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How to Buy a Wakeboarding and Waterskiing Wetsuit

   January 27th, 2016   Posted In: How-To  

How to Buy a Wakeboarding and Waterskiing Wetsuit

A wakeboarding and waterskiing wetsuit with a good fit and the right mix of features will allow you to hit the water year round (or at least comfortably extend your season.)

For your reference, wetsuits will not keep you completely dry. The idea is to allow a small amount of water inside, your body heat will take care of the rest.

We will attempt to take a step back from the technical stuff and present you with the four most important aspects of wakeboarding and waterskiing wetsuit construction.

#1: Wetsuit Thickness

You’ll see 2mm, 3/2mm, 4/3mm, etc. in front of a product name on our website. That mm is the wetsuit thickness measured in millimeters and it impacts the warmth of the wetsuit. Less neoprene is used in the extremities to increase flexibility. Basically, thickness increases warmth and decreases flexibility.

Check out this Water Temperature Guide:

#2: Neoprene Type

Neoprene types impact flexibility and there are two types for windsurfing and kiteboarding wetsuits: Standard and Super stretch.

Manufacturers use varying degrees of these neoprene types, so for windsurfing/kiteboarding, you need at least 30% super stretch neoprene in your wetsuit. Seasoned surfers and boarders prefer wetsuits with 60% to 100% super stretch neoprene for the ultimate in flexibility and fit.

30% stretch = the back, shoulders, and arms have 30% super stretch neoprene while the other 70% of the suit is made with standard neoprene.

100% stretch = entire suit is made with super stretch neoprene for the ultimate in fit and flexibility.

The video below talks more about neoprene types:

#3: Seam Construction

What holds the suit together? Seams! Seam construction impacts the warmth and comfort of the wetsuit and can be broken down into three types.

Flatlock:

Great for warmer water temps (62F & up), flatlock seams look like railroad tracks and the interior and exterior look the same. The interior is flat and is comfortable against the skin. Some water seeps in through this type of seam.

Sealed (Glued & Blindstitched):

This type of seam works well in cold water (55F & up). The seam is constructed by being glued first and then stitched. The exterior is similar to flatlock seams, but the interior is glued. Very little water will seep through this type.

Sealed & Taped (Glued Blindstitched & 100% Taped):

These seams work well for really cold water (55F & below). It has the same construction as Sealed, but has taping on the interior and exterior. This tape reinforces seams for added durability and prevents any water from seeping in.

Watch the video below for more information on seam types!

#4: Extras

Extra internal and external features will enhance the performance of your wakeboarding and waterskiing wetsuit.

Poly Fleece

Poly fleece and quick dry poly fleece are internal linings that provide a quick drying time and keep you warmer, longer.

Zippers

Surfing wetsuits can come in a variety of zipper types and are offered as a back zip, front zip (or chest zip), or zip free.

Full-zipper provides your standard entry. A short-zipper increases flexibility and limits water entry though the zipper. A chest zipper increases your flexibility and is becoming more popular and prominent in the surfing wetsuit industry. Zipper barriers are great for flushing water out of the zipper area!

Learn more about zippers with the videos below.

 

Smoothskin/Wind Resistant Neoprene

Smoothskin neoprene a.k.a smoothy is a rubberized coating applied to the outside of neoprene that helps block wind, and resists water absorbtion into the wetsuit. Smoothy is typically found on the chest of a wetsuit. Specialized windsports wetsuits feature more smoothy for better windblock.

Pros: wind resistance, better “cling” to a surfboard, blocks some water from entering the suit. Cons: adds a little extra weight to the suit, smoothy is delicate and shows nicks/cuts easily.

Below is a quick video on smoothskin:

Key Pockets

Key pockets or key loops are added as a convenience to most wetsuits. See the brief video below to learn more!

 

Shop our entire selection of wakeboarding and waterskiing wetsuits!

Lauren (LoLo) has been turning words into blog posts for Wetsuit Wearhouse since 2014. She learned to surf for the first time ever in Costa Rica but she gravitates more towards SUP. When she's not scouring the web for travel deals, you can find her either hiking, running, gardening, tending to her animals, or reading a good book outside on a beautiful day.

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7 Comments

  • Al says:

    Hi LoLo / Team,
    I am 59 and overweight. I always snorkel on top of the water and never had a wetsuit. I will be going to the Big Island this Feb and according to what I can find water temp is between 73-78 F and thinking I may need one for this trip – not sure of thickness and suit size. What do you recommend? Is a two piece better for my size?
    Height 66″
    Weight 245 #
    Chest 51″
    Waist 51″
    Hips 47″
    Neck 16″
    Inseam 28.5″

    Thanks,
    Al

  • Laura Lister says:

    Can you advise me? I am 78 years old and find my pool a bit too cold. I would like to purchase a wet suit jacket that is very flexible and easy to swim and do aerobics in. Since swimming helps arthritis, movement is very important. I do not do straight laps, but various exercises worked into a lap. Also – I am overweight so I do not want anything “sexy”.

    What do you think?

    • Crysta Goff says:

      I’m going to send you a private email, Laura. (:

    • John Gross says:

      Hi make sure it has a full zipper they can be hard to get off at your age,you dont want a full suit or a pull over that you may need helping getting on and off,i just checked ebay theres a xxxl camo jacket full zipper,25$bid 15 shipping.looks new.
      And you can use as out of water jacket if its super cold.they really hold heat in shockingly so.
      Because of how hard they are to remove you might want to start with hood gloves and feet.try searchs like neoprine gloves socks hood.jacket check ebay cheap.also thift stores often have wetsuits for like 20$

  • Marco says:

    Hello,

    I read your blog in a quick and non efficient way. I didn’t find the answer I was looking for. I found your views very interesting, points are great too, thank you for your post. It helped me understand a little into what I was looking for. I hope you carry on with your views and different ways of wording your initial subject/subjects. Enjoy reading your book in hot summer days, it’s when you’re most alive in the most ways you can be.

    Regards,
    Marco

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