Rip Curl FlashBomb Heatseeker Wetsuit Review 2018

A new year means new wetsuits and this year is no exception. Rip Curl has released the FlashBomb Heatseeker 5/3 wetsuit which has new technology that generates heat when the person wearing the suit moves. 

This new technology is called Flex Energy, a new type of neoprene that supposedly generates heat when stretched. The theory is, the more you move the heat is generated. The idea is the heat you create while moving is stored within the suit and is amplified in order to keep you warm while you surf.

The Flash Bomb Heatseeker keeps the heat inside the suit and the cold wind and water out

The suit also has Liquid Mesh which is a series of stretchy mesh panels that absorb heat from the sun to keep you warm and to keep the cold air out. This is not a new piece of technology but is still valuable for anyone who surfs during the winter months or in cold waters.

A Thermo Shield is located on the arms to reduce wind chill and to keep the warmth, which would usually be lost through the wind, inside the suit. Wind chill can be a killer when it comes to surfing, particularly during the winter months as the wind is known to make the air temperature on the waves and on the coast drop by 2 or more degrees.

E5 Flash Lining is an amazing piece of engineering on Ripcurl's part as it funnels the water out of the suit when it is hung up. So, in theory, the suit dries faster and keeps the wearer warmer which is a must-have when it comes to winter surfing. The lining is super warm and soft which is a bonus as it means that the wearer can continue to surf without having to think about chaffing or itchiness. It is a small pet peeve among surfers, but it is one that can make a session last longer or draw it to a close.

The main focus point of this suit is the Flex Energy neoprene but there are other points to this suit which makes it one of the warmest and comfortable suits on the market. This suit is suitable for any winter surfer, whether it is in the UK or other parts of the globe. One thing I would recommend is to make sure you get the correct size as the heat generating properties may not be as effective on an ill-fitting suit.

Ripcurl has gone all out to market this wetsuit and had brought in surfing legend Mick Fanning to put it through its paces, but the real test is when the public uses it in real life situations and in different temperatures.

To see what other winter wetsuits we have to offer, check out our Winter Wetsuits section!

O'Neill Epic & Superfreak Winter Wetsuits Review 2017

Which O'Neill Wetsuit To Buy For Winter 2017

O'Neill Epic Winter Wetsuits - Budget Up Too £150

The O'Neill Epic range of wetsuits covers Men, Women and Children and is the most cost effective way to have a very high quality and warm suit. It was always considered to be an entry level wetsuit due to the price being so good. Nowadays it could not really be considered as entry level due to the high level of construction.
Firstly it uses 100% super stretch neoprene which basically means when you move the suit stretches with your movement. This gives two major benefits in that one you will be less tired whilst in the water and the better it fits to your body the warmer you will be in the water.
They are all back zip suits which makes it very easy to get in and out off which is a bonus when it is cold. The zip is a YKK zip which is designed to keep the water out of the zip area and prevent flush through. Their is a handy zelcro piece of material at the top of the neck so you can seal the neck minimising water intake. The knee pads are duraflex material which is very hard wearing and stop you wearing through the knees through usage. It also features a polypro thermal panel on the chest which is designed to retain your body heat in the suit thus keeping you warmer. It has smooth skin othe a front panel and rear which is basically a smooth panel designed to stop the cold wind getting into the suit.
The thickness of the O'Neill Wetsuits suit is 5mm of neoprene on the body and 4mm on the arms, this type of thickness is designed to keep you warm in water temperatures as low as 6C. So in UK waters this is the perfect suit. A lot of people also wear the 5mm version in the summer too, if they feel the cold. It is also considered to be a multi purpose suit which can be worn for a water sports or any activity that takes you into the water in the winter months.
The O'Neill Epic suits are by far the most popular selling wetsuit that O'Neill had to offer, due to the great quality construction and use in so many water sports.
So in summary this is a really good suit to be comfortable and warm not matter what the weather.
View the range here

