If you wear a 5/7 kitesurfing you will end up really hot. You expend a lot of energy kitsurfing. I suspect the thickness of the neoprene is also really going to restrict your mobility - get a wetsuit with really stretchy neoprene.

The only time I have seen people use dry suits is in the UK in the winter and spring. And most guys have a special kite dry suit which is like a baggy boiler suit to allow mobility.

I have a 3/2 West steamer with fluid seams and fleecy chest (pyro fleece I think they call it) If it gets cold I put a thermal rashie under it.

At the moment I am just riding with a Spring suit in Melbourne, and will wear just boardies and my long sleeve rashie when it gets a bit warmer.

As far as gloves and booties go - I wouldn't bother - unless you ride in winter - I find gloves prevent me getting a good grip on the bar and strain the muscles in my forearms.

Booties are only worthwhile if you are learning in an area that is hard on your feet like lots of rocks or reef underfoot. Otherwise I prefer to ride bareback because you can grip the board better with your toes.

I would hold off on buying anything until when you buy all your kit in one hit - then you can get a discount from the retailer.

There's a shop in Newcastle selling off spring suits for $30.00 ....I bought a few...

Great value...call 'em and they'll send ya one or two....sizing is standard.....

contact number is 02 49661377 Greg.....


Stabbs

Ripcurl "bomb" !!! 4mm is very flexy but if too warm you simply remove the firewall from the back.

stabber said...

There's a shop in Newcastle selling off spring suits for $30.00 ....I bought a few...

Great value...call 'em and they'll send ya one or two....sizing is standard.....

contact number is 02 49661377 Greg.....


Stabbs

This looks like the go.. kitesurfing is really harsh on wetsuits so get one as cheap as you can.. my $160 XCEL springy lasted one season..