Gear

Cold Water Comfort – Wetsuits

By Brandon Judd

Updated: March 13, 2015

Need a little protection from the elements? We’ve got you covered. Check out our full line up of wetsuits from some of your favorite manufacturers in the following pages of this post. We’ve also included some tips for when you buy as well as a list of our favorite features on each suit. But before we jump right into showing you the goods, let’s take a minute to discuss the need for protection from the elements as outlined in Daybreak from the March issue. Enjoy!

Daybreak

Words: Shawn Perry | Photo: Bryan Soderlind

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BREATHTAKING (in a bad way)

Cold water. I don’t think there’s anyone out there who actually enjoys it, and “taking your breath away” is never as awesome as it sounded in the songs you heard when you were a kid. We all endure it though, and as much as we might hate that initial feeling of shock in the cold water, you almost always finish your set with, “Yeah, it’s not that bad.” Most of you out there reading this will know exactly what I’m talking about. This time of year we’re all dealing with a form of cold-water discomfort, some worse than others (as you’ll find in our Inbox section). The coping mechanism most of us use would be our love for riding and our desire to sneak in a set whenever we possibly can. A little bit of pain for a lot of pleasure is a deal most of us will take.

Luckily in this day and age, there are a ton of things to try to combat the awfulness of riding in cold water. If you’re fortunate enough to ride behind a boat equipped with a heater, then you already know that they are the best sh*t ever! Popping on one of those bad boys after a set feels like you just won the lottery. One of the best combatants to all of this would be the insane wetsuit technology that we have these days. I’ll never forget my first wetsuit, because I always told myself I’d never ride cold again. Of course that didn’t happen, but my love for the feeling of getting into cold water and having a good wetsuit still makes me feel like James Bond. Unlike some other products in our industry, wetsuit technology actually does change quite a bit from year to year, and all the new suits you’ll find throughout the next few pages of this post are incredible at keeping you comfortable. From new neoprene material to seam design, these suits have become bulletproof against the cold.

Since we have the desire to ride, and can’t all live the endless summer taking sets in the cold water, although not ideal, it will always be a part of what we do. The best thing you can do is stay properly equipped and positive about the situation. No one likes the dude complaining about how cold the water is. Last but certainly not least: All of you should strive to own a lakefront home with a hot tub. If you’ve never taken a set and then immediately dipped into a hot tub with a savory babe (or dude) and a tasty beverage, you’ll be glad to know it’s probably the best way to live your life. Stay warm!

Click on the button below to see some of our favorite WETSUITS along with a brief buyer’s guide. Check it out!

COLD WATER COMFORT: The best wetsuits to keep you warm this season

Buying a good wetsuit is one of the best investments you can make. There’s no chance you’re going to have fun or learn something new if you’re worried about how the cold water will feel the next time you fall. Not only that, but a lot of people forget how warm wetsuits keep you when you’re actually on the water too. There is nothing that cuts down the wind chill once you’re up and riding better. If you live in a warmer climate or are looking for a suit to use during late spring or early fall, check out our lineup of spring suits on the next page. There are plenty of options out there, and these suits are comfortable and don’t hinder your mobility whatsoever. For colder climates or if you want to extend your season into the chillier times of the year, keep perusing through to the last page in this post to see our quick list of fullsuits.

Happy hunting!

Things to look for:

Thickness: Obviously the thickness of the material is essential to staying warm, but the thicker you go, the less flexibility you’ll have. Fun fact: When you see a suit that is say, a 3/2, that means it has 3 mm material on the torso and 2 mm on the legs. Thickness is important, but so is quality material. Make sure to touch and feel the suits to really determine the quality of products that are used.

Seams: Seams are the areas of the suit where the panels meet, and it’s a crucial point of a wetsuit because it could potentially let water in. Flat-lock seams are good in thinner suits and tend to let a little water in. Glued and blind-stitched (sometimes called sealed) seams are a better option because they let almost no water through. The best? That would be glued and blind-stitched along with being taped on the interior, and although these suits are usually more expensive, they almost completely eliminate water seeping in.

Seals: Wrist, ankle and neck seals are the easiest way for cold water to get into your suit, so make sure they are snug and comfortable. Trying on multiple suits helps you find the one that is best for your body type, and don’t forget to use the ol’ plastic shopping bag trick over your hands and feet when throwing on a drysuit.

Click on the button below to see some of our line up of SPRING SUITS. Check it out!

Spring Suits

Want to take the edge off without getting too hot? Check out our line up of spring suits below. Enjoy!

Body Glove | Smoothies Women’s Long-Sleeve Spring

MSRP: $100 | Thickness: 2mm | bodyglove.com

Things we like:

– Suit uses Magnaflex, Body Glove’s highest-performing stretch material.

– Flatlock-seam construction keeps water out.

– Smooth-skin collar and Lycra leg trim make it easy to take on and off.

JetPilot | Cause Short-Sleeve Spring

MSRP: $90 | Thickness: 2 mm | jetpilot.com

Things we like:

– Flush-loc seams make this suit really strong and keeps out water.

– They use Flex-lite neoprene panels that stretch to your movements.

– Seal-skin panels keep the suit tight to your body.

Matuse | The 2103 Top

MSRP: $185 | Thickness: 2 mm | matuse.com

Things we like:

– The hydrophobic material that Matuse uses keeps the water out when you’re in the water.

– That same material also knocks the chill off when you’re up and riding.

– The contoured neckline does a good job of keeping water out, and stays comfy.

O’Neill | ****Hyperfreak Long-Sleeve Spring

MSRP: $200 | Thickness: 2 mm | oneill.com

Things we like:

– The TechnoButter neoprene O’Neill uses is really light and super flexible.

– Unfinished cuffs stay extremely snug and don’t let water in.

– Glued and blind-stitched seams make the suit comfy, and it stays really warm.

Patagonia | R1 Front-Zip Long-Sleeve Spring

MSRP: $190 | Thickness: 2.5/2 mm | patagonia.com

Things we like:

– All seams on are triple-glued, blind-stitched and internally taped, which makes it nearly impossible for water to get in.

– An extremely stretchy recycled polyester lines this suit to help with flexibility and dry time.

– Extremely high-quality neoprene is strong, warm and exceedingly durable.

Click on the button below to see some of our line up of FULLSUITS. Check it out!

Fullsuits

The importance of a good fullsuit, if you live in a colder climate, is unmatched. You can ride earlier in the year, shred for longer once the fall hits, and be comfortable on those random chilly mornings as well. Picking the right suit for you is always better done in person; they all fit differently, and it’s a big investment — so get out to the local shop and try on a few before you buy.

Body Glove | CT Slant

MSRP: $200 | Thickness: 3/2 mm | bodyglove.com