Our star rating out of 5 stars ----- 4.5 Stars



O'Neill Superfreak Wetsuits Range - Budget Up To £180

As with the Epic suits the Superfreak range is available for Men, Women and Children. The major difference is the these are all chest zip suits. You may ask what is the benefit of having a chest zip over a back zip wetsuit? Well there is no doubt they are much more difficult to get in and out of as effectively you are climbing in through the neck entry area. Saying that once you have got used to popping one shoulder in first then the other it comes second nature.
The major benefit of the chest zip is for one with there not being a zip at the back you have complete movement in the suit without any restriction. this also helps to keep you warmer as the back fit is so much better. The other benefit is that as the zip is far smaller than a back zip there is less chance of water entering the suit and making you cold.
Superfreak wetsuits are fast becoming one of the most popular selling suits that O'Neill has to offer and is only out sold by the Epic range. Chest zip wetsuits are most popular with surfers and surface water sports. If you get serious about being in the water then most people with to chest zip entry. It just feels so much better when you are in the water.
As with the Epic the construction is 100% super stretch neoprene and 5mm of neoprene on the body 4mm on the arms. It also features polypro thermal lining inside the suit which retains your body heat and keeps you warmer. Perfect for those very cold days it also has smooth skin panel on the front of the suit design to stop cold winds blowing through the neoprene.
To see the full range please click here

O'Neill Reactor Wetsuits For Summer 2016 Review

O'Neill Reactor Summer Wetsuits Review 2016

When people ask what is the best selling wetsuit for summer the one suit that immediately springs to mind is the O'Neill Reactor wetsuits range. 

O'Neill Reactor Full 3/2 Suits.

Let's take a look at why this suit is so popular for men, women and children. Firstly the full suit which means it has long arms and legs is pretty much the best price suit that money can buy. Not only is it well priced but for the money you really do get a lot in terms of construction and quality. All the Reactor summer full suits are 3mm of neoprene on the body and 2mm on the arms, which is more than enough to keep you warm in the UK from May to October. They are a flat lock construction which means when they put the suit together the two pieces of material are double stitch together on all the seams to minimise water intake in the wetsuit. They are all back zip suits which makes them easy to get on and off even if you are not someone that is in the water often. They are also have smooth skin panels on the chest and kidneys which prevents cool winds making you cold whilst in a wet suit. The range is available in men's, women's and kids suits and the neoprene used has good stretch mean you can move freely. The other great thing is that they can be used for pretty much all water sports so you don't need a selection of suits to have a go at different water sports. The flexibility in the suit is at the entry level meaning if you spend more money then the suits become far more flexible and more comfortable. This is a great suit for those that want to be in the water for longer and want something that will last.

O'Neill Reactor Shorties 2mm Suits.

Again these are the best selling shorty wetsuits that we stock for men, women and children. A shortie wetsuit is constructed using 2mm neoprene throughout the suit. The reason they are called shorties is that they don't have full arms or legs. The material comes as far as a tee shirt would on the arms and as lon as a pair of shorts on the legs. They are designed for warmer waters such as the height of the UK summer in July and August to keep you warm and be able to stay in the water for longer than you would normally in a swimming costume. Great for use in surfing, sailing, jet ski and wake boarding to name a few.

Wetsuit Centre Overall Rating For O'Neill Reactors

Price - 5 Stars

Quality - 5 Stars

Flex - 3 Stars

Family Choice - 5 Stars

Review Of The Billabong Furnace Carbon Pro Winter Wetsuit

Wetsuit Centre Reviews The New Billabong Carbon Zip Free Wetsuit.

Jeff takes a look at one of the most exciting wetsuits to hit the market in years. Billabong have created the new zip free Furnace wetsuit featuring carbon lining for extra warmth and the new chest entry system that uses a carbon lock to secure the wetsuit whilst you have it on.

Using Boa technology and super wicking quick dry carbon lining Billabong wetsuit continue to innovate this wetsuit is simply awesome..... The Boa tech allows you to totally seal the zip free chest entry, combined with the super warm, fluffy, quick drying carbon lining, dry max entry and Xero airlite foam

• Furnace carbon quick dry furry lining 

• Xero Stitchless seam 

• DryMax ZIP FREE Entry System 

BOA ZIP FREE entry system.

