A well made, correctly fitted wetsuit goes quite a distance in making the most of your enjoyment of water sports. Regardless of whether you’re involved in scuba, jet skiing, surfing or triathlons, you can find points you must consider prior to investing in high-tech water gear. Start with these 7 questions:

  1. What could be the chief function for my suit? Is it warmth, proper protection from abrasions, buoyancy, or shelter from the sun? Buy gear specifically suited to your sport.
  2. What value selection can I afford? Do your homework, and don’t forget to factor in shipping costs plus the value of an excellent warranty. Luxury wetsuits come with extra functions. Look for a design you’ll be able to live with at a price you can afford. A Billabong wetsuit such as the Solution Gold 5/4/3 mm Steamer, for instance, is a full bodysuit treated with Dry Max Coating and produced with the company’s second generation Superflex neoprene – reportedly “the most advanced stretch material on the market these days.” The wetsuit also attributes Gold Hollow Fiber Brushed Tricot Thermal Material in the back and chest panel. It runs in the $245 array. You can locate an O Neill wetsuit with similar features.
  3. Is the wetsuit created of multi-directional fabric which will give in the right places, allowing ease of movement? Surfers need a wetsuit with super-stretch neoprene (30-100%) to allow for mobility while throwing tricks. A jet ski junkie in New England, however, might be looking for a suit that conserves body heat – something with thicker neoprene specs.
  4. Where are stitches placed on the wetsuit? Chafing is often a real issue, particularly when raw skin and salt water kiss. Body gear ideal for windsurfing probably are not comfortable for surfers who may have to paddle their boards out to meet waves. Observe seam placement. Also look for terms like “flat-lock stitching,” which is appropriate for warm water above 62 degrees F. “Glued and blind-stitched seams” are narrower and seal out cold water 55 degrees F or over. “Sealed and taped seams” add increased durability and stop seepage in water below 55 degrees F.
  5. Do I require a warm or a cool-water suit? May be the material light enough for scorching days at El Martillo or manufactured for semi-dry protection needed for kayaking Alaska’s waterways in the fall? Check the thickness of the material which can ranges from 2 millimeters of neoprene for warm-weather suits as much as 4-6 millimeters of material for cold-water circumstances.
  6. Do I need booties, gloves as well as a hood? They’ll boost cost.
  7. Is the suit loose, snug or tight? Snug is where you want to be. If it’s too tight, your motions will be restricted and you will probably chafe. If it’s too loose, heat conservation will be minimized, as well as the bodysuit may slide around hindering variety of motion. Pay close attention to sizing charts. If possible, go to a store and try the wetsuit on. Many reputable businesses let you try the wetsuit in the water and allow for size exchanges.