?

A wetsuit is a very clever invention designed to keep you warm even in the coldest of waters. The very first wetsuit was invent was by Jack O’Neill a surfer from California that wanted to surf in the winter months when the water got colder. His passion for the water led to the very first two-piece wetsuits, which he stitched together from pieces of neoprene.  From that day the evolution of the wetsuit began and today the technology that goes into these wetsuits is unbelievable with every brand trying to make the warmest and lightest wetsuits possible.

Wetsuits works by trapping the water between the neoprene and your body and warming that water to your body temperature. That trapped water then remains at that constant temperature for up to 4 hours depending on the water temp. Some features have enhanced the warmth by having very high quality neoprene that is so flexible that it moulds to you body shape and the better it fits the warmer you will be as there is no room for water to enter and sit making you cold. Even to the point where some wetsuits have air neoprene, which is small bubbles of air in the wetsuit and as air is a better conductor of heat it keeps you warmer for longer. Another addition is the smooth skin chest panel ,which basically stops cold winds from blowing through the wetsuit. This is great for sports such as kitesurfing and windsurfing. So recent additions have also included thermal lining on the chest and kidney areas. This acts in a very similar way to thermal underwear but inside the wetsuit. It again traps warm body heat and reflects that back onto the crucial areas such as the chest and kidneys. Some designs have taken the wetsuit to a whole new level including the invention from Rip Curl in the Flash Dry lining. This is a combed back thermal layering that is featured throughout the Flash Bomb wetsuit and keeps your entire body as warm as possible. It also boasts that it dry’s in 15 minutes but that really depends on the outside air temp that you are drying the wetsuit in.

Back Zip or Chest Zip Wetsuits

A revolution has taken place over the last few years where by chest zip entry system wetsuits are becoming more popular than the traditional back zip versions. This is due to the wetsuit then becoming far more flexible without the restriction on the back zip. The only problem with a chest zip is they are far more difficult to get on and off but after you have done this a few times you learn the way best to get in and out.

Winter or Summer Wetsuit?

Summer

When it comes to getting a wetsuit for use in your water sport the first thing you need to consider is what time of year you will be using the suit?

As if you are thinking of using it in the summer months in either the UK or Europe then a 3/2 full is going to be the most cost effective way to purchase. As you will get far more use from a 3mm full in the months from April till December. The wetsuit is 3mm of neoprene in the body and 2mm on the arms, which is enough to keep you warm from about 15c up to 23c. Over that temperature you should buy a shortie 2mm wetsuit, this has short arms and legs so you have complete freedom of movement but stay warm if there is a slight chill. Even if the water gets warmer than that such as 24c plus then a neoprene vest and a pair of shorts is really all you need even on the cooler of days.

Winter

Winter is where your wetsuit really does need to be good, and it is worth spending the extra money to stay as warm as possible. Most winter wetsuits are 5mm or in the harshest of conditions 6mm on the body and 3mm on the arms. Things like thermal lining become a real benefit when the water is a cold 5c and below.  It’s not only a wetsuit you need when in these cold waters as you will also need wetsuit boots, gloves and hood. A good idea is to have 5mm boots, 3mm gloves and a 3mm hood. Having all these additions will make sure that your feet and hands stay warm as there is nothing worse than freezing cold hands and feet. The hood is vital as well as most of your body heat is lost through your head region so keeping this warm will keep you in the water for longer. A lot of people don’t like wearing hoods as it can make you feel restricted but if you can bear it then it will make the world of difference. Some really good brands to check out for winter is O’Neill for entry level at £130 to Psycho and Pyrotech at the £250 to £300 mark. Rip Curl offer the Omega at £99 to the Flash bomb at £300 mark. Where the technology has come on so much you really can stay warm in cold water and have so much fun. No need for you to hide in the winter anymore so get out there and have some fun.

Hope this article has been helpful to you and for any further advice please feel free to contact us.

Kelly Slater Pulls Of A 720 Air While Free Surfing In Portugal.

The Surfing Legend That Is Kelly Slater Pulls Of An Amazing 720 Air

When it comes to surfing the man that everyone wants to see is Kelly Slater and whilst on a lay day in the Rip Curl Portugal Pro Kelly yet again pulls of something quite amazing. The man is just a phenomenon in the surfing world and keeps on setting the bar even though he's in his 40's. For more news in the surfing world check out Wetsuit Centre

O'Neill Wetsuits Winter Range 2015

O’Neill Winter 2015 Wetsuit Range Now In Store

The 2015 O’Neill wetsuits range really is one of the best we have seen at the Wetsuit Centre. We will run through what we think are the key features of the Winter O'Neill range.