Review Of O'Neill Epic Wetsuit 2016

O'Neill Epic Winter Wetsuits Review 2016

The O'Neill Epic range is simply the best selling wetsuit that we stock. The Winter range features 100% super stretch material which is simply one of the most flexible neoprenes. This means that when you have the wetsuit on it stretches around your body so you for one do not get tired in the water and the fit is the best it can be. So what makes the Epic such a good seller you may ask? Well for one it is very well priced at sub £140 for the Men's and Women's versions. It also has a firewall lining which means body heat is reflected and retained in the suit. It is glued and blind stitched on the seams which prevents any water entering the suit. The range is made for Men, Women and Children so their is a suit for every gender which you can use in any water sport.

Why is Wetsuit Fit Important?

Given that the wetsuit is 100% super stretch this means that you can now achieve an almost perfect fit as the neoprene is designed the move with your body rather than leave gaps and empty spaces. Not only does this mean you will be less tired in the water but you stay warmer as the material will mould to your body shape. When buying a wetsuit you should ensure that you get the correct fit so the most important measurements for Men and Children is the waist and chest measurements. Once your get that correct the fit will be good. The only exception to that rule is if you are taller than 6ft 3 or shorter than 5ft 8 for men. For ladies simply go by your dress size as this is the best way to find the perfect suit. If you are a woman with a large top to bottom size then generally go for the large size as the super stretch material will shape to your body. When trying on the suit the most important area is just above your bum where your kidneys are, make sure your don't have a gap of material in this area as water can get inside the suit making your kidneys cold leading to your body cooling down faster. 

If you have any questions regarding sizing please call us at Wetsuit Centre for advice on 01202 302948

Let's take a look at the video review by Jeff at Wetsuit Centre for a in depth look.

O'Neill Psycho 1 Wetsuit Review 2016

O'Neill Psycho 1 Wetsuits Review

The O'Neill Psycho range of wetsuits has change for 2016 with the introduction of the new Psychotech range. This is the first chest zip wetsuit that O'Neill have produced and basically replaces the Psycho 3 with the addition of air light neoprene and technobutter 2 neoprene.

Looking into whats new with the Psycho one it benefits from the new Technobutter 2 neoprene which is O'Neill's neoprene that is designed not only to be super warm but is unique in terms of weight and touch. When the winter 5mm wet suit is on it it feels like wearing a summer suit in terms of flex and weight. This means you can stay in the water for longer and not get tired nut do stay warm. The neoprene has ridges on the inside designed to funnel water out of the suit rather than absorb the cold water. Psycho 1 is all about performance so it has very few panels meaning no restriction in movement. Better fit, more movement and better warmth.

This is also the first year of being chest entry again another performance enhancement in terms of movement. Being a chest entry it is without doubt more difficult to get into than a back zip suit. Once you have sussed out getting the wetsuit on you will not be disappointed as again movement is better. Getting a chest zip on is relatively straight forward once you know how. Firstly you get in through the top of the suit and get a good fit for your entire lower half then pull the suit up and pop in one shoulder which is the one away from the zip. Once this first shoulder is in then pop the second shoulder in and pull the top part over, zip and your away.

O'Neill Psycho 1 Video Review 2016

Jeff from Wetsuit Centre talks you through all the features and benefits of the new Psycho 1 wetsuit on this you tube video.

Review Of O'Neill Psychotech Winter Wetsuits

O'Neill Psychotech Wetsuit Review

O'Neill Wetsuits have produce a new wetsuit for winter 2016 in the Psychotech chest zip for Men and Women. 

We have to say it's really surprised us on how good this wetsuit is in terms of the construction and feel. For starters it uses the Technobutter which is O'Neill's light weight and fast drying neoprene. When you turn the wetsuit inside out you see the groves are in channels that are designed to filter the water out of the suit keeping you as dry as possible. It's really flexible and when you put it on it feels like you are wearing a summer suit instead of a winter. It also features air neoprene which is like hundreds of air bubbles in the chest panel, this retains body heat keeping you warmer. It also benefits from a firewall layer on the chest and kidneys and what this actual means is that a polypro thermal lining is attached to the neoprene. This lining reflects and retains heat inside the wetsuit so that you can stay warmer for longer.

How Does The Pyschotech Perform?

