How do you choose the ideal wetsuit for your body type?

A wetsuit is an essential piece of equipment for surfers, keeping you warm and protected in the water. To make the most of the waves, it's essential to choose a wetsuit that suits your body shape. In this article, we'll give you some advice on how to choose the best wetsuit for you, based on your height, weight, anatomy and level of practice.

Pay attention to sizes and measurements

To find the wetsuit that's best suited to your body shape, you first need to check out the different sizes available on the market. Manufacturers generally provide tables showing the correlation between a surfer's height, stature, weight and overall measurements, in order to help you choose the right size wetsuit. Check out these tables to get an initial idea of which size to choose.

Measure your body correctly

It's important to measure your body properly to determine the right size for your wetsuit. Here are the main measurements to take :

  • Height : measure yourself standing, without shoes, from the top of your head to the floor.
  • Weight : weigh yourself in underwear or light clothing.
  • Chest size : measure the circumference of your chest at the widest point, generally around the nipples.
  • Waist size : measure the circumference of your waist, just above your navel.
  • Hip size : measure the circumference of your hips at the widest point, generally where the hipbones are situated.

Once you have taken these measurements, you can use them to determine the best size of wetsuit for you.

Choose according to comfort and freedom of movement

Comfort is a key factor when choosing a wetsuit, as it will have a major impact on your experience in the water. So it's vital to choose a wetsuit that offers good freedom of movement, especially around the shoulders, arms and legs.

The best materials

Neoprene is the most commonly used material for wetsuits. It provides excellent thermal insulation, yet is flexible enough to ensure good mobility. Opt for high-quality neoprene wetsuits, which offer greater flexibility and durability.

The different types of cut

There are several types of cut for wetsuits :

  • Full-body wetsuit : the full-body wetsuit covers the whole body, from your feet to your hands. It's ideal for cold waters and offers maximum protection against the cold and chafing.
  • Shorty : the shorty suit covers the chest and thighs, but leaves the arms and legs free. It's suitable for warmer waters and offers good freedom of movement.
  • Spring suit : similar to the shorty, the spring suit is a short-sleeved, long-legged wetsuit. It's perfect for warm-water surfing sessions and gives you great ease of movement.

Your choice of cut will depend on your personal preferences, as well as the temperature and environment in which you will be performing.

Take into account the wetsuit's thickness

The thickness of your wetsuit is an essential factor to consider when making your choice. The thicker the wetsuit, the more insulating and warmer it will be. However, a wetsuit that is too thick may also be less comfortable and can restrict your movements. Here are some tips for choosing the ideal thickness according to water temperature :

  • Temperatures above 20°C : opt for a 1- 2 mm thick suit.
  • Temperatures between 16 and 20°C : choose a 2-3 mm thick suit.
  • Temperatures between 12 and 16°C : go for a 3-4 mm thick suit.
  • Temperatures below 12°C : select a suit with a thickness of 5 mm or more.

In conclusion, to choose the ideal wetsuit for your body shape, it's essential to take into account sizes, measurements, comfort, freedom of movement and thickness. By following this advice, you'll find the wetsuit that will let you enjoy the waves to the full, while being well protected and comfortable in the water.

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