What to wear in the surf
Author: Alf Alderson
This article on surfing kit and what to wear in the surf is taken from Alf Alderson's book Surfing A Beginner's Guide
Quick links:
Wetsuits
Rash vests
Additional Neoprene
Sunscreen
Ear protection
Head protection
Wetsuits
A wetsuit keeps you warm by trapping a thin layer of water close to your body, which is then warmed by your body heat. This is often flushed out when you wipeout so the suit needs to be a tight fit.The kind of wetsuit you need will obviously depend where you surf, and canvary, for example, from something like a 5/4/3 mm full steamer for cold climates(a combination of 5 mm, 4 mm, and 3 mm thick neoprene on different areas ofthe ‘wettie’), to nothing more than a 2-mm vest or spring suit for warm areas.Developments in wetsuit and neoprene technology in recent years have resulted in design standards, warmth and comfort that were unthinkable a while ago and with a good wetsuit you should never feel the cold too badly in all but the most miserable climates.
Fit is everything with a wetsuit.
Get advice from a surf shop and/or surfer friends, but trying a suit on and stretching and bending in it is the only way to be sure it’s going to fit properly and be comfortable. Your wetsuit shouldn’t be too tight, but should fit snugly everywhere on your body with the possible exception of your shoulders where you need a bit of room for paddling. If there are any folds of neoprene it’s too big; if you arehaving trouble breathing and the blood supply to your wrists and ankles is feeling restricted, it’s obviously too small.
Full wetsuits come in a wide variety of styles, particularly with regard to the zip (which in most cases goes at the back!). Some zips are longer than others, which makes it easier to get the suit on and off but also easier for water to get in, whilst zipperless suits provide the best protection of all but can be a bugger to get on and off and are also prone to tearing around the‘entrance’ point unless you treat them carefully.
You’ll also find different manufacturing techniques (cross stitch, blind stitch,double blind stitch, ‘liquid’ glue seams, taped seams, etc. – the warmest is acombination of blind stitch and glued and taped seams), different types ofneoprene, and different thicknesses of neoprene.
The best way around this confusion is to ask the advice of friends or the shop staff in the area where you intend to surf, as they’ll know what’s most appropriate for the local surf. Many experienced surfers have different wetsuits for winter and summer, and maybe one for spring and autumn as well. As a beginner you don’t really want to fork out on a whole wardrobe of neoprene, so go for whatever will allow you to get in the water most often in the most comfort.You can readily find second-hand wetsuits, but look carefully for holes, rips,tears and patches. Once a wetsuit starts to fall apart there’s only so much you can do to stop it, and most repair jobs do little more than delay the inevitable. They can also make the suit more uncomfortable to wear.
Rash vests
A rash vest is an invaluable and relatively cheap accessory – a close fitting Lycra vest worn under a wetsuit, which stops the wetsuit seams from rubbing. In the days before they were ‘invented’, several consecutive days of surfing would often lead to a surfer having horrendous wetsuit rubs around the shoulders and armpits, especially with a poorly fitting suit. Rash vests are also useful as protection from the sun when surfing in board shorts.
Additional Neoprene
Depending on where you surf and your tolerance to cold you may also need to buy neoprene boots, gloves or mitts, and a hood. In cold climates these can be a necessity rather than a luxury. Boots are also useful to avoid spiked feet on reefs and in waters where sea urchins lurk. These should be a good fit or they end up like water-filled balloons around your feet.
Sunscreen
In the surf you’re very prone to sunburn, not only from direct sunlight but also from reflection from the water. Wear a high factor waterproof sun cream oreven total blockout, especially if you have fair skin, and re-apply frequently.This is especially important in warmer climates, but even in colder areas you can easily suffer sunburn if you’re in the water for a long time in summer.
Ear protection
Anyone who surfs on a regular basis, especially in cold water, should seriously consider wearing ear plugs in the water. The reason? Cold waterand cold winds can, over a long period of time, cause a bony growth in the ear canal. This is the body’s attempt to protect the inner ear from cold, andeventually it can lead to water becoming trapped in the ear and even partial deafness. It can be treated, but this involves painful surgery and the growth can recur. Most surf shops in cold climates should stock ear plugs. Blu-Tackis a cheap but effective alternative.
Head protection
Personally I like to keep the gear I wear in the water to a minimum, but I can see that helmets have their uses in big, gnarly waves. You don’t see helmets used that often and they’re rather cumbersome but if you’re worried about bashing your noggin on rocks, board or fins, check one out.
Article taken from Surfing A Beginner's Guide by Alf Alderson
Copyright John Wiley and Sons 2008