We took the 5mm winter wetsuit out for a test run to see how it would feel and perform. So getting the wetsuit on is always a mission and the key is getting one arm in first as it makes it easy to pop the other side over you shoulder. Bearing in mind it's September and the water is still warm, when I entered the water it felt super warm as you would expect. The entire suit is so flexible it really does feel like you are wearing a summer suit and you have complete freedom of movement. After a 3 hour surf i felt as warm as i did when i entered the water and i can say it is defiantly

one of the best suits i have ever worn. Last year i wore the Rip Curl Flash Bomb and as a comparison the O'Neill definitely felt more flexible and just as warm. I then hung the wetsut to see how long it would take to dry out and within 20 minutes it was dry. The weather was cloudy and about 15C so i would say on a winters day it would have to take more time to dry out.

In summary i give the Psychotech a big thumbs up and the first O'Neill wetsuit that i have considered to be one of the best suits money can buy. I hope this review helps.

When Is A Good Time Kids To Start Surfing

When is My Child Ready to Start Surfing?

With so many great beaches in the UK, a great number of us choose to spend our holiday right here at home. It’s often much cheaper than heading abroad, meaning we can stay for longer, or indulge in more activities whilst we are there.

 

The UK offers a great number of surfing locations to be enjoyed; including Cornwall, Ireland and the West Coast of Wales. Beach holidays are definitely a family friendly event – but at what age can you introduce your kids to surfing?

 

Surfing is a great sport for anyone to be involved in; it keeps you fit, is sociable and is often something you take from childhood into an adult hobby too. But it does have its risks, meaning we can be unsure just when it is safe for our kids to try it for the first time.

 

There is no correct age to introduce your child to surfing – you can stand little ones up on the board in waist deep water, always keeping safety in mind. As soon as they are confident in the water and express interest in the sport, you can look into surfing schools that specialise in children that age and get them out on their own.

 

Age six seems to be a good age for children to discover boogie boarding, and catch smaller waves – however all children must be confident, understand the dangers of rip tides and remain supervised at all times in the ocean. By age eight most children who love boogie boarding and being in the ocean will already be asking for a board.

 

Once a child has been exposed to boogie boarding and the open water for a year or two, a soft top surf board is often the next step. It is inevitable that they will bumped a couple of times by the board, so leave the hard tops until they are skilled and comfortable. 

 

A six foot foam style surfboard will be perfect for any child between 8 and 12 who is new to the sport.

Surfers: Using Social Media to your Advantage

Surfers: Using Social Media to your Advantage

In a world where even what we have for breakfast is shared on Social Media, an increasing number of people are joining the amateur photography movement in order to share their day to day lives.
Whilst the majority of Instagram users only post selfies, snaps of their meals and various views from throughout their day, for example, the morning commute, there is a new breed of social media “stars” who dedicate all of their posts to extreme sports.

Most people are unaware, but being smart about your social media, could open a lot of doors for you. If you’re into photography, film and most importantly social media – you could easily start to see great advantages of having a big following on social media platforms.

For example, once you have a specific number of followers, you may find you are contacted by big brands in the business who want their followers to see you in their clothing – a little advertising for them, a lot of free goodies for you.

Investing in a Go Pro can help you take the best shots whilst in action, ready to be edited and shared on social media as soon as you arrive home. Whilst you might not make enough to be able to live off your profits, not having to buy things like board wax, board shorts and branded tees can give you a little cash in your pocket that can be put towards other things like a new board or wetsuit!

How to choose the right surfboard

What is the Difference between a Long Board and Short Board?

When choosing a new surfboard it is essential to choose the right one for you, so you can get the most use out of it as well as surfing to the best of the your ability. Often those new to surfing buy a board similar to the one they learned one – and whilst that isn’t a bad idea, sometimes opting for a longer or shorter board can improve your surfing skills.
When choosing whether to opt for a long or short board, it is important to take into consideration your height and weight – a long board for one surfer, might be a short board for another.

Long Board Pros:

    •    Often more stable than a short board.
    •    It is easier to lean on for direction.
    •    A lot easier to paddle and catch waves.

Long Board Cons;

    •    Less easy to radically turn (especially for those new to the sport).
    •    Rider will need to be confident with steeper waves.
    •    Rider will need to be able to generate speed.

Short Board Pros;

    •    Able to turn more radically.
    •    Better suited to steeper waves.
    •    A “pro” board – those who excel in the sport will perform well on a short board.

Short Board Cons:

    •    Much harder to paddle.
    •    Less stable especially for beginners.
    •    More volatile in terms of movement.

