Surfing

How do I choose a wetsuit for kitesurfing?

Kitesurfing wetsuits are an exceptional accessory that allows kitesurfers to stay in the water all year round. The selection of the appropriate thickness of the wetsuit according to the area where you are going to use it is the first point to see to correctly choose your wetsuit. We will help you with this point and with others in this guide, where we will see different models, sizes, types, brands, etc. Let us begin!

How a Kitesurfing wetsuit works?

A wetsuit is constructed from a type of rubber that insulates and maintains heat. Wetsuits work by capturing a thin layer of water between the body and the neoprene. This layer of water is basically heated by the body, which prevents excessive heat from being given off while in the water.

Water particles conduct (hot) energy 25-40 times faster than air molecules. For example, on a day of 18 degrees, you may feel comfortable outdoors with jeans and a t-shirt. On the other hand, if you are in contact with water at this temperature within a few minutes, you will begin to shiver.

Suits are not designed to keep you completely dry. Neoprene is constructed of small air cells that provide insulation against cold water by trapping heat. The thicker the neoprene in the suit, the warmer it will be as it has even more heat-trapping insulation. It would be nice if you can do some research on the water temperature level (taking into account the different seasons) in the area where the suit is normally used. If the temperature is too cold to stiffen your hands and feet, you should consider wearing booties, gloves, and hoods.

How to choose a Kitesurfing wetsuits?

Let’s see what these numbers are and what they are used for. The density of the wetsuit is determined in millimeters and is represented with two or sometimes up to three numbers. The first number represents the density of the neoprene in the upper part of the body, the second number represents the density of the neoprene in the extremities (or only the legs if there is a third number), and the third number (if any) represents the density of the neoprene on the arms.

The thickest part of the neoprene (the first number) is used for the torso in order to preserve its core temperature. It is very important to maintain your chest temperature to avoid hypothermia. The thinner neoprene (second/third number) is used for the extremities. The thicker the neoprene, the warmer, but much less flexible; therefore, thicker neoprene is used where less flexibility is required (torso) and thinner neoprene where the body is in motion (arms and legs).

Types or models of Kitesurfing wetsuits

There are many different types of wetsuits that are best suited to different conditions. By type or model, we will describe the cut or design of the sleeves and legs.

  • Full-length neoprene

A full-body neoprene suit covers the entire body up to the wrists, ankles and neck … This type of suit is found in various thicknesses covering a good temperature range, ideal for winter.

  • Neoprene shorts / shorty

These have a thinner material. Combinations of legs and short sleeves can be found. Short legs and long sleeves, or short sleeves and long legs are used primarily in warmer water temperatures.

  • Short sleeveless neoprene

Made with very thin neoprene (normally 1.5 to 2 mm), a design that, similar to a tank top, does not have sleeves for warm summer waters.

With the arrival of the cold, a wetsuit for kitesurfing becomes essential. Although they are not really only for cold days, there are also short or short suits for summer or mid-season. The fit is a very important point to consider when buying a wetsuit. If your suit doesn’t fit you, it probably won’t be able to keep you warm or comfortable to allow you the movement this sport needs.

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