Hi,

I've recently moved from QLD to VIC and will be getting back into surf supping after about a year off. I don't really know much about wetsuits other than the thicknesses available.

Do I need a winter and spring suit, or could I get away with a lighter wetsuit and just add booties in winter? I'd probably get more opportunities to SUP in the warmer months and don't like the idea of forking out money on 2 wetsuits if it can be avoided.

If I get a 3/2 and add booties in winter will it be too warm in summer and too cold in winter? What do most suppers in VIC do?

Thanks

Good quality sealed 3/2 does me in winter with a hoodie and booties and after a year or so when the seams are leaking like a sieve it becomes your summer suit.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/QUIKSILVER-Mens-Cypher-Fuseflex-3-5-3-2mm-Chest-Zip-Steamer-Wetsuit-/321248100567?pt=AU_Sport_Surfing&var=&hash=item76c920411c

Quicksilver ebay store has good prices and often free delivery. They don't last that long but I don't know any brands that do. I'm lucky to get a year out of a wettie before it starts to fall apart. Rinse em, dry em in the shade ... still crap compared to the good old days. Aaah the good old days .... jeez they were good

MickMc said..

Man up Leroy, you don't need a 4/3 on a sup. I don't even get wet on my new Jimmy Lewis board it's that stable. I have to use me paddle as a fan sometimes just to cool down.

See you next year , August 17th 7.10 am cold North Westerley blowing and hailing. You don't spend as much time in the water as I do you cheeky bugger!

MickMc said..

Leroy13 said..

MickMc said..

Man up Leroy, you don't need a 4/3 on a sup. I don't even get wet on my new Jimmy Lewis board it's that stable. I have to use me paddle as a fan sometimes just to cool down.

See you next year , August 17th 7.10 am cold North Westerley blowing and hailing. You don't spend as much time in the water as I do you cheeky bugger!

No worries mate, I'll meet you in the front beach cafe for a coffee. Then we can go and watch the refugees from qld freeze their nuts off out on Torquay point

Massive LOL

Short arm 2/2 steamer for summer but boardies and wetsuit top on the warmer days later in summer.

I've always had the latest and best wetsuits for winter and a good sealed 3/2 with booties is fine for me.
But I got a cheaper 4/3 (still sealed but not fully taped) this winter and it was super toasty! And going
this way means you will be at least $200 better off.

Rule of thumb is the cheaper suit was the top of the line suit 2 years ago as far as materials go but
the cheaper suit will only be taped on critical seams.

Bnaccas said..

My tip is go to Torquay outlets...

The Rip Curl DFO on Baines Crt, Torquay normally has a 50% off sale around this time of year - would be worth a look. E-Bombs for <$250

I can get away with a 3/2 (E-bomb) through most of the winter, with booties & hood, although in heavy conditions & cold, stormy days in the surf I'll go my 4/3. Another option is if you have a 1-2mm rashie to throw over your 3/2?

Bnaccas said..

Be careful buying wetsuits on ebay. Wetties are an item that often break down, split stitching/seams,
glued seams can crack etc and you won't get a warranty through ebay.

My tip is go to Torquay outlets or SHQ, RPS, Mordy, Triggers etc who have a large range and you
will get a very good deal on last years models or end of seasonstock but they will still come with warranty.
You might pay $50 or $100 more but I've seen way too many suits fall apart to take the risk.

Surf Stitch will honor warranties but it's just a pain in the arse dealing with an online company when
it comes to shipping etc.

I live 100 metres from Baines Crt (the ripcurl and quicksilver samples and seconds outlets round the back from the main stores) and bought my last 2 wetties on the quicksilver ebay store. Warranty is the same, can take it back to the quicksilver store even if I buy it on ebay. Trouble with the outlets is they only have the extremely small or big sizes. If you're a medium or a large there is nothing available. Also the prices are still cheaper on quicksilver ebay most of the time.

rockmagnet said..

I had no idea that people moved from Queensland to Victoria. I've been surfing in my board shorts since the middle of August.

Cracked out the steamers last week

Mick if Victoria is same as here ( its just accross the water )you really need more then 1 suit . We normally wear 3/2 steamers most of the year , with vests and booties / hoods / gloves added as needed . Wear spring suits when it gets warm and get to surf in boardies for a few weeks in January / February .
Hate putting on cold wet suits so have 3 x 3/2 s , 3 x sets of booties , 3x springsuits ,numerous vests one of which is heated ( best thing I ever bought ) , do have 1 4/3 but have not worn it for about 2 years .couple of blokes here have the flash bomb suit and reckon that drys pretty quick .

Don't think it matters which brand you get as long as it is sealed.personally I wear the anchor suits found them to be great value and last just as long as the big name brands .

E T said..

Bugger boardies.

I am in my new leopard print Mankini.

I am stoked about this because I have never been famous before.

ET.

Looking forward to some posted pics of you in that leopard mankini on Carlton beach with river rider and 2 MT and the rest of the southern Tassie crew . Water there feels about 5 degrees colder then where I am .Be good training for the MOFO winter solstice swim .