If you’re still unsure about what surfboard is best for you and your ability, ask your questions on our social media pages, or visit our website for contact details.

We Help You In Choosing The Correct Wetsuit.

How to Choose the Right Wetsuit

There are many factors to consider when choosing a new wetsuit; from where you wish to go to how long you wish to be in the water - there are many questions you need to ask yourself to ensure you make the most of your money.
For most people a wetsuit is an investment they hope to last a set period of time, choosing the wrong wetsuit can mean needing a new one sooner than expected – or worse, feeling disappointed from the start.
Firstly it is important to consider what time of year you will be taking part in water sports activities. If you don’t plan on being in the water in the winter, you can get away with a thinner suit – however if you plan on taking part all year round you might want to consider opting for two of varied thickness.
Secondly you need to consider the usage of your suit – will you be heading down to the beach every weekend with your friends, or will you only use it during your yearly holiday? The more time you spend in the water, the better wetsuit you will need – we offer a variety of wetsuits for a range of usages.
It is a good idea to look into the temperature of the water bodies you will frequent most, taking an average will ensure you choose the correct thickness for the water temperature. If the water is below 5c it is best to have a wetsuit of 6mm plus, whilst if it is under 10c you will need 5mm and in the summer months a suit of 2mm or 3mm will do the job.
Most wetsuits are designed to work for a period of three hours before they lose their warming ability, but choosing the wrong size suit can ensure it happens dramatically quicker. The wrong size wetsuit will cause cold water to constantly flush into the suit, displacing the warmed water – a perfectly fitting suit will not allow this to happen.
The perfect fitting wetsuit can make all the difference to your water sports activities – visit our site today to explore our extensive collection.

Rip Curl Wetsuit Saves My Leg

Michelle Forsbray, Tells Her Story Of How Wetsuit Saves Her Leg.

On Ssturday 6th Dec, I went for a surf at Bournemouth, it was a lush day with great surf.

Super Duper sunny.

However it all went wrong:

I remember making a decision before I went out on which winter suit to wear. I have a Rip Curl Flash Bomb, Rip Curl 5"3 from a few years ago & a O Neill Synergy.
All purchased at my local surf shop "Sorted" :0))

I nearly went for the Synergy as its not uber cold yet & want to get the full benefit of the G Bomb when it gets colder, as it is toasty, drys quick & I can stay in the water longer.

Haha.. I went for toasty G Bomb, im a light weight I know!

Well that decision probably saved my life!

I was on my way outback & a wave was just about to crash on me, I jumped with my board at my side but the sheer power of the wave took the board out of my hands. The next thing I felt was a big wrench to my leg and suit. I instantly knew it was bad!
I grabbed my leg and asked my friend to grab my board..

I could hardly walk & just wanted to put pressure on the affected area.

 

I asked my friend if my suit was ripped. I knew it was but couldn't look. She looked and said u need to get to the van & I will call ambulance it looks pretty bad.

I got to the van where her 7 yr old son was. He was wearing his life guard hoody. Bless him I said Leo u may need to be chief lifeguard now!

Before I sat down zoe said I need to see your leg. I took down my suit, saw a glimpse of the inside of my leg & couldn't look any more.
Zoe then looked, grabbed the phone and called 999.

I just held my leg as tight as I could. I had my Rip Curl Flash Bomb wetsuit on over it, which added pressure and cover it, & also put on my Wave Project Hoody to keep warm.
I could not look at the wound and knew I had to stay in control
& not go into shock.

Zoe was finding it hard to get a good reception when talking to A&E, I was getting worried and said please get Tom from Surf Steps.

 

Zoe's son Leo knows him & Zoe asked him to get Tom, a member of the public was walking by at the time & said I will go with him.

Leo went straight to the office where and said my mums friend is injured we need Tom. Tom was in the water taking a lesson, his colleague called him in & he ran straight to me with Leo.

By the time Tom got to me another member of the pubic, who was a A&E nurse from up North was with me,.(She was a life saver) Thank you :0)

Zoe was still on the phone.
She said I need to see your wound so I can talk to paramedics.

I let her take down my suit..
I could not look & just squeezed Toms hands..

