Winter wetsuits?

5 years ago
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Wet Willy
Wet Willy
TAS
2317 posts
TAS, 2317 posts
17 Feb 2021 10:39pm
What kind of gear do you guys wear when sailing in winter? I've never tried it (Tassie winter windsurfing, that is) but I'm strangely keen to give it a go this year.

Kazza
Kazza
TAS
2344 posts
TAS, 2344 posts
18 Feb 2021 7:37am
I wear a 4.3 wettie, booties and mittens with the palms cut out of them. I find the only thing that gets cold are the hands but the mittens really help.
geared4knots
geared4knots
TAS
2649 posts
TAS, 2649 posts
18 Feb 2021 7:55am
5.4 or 4.3 Remember when getting a suit that you can buy a 250 buck 4.3 and a 550 buck 4.3. Its pretty obvious which one is going to be warmer...
As Kazz says open palm mitts , NOT GLOVES ( ION is the only brand that sell them) and a hoodie or gath Ion make a range of suits in various price points.
So do other makes .....
martyj4
martyj4
539 posts
539 posts
18 Feb 2021 11:34am
I get cold, so wear a 5/3. Good quality one as the cheapies dont fit as well and are colder. Booties compulsory. Mitts with no palms are good for warmth but restrict the hands a bit. Usually only wear them when it's a southerly and/or snow on the mountain. Most of the time northerlies/nor westers in winter are warm enough without gloves. Gath helmet also keeps the noggin warm. On those days when it's absolutely freezing, I have resorted to wearing washing up gloves and they do work well until you get water inside them. They tear easily and you get a hell of a lot of **** about wearing them (especially the bright pink ones), but if you're enough of a muppet like me and can handle some banter, then it's well worth it to have functional hands.
The other thing that makes it a little easier is to take a 2L water bottle full of hot water with you, wrapped in a towel. At the end of the sail, test it to ensure it's not scalding. If it's the right temp, pour it into your wettie before taking it off. Just like taking a pee but cleaner.
Gorgo
Gorgo
VIC
5127 posts
VIC, 5127 posts
18 Feb 2021 4:24pm
These suits are supper comfey, super warm and pretty cheap. The 4mm version is pretty warm but the 6mm is a joy in winter.

needessentials.com/collections/mens-wetsuits/products/6-4-3mm-ultra-premium-thermal-hooded-chest-zip-wetsuit


Dunno about the 2L of hot water in the wettie before a session, but, 5LBunnings water container full of hot water. Wrap your towel around it. When you finish wash down with the hot water and dry off with a warm towel. Heaven. The water stays warm for 8 hours for after work sessions.

These are pretty good too. www.watersportsoutlet.com.au/2020-dryrobe-advance-short-sleeve-premium-outdoor-change-robe-poncho-dr100-black-grey-p-18873.html I've got a red one because red is warmer and I like the visibility. The parking for my local spot is on a fairly busy road so I want to be visible to the incompetents that don't know you have to go round parked cars.
Wet Willy
Wet Willy
TAS
2317 posts
TAS, 2317 posts
18 Feb 2021 5:59pm
Awesome info, thanks!

The needessentials wetties look great!

I also do a fair bit of SUP when it's not windy, so you have the added hassle of needing to vent your clothing after you've been paddling for a while and get hot. I was thinking about getting something with a vertical front zipper (not the chest entry surf types), like possibly a freediving suit, and perhaps wearing it over a thinner wetsuit like the Oneil 3/2 I currently own.

I just got some 5mm Rip Curl booties, so I'm good from the ankles down!
Relic
Relic
TAS
838 posts
TAS, 838 posts
19 Feb 2021 7:12am
If you feel the cold Patigonia wetsuits are the benchmark.
AI.Dave
AI.Dave
TAS
178 posts
TAS, 178 posts
19 Feb 2021 7:07pm
Add an impact or life vest, extra warmth with the added bonus it's harder to drown And helmet like Marty said.

I've had a great run with a vissla 5/4, best suit I've had for surfing/sailing and didn't break the bank
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