Which wetsuit to choose for surfing?

Quelle combinaison choisir pour le surf ?

Surfing is an adventure. Surfers are continually searching for the perfect wave. Every detail counts to optimize their performance.

The wetsuit is the primary piece of equipment for a surfer. Its main purpose is to keep them warm in the most extreme conditions.

Therefore, you should choose your wetsuit based on the following 4 criteria:

  • The location, to analyze water temperature and thus choose the right neoprene thickness.
  • The intensity of your practice, to optimize the quality, durability, and price of a surf wetsuit.
  • Your skill level, to maximize your performance in the water.
  • An eco-responsible approach to surf wetsuits.
  1. Which wetsuit for which water temperature?

The ultimate question to stay warm as long as possible. And yes... once you're a surfer, you're passionate, so you want to catch as many waves as possible and stay in the water for a long time. You need a comfortable wetsuit that can keep you warm for hours. Of course, the neoprene must also be flexible to optimize your performance during maneuvers.

The neoprene will therefore keep you more or less warm depending on its thickness on your body.

At ONE SURFING CO, we have created a range of 3 surf wetsuits with different neoprene thicknesses to adapt to every water temperature.

When we say 4/3mm, 3/2mm, and 2/2mm, it refers to the distribution of neoprene thickness on your body to maximize warmth and freedom of movement. For example, you have 4mm on your torso and thighs, and 3mm on your arms, shoulders, and lower legs. This allows you to have warmth at the core while optimizing flexibility for every maneuver. It's also a matter of weight; it's better to have thinner neoprene on the shoulders to facilitate paddling.

surfeur en combinaison 4/3mm d'épaisseur neoprene

The 4/3mm or the winter warrior wetsuit. Indeed, it is designed to keep you warm in waters between 10°C and 14°C. Of course, external conditions can intensify the feeling of cold.

Surfeur qui porte une combinaison neoprene de 3/2mm d'épaisseur

The 3/2mm designed for mid-season. This surf wetsuit will accompany you in waters between 14°C and 18°C. It is light and comfortable to wear to maximize your performance in the water. Some 3/2mm wetsuits, especially those with Yamamoto #40 neoprene, can accompany you in water as cold as 12°C.

Surfeur qui prote une combinaison neoprene 2/2mm d'épaisseur

The 2/2mm or the "Summer Body" is the ideal neoprene wetsuit for surfing during summer in waters between 18°C and warmer.

You might ask, why wear a wetsuit in summer? Often the wind picks up and can intensify the feeling of cold even if the water is mild. Furthermore, having a thin layer of Neoprene on can protect you from a potential injury. And finally, it protects against UV rays, which are quite strong during this period. If you want to know more about this summer surf wetsuit, click here.

The Neoprene wetsuit is for keeping warm. We get it.

Let's talk a bit about performance.

The quality of the Neoprene is very important to optimize your performance in the water. We have chosen to work with Japanese Neoprene. It is the perfect balance between warmth and flexibility. It provides incomparable comfort to optimize your surfing performance. Furthermore, it is manufactured in an eco-responsible way using limestone rock and used tires.

  1. How often do you surf per week, month, and year to choose your wetsuit?

In a perfect world, a neoprene wetsuit should last a long time, even a lifetime, to align with the ultimate eco-responsible approach. This is our dream, unfortunately not yet achievable.

At ONE, we know that a surf wetsuit's lifespan will vary depending on your practice.

Therefore, it is necessary to choose a high-performance and durable neoprene to maximize its lifespan.

As mentioned earlier, Japanese neoprene is the ideal solution to combine performance, the most flexible on the market, and durability.

Surfing is a demanding sport that requires a lot once in the water. Therefore, you need to be as comfortable as possible in your wetsuit. Prioritize a flexible, warm neoprene that doesn't irritate the skin.

surfeur sur une vague en combinaison neoprene

If you only surf in the summer, you can choose a light and flexible neoprene to maximize your performance.

If you practice a little in every season when you have the opportunity, it is important to choose a warm wetsuit that also offers flexibility characteristics to improve your performance in each session.

Finally, if you surf intensively all year round, it is important to choose a high-end neoprene that combines comfort, lightness, and warmth. Japanese neoprene is the perfect solution.

Finally, let's talk a bit about ecology; surfing is great, but it's even better when we preserve our playground.

  1. Choose a surf wetsuit based on your skill level.

Equipping yourself for surfing represents a significant budget.

Most surf brands offer different ranges at varying price points. We'll see below that this isn't necessarily the most eco-responsible approach.

Low-end = very attractive price but not necessarily comfortable.

High-end = expensive but all the advantages to surf like a pro…

If you are a beginner or if you don't have the chance to practice often, we advise you to choose a low-priced surf wetsuit; it will be warm but not very flexible. Nevertheless, these are often durable neoprenes to optimize your budget over the years.

However, if you are hooked like all surfers after catching your first wave, then you need a higher quality surf wetsuit that offers comfort and flexibility that will allow you to improve with every wave.

Finally, the ideal for occasional surf sessions or if you are just starting out, is to buy a reconditioned, second-hand wetsuit. This allows you to access quality neoprene at an unbeatable price. Plus, you're doing a good deed for the planet.

Take the example of your first car, your phone; they weren't new... and yet they worked very well for your use.

  1. Choose your surf wetsuit with an eco-responsible approach.

In design, it is important today to choose durable and eco-responsibly designed neoprene. Most brands offer this with manufacturing from limestone rocks, oyster shells, recycled tires and plastic bottles, and the use of water-based glue. Thus, we avoid using petrochemical elements.

It's normal in the world we live in to offer these products. Of course, performance must also be there.

The pricing policy, we have the impression that an ecological product is synonymous with a high price... but having an eco-responsible approach means practicing prices that adapt to everyone's practice.

Stop overproducing to meet all needs in terms of quality and price.

Offer recycling and repairs when possible instead of discarding...

AT ONE SURFING CO, we offer high-end surf wetsuits at low prices that adapt to everyone's practice.

We use Japanese neoprene which incorporates all the qualities mentioned above.

We design only one range of surf wetsuits with quality materials. New wetsuits are for surfers who practice intensively all year round, and reconditioned ones are for those who don't have a large budget, practice less often, or are beginners. This way, we optimize the lifespan of the neoprene wetsuit to suit everyone.

Finally, we recycle all neoprene wetsuits regardless of the brand or condition, thanks to various French partners close to our customers.

We also repair worn wetsuits to benefit surf schools or charities, allowing as many people as possible to enjoy the joys of surfing.

In summary, choose your surf wetsuit based on these criteria:

  • Water temperature and therefore the neoprene thickness to choose.
  • Your intensive or non-intensive practice and your skill level, to buy new or reconditioned.
  • The eco-responsible approach associated with the brand and its neoprene wetsuit.

ONE WAVE. ONE STORY. WRITE YOURS NOW.

Happy surfing and see you soon!