O'Neill Epic Wetsuits

The Epic is now a 5/4mm wetsuit, which means it now has 5mm of neoprene on the body and 4mm on the arms. This new thicker material simply means the wetsuit is warmer than ever and if you think that this may restrict the movement then fear not. The wetsuit is now 100% super stretch giving you the freedom of movement in the best quality neoprene. Epic is well priced at only £129 making it one of the cheapest winter wetsuits on the market. The O'Neill Epic range is made in men’s, women’s and kid’s sizes. The wetsuit also has polypro lining which acts in the same way as thermal underwear but in your wetsuit. This Firewall lining is on the chest and lumber region for maximum warmth. All in all this wetsuit is a great for all water sports including surfing, kitesurfing and sailing. Even some hardy swimmers use the Epic for the cold winter months.

O'Neill Superfreak Wetsuits

The Superfreak is another winner from O’Neill and is a great winter wetsuit that features a chest zip entry for freedom of movement and warmth. Drain holes on the wetsuit ensure the amount of water that enters the wetsuit is minimal. Chest zips are more difficult to put on but once you have done it a few times it really is not a issue. Superfreak series of wetsuits is also constructed with 5mm of neoprene on the body and 4mm on the arms and being fully super stretch it gives fantastic stretch. The smooth skin chest panel prevents any wind penetration keeping your core as warm as possible. It’s such a great price of £150 that you will find it hard to find a wetsuit with all these features. The Superfreak is also made in men’s, women’s and children’s sizes.  Great for all water sports especially surfing, kitesurfing and windsurfing.

O'Neill Hyperfreak Wetsuits

New for 2015 the Hyperfreak winter wetsuit is a great addition to the O’Neill range. It’s major benefit over the Superfreak is that it is constructed from the TechnoButter neoprene which is super light and very flexible.  The Neoprene is designed to absorb the least amount of water possible making it light and warm.  To the touch it feels really soft and very flexible with small lines in the neoprene, which draws any water down these lines away from the body. When you have the wetsuit on it really feels like a summer wetsuit due to the flex in the material.  A chest entry system means you will have complete movement in the back, keeping you free from restriction.  Priced at £190 this surely has to be one of the best sub £200 wetsuits on the market.  I have a 3/2mm summer wetsuit and have got to say I was super impressed by how good it felt on and how warm it was. Think this is more a surfing wetsuit due to the fact it does not have the smooth skin on the front of the wetsuit.

O'Neill Mutant Wetsuits

This Mutant wetsuit has always been a favourite wetsuit of mine due to the fact it’s just a really good warm wetsuit. It comes with an attachment that changes the wetsuit to a hooded version so when it’s warmer you can wear it without the attached hood or on the colder days the attached hood makes this into a super warm wetsuit. The design is a chest zip and to be fair it’s pretty easy to get it on and off. The thickness is 5mm on the body a 4mm on the arms with a great thermal layering on the chest.  The wetsuit is also liquid sealed so it keeps that nasty cold water out of the wetsuit. If you want a wetsuit that is going to keep you toasty warm in all conditions and want to spend less than £230 then this should certainly be considered.

O'Neill Psycho Wetsuits

Pretty much the best known of the O’Neill range and for good reason the Psycho 1 is all about performance in terms of very few panels on the wetsuit meaning your movement is unrestricted. It also uses the new Technobutter 2 neoprene, which is designed around being the most flexible and lightest material on the market. This wetsuit is great for bodyboarding and surfing for those that require the very best in flexibility.  The Psycho 3 is a stitch less wetsuit and is O’Neill’s flagship wetsuit it is bursting with warmth features such as thermal ling and liquid sealing keeping you as warm as possible. This wetsuit is also made from the best neoprene in the Technobutter 2 which is the very latest and warmest. Psycho 3 is great for just about every water sport from jet skiing to surfing and kitesurfing. The zip and entry system is the outstanding Zen zip ,which is built as part of the wetsuit rather than added on. It’s just about the best quality you can get out of a wetsuit.

O'Neill Pyrotech Wetsuits

New to the O’Neill range but what a fantastic addition the O'Neill Pyrotech winter wetsuit, given that this chest zip is available in either 5/4mm or a hooded 6/4mm wetsuit. It is pretty much a Psycho wetsuit with a few added benefits including the air insulated neoprene for additional warmth and a fantastic smooth skin chest panel. If you are looking for the warmest possible wetsuit then this is an absolute must for winter 2015.

To the touch this wetsuit just feels amazing and it feels like it’s going to keep you super warm.

If you want more information or a look at the entire O'Neill range then have a look at Wetsuit Centre

Wetsuit Video Review of Rip Curl Dawn Patrol Winter Wetsuit

Rip Curl Dawn Patrol Ladies Winter Wetsuit Review

When it comes to replacing that old wetsuit for a new one it can be a bit confusing on which wetsuit you should buy. Wetsuit Centre is always trying to make this buying process easier for you and by making our video reviews in which we explain all the features in simple to understand demonstrations.

Here is our latest wetsuit review of the Rip Curl Dawn Patrol winter wetsuit for women. We take a good look at the addition of Flash Dry lining and how the wetsuit now has Rip Curls E3 material included for addition stretch and flex.

To Buy A Winter or Summer Wetsuit

Choosing a winter or summer wetsuit to buy?

