How to choose a wetsuit Part 1
The first factor to consider when choosing a surfing wetsuit is the water temperature. Water temperature varies depending on the location and time of year. Keep these guidelines in mind: Warm water = > 20°C. Temperate water = 17°C–22°C. Cold water = 12°C–17°C. Very cold water = 7°C–12°C. Visit seatemperature.org to check sea temperatures in your location.
How to choose a wetsuit Part 2
The second factor to consider is how long you’ll be out on the water. Our 100 models are suitable for sessions of up to 1 hour. For 1–2 hours, opt for a 500 model wetsuit; for 2–3 hours, go for 900 models.
Wetsuits with a higher model number are warmer, more watertight, and better at reducing irritation and fatigue (thanks to greater freedom of movement). The same is true for the 900 models compared with the 500 models.
Note: The 900 models are easier to put on.
Choosing a size
To get the most out of your wetsuit, it’s important to choose the right size. A surfing wetsuit should have a very tight fit with no visible folds. When dry, it might feel too tight, but this discomfort disappears as soon as the wetsuit gets wet. If wetsuit is too big, folds will appear, causing irritation and reduced thermal comfort due to water penetration
.Try it on before you buy it!
Materials
This shorty is made of neoprene for added warmth. The synthetic lining improves its resistance to wear. Neoprene thickness: 1.5 mm.
Neoprene is a closed-cell polychloroprene elastomeric foam with nitrogen gas bubbles that have insulating properties.
Collar
The collar is designed to reduce irritation. If you have sensitive skin, you can wear a UV-resistant top under the wetsuit to reduce rubbing and chafing. To prevent chafing during longer outings, you can apply petroleum jelly (e.g., Vaseline) around the neck and underarms.Make sure the back flap lies flat against your skin to prevent irritation from the zipper.
Fasteners
Our zips and fastenings are lab-tested for guaranteed durability and resistance to salt water. The zip is located at the back of the wetsuit for greater comfort when lying down to paddle.
Zipper pull
In accordance with safety regulations, our wetsuits for kids aged 10 and under have a short zipper cord to prevent strangulation. The cord is longer for kids aged 10+ so they can pull up the zipper themselves. A rip-tab strap keeps it from opening in the water.
Key pocket.
Key pocket under the zip flap in size10 years and up.
Anti-chafing design
Seamless panels under the arms reduce irritation caused by paddling movements.
Thermal accessories Each temperature range has its own outfit.
When you’re in the water, more than half your body heat is lost through your extremities (feet, hands, head). To stay warm, consider these accessories:
- Warm to temperate water (> 17°C): Low-cut neoprene booties.
- Cold water (12°C–17°C): High-cut booties and gloves.
- Very cold water (7°C–12°C): High-cut booties, gloves, hood, and hooded top.
Find our entire range of neoprene accessories on the decathlon.ca.
Versatile wetsuits
Our wetsuits are designed to meet the needs of the most demanding surfers.
They’re also compatible with many other water sports, including kitesurfing, windsurfing, wakeboarding, water skiing, and stand-up paddle boarding.
What is Olaian?
Tribord is becoming Olaian, the new Decathlon brand dedicated to surfing, bodyboarding, and skimboarding. All our surfing products are gradually being rebranded. The logo on your product may therefore differ from the logo seen in the product image.