She then spoke to them and said its pretty deep. She said to me, I may need to stay overnight as it is quite deep & may need washing out properly. (Worst case scenario)

Both Tom & the lady said we need to get the wetsuit off otherwise it will be cut off..

It's a thick suit & very tight, apparently it was not a easy job as my leg was stuck to it & flesh coming out of my leg. I saw some on the floor of the van. Gross!!!

They got it off plus my 7mm Flash Bomb Boots.. (Which I struggle to get off myself)

Toms circulation in his hands had pretty much been cut off by the time they had finished as I squeezed them so tight.

I kept calm, In fact we all did.

The nurse then got dome dressing until a&e turned up.
Firstly a quick responder then the ambulance.

I was then taken to hospital.

I had 10 stitches... & it then bled a lot once at hospital and no pressure on it.

The Doctor said I was really lucky as it was right nr my artery & very deep.

The next day I got an infection and after speaking up my sister who is a Doctor went back to A&E.
They re dressed the wound, gave me stronger antibiotics and crutches.

9 days later I had my stiches out! I didn't want them out. But it was time to.

I then cried for the first time!
Baby I know, I locked myself in the toilet at the Docs & cried!
Haha... I just wanted the stiches to stay in. It felt safer.

Part of the wound was still open & by the next day I was back to the nurse as more of it had opened.
I had the sticky stitches on for 2 weeks & had them taken off on Xmas Eve.

I have also got three blood clots in my veins above the wound, where I think the area was traumatised as that part was very bruised after the accident. I am going to request a ultra sound scan as I am a Airline Stewardess & a bit worried re flying.

Tom has fixed my Flash Bomb wetsuit.

The hole in my suit is in the lower part if the leg, right near a seam. Nowhere near the injury.

I think my suit saved my life! If that seam had not been there, I would have been in a much worse state for sure.

The fin must have wrenched itself up & then injured me.
The injury is on the upper inside of my knee to half way up my leg.

I have looked at my other winter suit & keep doing so, as honestly if I had worn that I perhaps would not be here now.

Thank you Rip Curl for making such a great suit.

Wetsuit Review Of The O'Neill Epic Wetsuit 2015

Wetsuit Centre Reviews The New O'Neill Epic Wetsuit.

O'Neill from the humble beginnings of Jack O'Neill making his very first wetsuit have never stopped in the quest to produce the best and warmest suit to keep you in the water for longer.

The best selling suit is still the O'Neill Epic and for very good reason. It simply keeps getting better and better in terms of materials used and warmth features added each year. Now for summer 2015 O'Neill have yet again stepped up the game on having the best suit on the market at the best price point. As this year the suit is using 100% super stretch material throughout the entire suit. This means that you have unrestricted movement in every panel of the suit and the more flex you have the better it fits and the less tired you become in the water. As O'Neill are all about staying in the water for as long as possible this is certainly a suit worth considering.

Wetsuit Centre takes a look at what is new for the Epic 3mm wetsuit in 2015 and what this means to all of us that use the products. We try to give this review an unbiased view on what is good and bad with the suit and get some time to explain the jargon and technical features. We test all the products as year on year they do change so it is useful to find out what is new.

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.

Artificial Surf Reef to Become a Diving Attraction

The controversial artificial surf reef built in Boscombe, United Kingdom, will turn into a diving and snorkel attraction.

ASR Limited, the company which built the Boscombe surf reef, has been in liquidation since September, 2013, and the repairs needed to improve the structure won’t be completed.
“The Council has made it clear that no additional taxpayers money will be spent enhancing the reef’s performance for surfing, and that position remains unchanged”, explains Mark Smith, head of tourism at Bournemouth Council.
“Plans include a commercial dive centre, a try-dive facility, and a dive and snorkel trail around the existing reef, with additional submerged artifacts for more experienced divers”.
Surfing and bodyboarding, however, will not be a priority despite the investment of three million pounds. The Boscombe surf reef was officially declared open on the 2nd November, 2009, and has been closed since May 2011, due to problems with the geotextile bags.
The authorities say that the damaged reef have also “become a draw for kayakers, stand up paddle-boarders and snorkelers, keen to catch a glimpse of the teams of marine life that have now colonized the reef”.
In 2011, only four out of its 11 performance targets were successfully confirmed. Nick Behunin, ASR managing director, has disappeared.