When it comes to making the choice between buying a winter or summer wetsuit the first thing you should consider is how cold is the water temperature you intend to use the wetsuit in and how long into that season you are likely to be using it?

Summer wetsuits come in two types, which are either shortie or full. If you are intending to use a shortie then the water really needs to be above the 19c temperature. These wetsuits are great for surfing, wakeboarding, sailing, kite surfing and jet skiing. They are generally a 2mm thickness in the neoprene and constructed with short arms and legs. Meaning you get maximum flexibility and just body warmth. Best brands to consider are O’Neill, Billabong and Rip Curl which are usually around the £50 mark. You can get cheap wetsuits like the TWF ones and Tescos but these are very inflexible and the neoprene is an abrasive material that is less durable then the better quality brands.  The cheaper brands are better for casual beach goer’s use that is pretty much discarded at the end of the summer.

Full suits are the preferred choice for the UK and Europe as you get far more use out of these wetsuits due to the short summers and less warm waters. A full wetsuit for the summer is a 3mm on the body and 2mm on the arms. Great for pretty much all water sports and in terms of spend it means the more you spend the more flexible and more features the wetsuits has. You can get some really high performance summer suits and these are in the price bracket of £200 plus.  The temperature that a full suit can be used is in the region of 13c plus as anything less is more of a 5mm winter wetsuit. All the 3/2 are multi purpose wetsuits which can be used for pretty much all water sports. Good brands to consider are O’Neill, Rip Curl, Billabong, C Skins and Xcel. The same applies for the cheap wetsuits in brands such as TWF and the same applies for the abrasive and non-stretch neoprene.

If you are looking for a wetsuit to last you the entire year in the UK then a 5/3 is the only option to keep you warm in the winter months. These wetsuits range from £100 to £400 with the warmest being the most expensive. However in Europe a 4/3 should be perfect as the sea doesn’t get as cold through the winter months. A winter wetsuit is used in water temperatures of below 13c for sports such as surfing, kite surfing, sailing and winsurfing. The wetsuits are 5mm of neoprene on the body and 3mm of neoprene on the arms. All winter wetsuits are glued and blind stitched on the seams for maximum protection against water penetration. Good brands to consider are O’Neill, Rip Curl, C Skins, Billabong & Xcel. The best selling entry wetsuit is the O’Neill Epic, which is priced at £129. If the temperatures are below 5c then you should consider a hooded wetsuit for maximum warmth. To be honest it’s always worth spending a bit more in the winter as you will be a lot warm and that is always worth the extra spending.

What Winter Wetsuit Should I Buy On a Budget?

What Budget Winter Wetsuit Should I Buy

So you are looking for the most cost effective wetsuit to buy and want the warmest and most durable options.

We do get asked a lot about which wetsuit to buy if your only going to using it a few times or are on a budget. The good news is nowadays there are some really good options that you can buy. Wetsuit development has come on so much that you need not be cold in the water even if you are looking at entry-level wetsuits. For starters all entry-level wetsuits now have super stretch material and generally have thermal linings to keep you warm.

So let’s have a look at some of the best buys on the market today. If we are looking at price then the first wetsuit for men & women that springs to mind would be:

1.     Rip Curl Omega winter wetsuit 5/3mm which, is priced at a very reasonable £104.95. This wetsuit has a smooth skin front panel to reduce wind penetration on the cold windy days.  It also features super stretch material in the arms to give you freedom of movement whilst in the water. Being 5mm of neoprene in the body and 3mm in the arms this is thick enough to keep you warm in the months December through to April. The Omega range is in men’s and women’s versions s is available in a full size range.

2.     Billabong Intruder range of wetsuits are the cheapest in the winter range with a price of £99. The wetsuit does feature some stretch material in the arms but I wouldn’t say it was more flexible than the Omega from Rip Curl. It is 5mm on the body and 3mm on the arms but does not benefit from and thermal lining. If your after the cheapest winter wetsuit then this is the wetsuit for you. You can buy this wetsuit in men’s, women’s and children’s sizes.

3.     Slightly more expensive at £129.94 the O’Neill Epic 5/4 has been the best seller for many years and for good reason. It has slightly more features than the Omega in terms of it is now a 100% super stretch material so the wetsuit will give you a better fit to the body and movement will be far easier meaning you will get less tired and be able to stay out for longer. The O’Neill also benefits from firewall lining on the chest, which acts in the same way that thermal underwear works. It retains body heat and wicks water away from the neoprene. The other bonus is the material is 5mm of neoprene on the body and 4mm on the arms so an extra bit of warmth with some slightly thicker neoprene.

If you are intending to use your winter wetsuit in the coldest of months make sure you also buy wetsuit gloves and boots. The best buys in this would be the O’Neill Epic 5mm boots which are priced at £19.99 and the O’Neill SLX gloves which I would suggest you buy in the 3mm version as that will be warm enough and these cost £19.99.

Hope this article has helped you understand the differences between some of the wetsuits and what we consider to be the best value.