I'm after some advice for wetsuit options for SUPing through a Sydney winter. Had a great session in the surf over weekend and don't want to stop over the winter. I currently have a pair of Lavacore long pants and an Adrenalin thermal rashie which will do me for flatwater stuff but am thinking I will probably need something warmer for the surf in the coming months
How do the surf steamers go for paddling in? I was thinking of maybe getting long john style steamer but a mate reckons the surf wetsuits offer plenty of freedom. Have started doing some research online and saw some discussion in windsurf forums about evaporative cooling effect from pure surf wetties as they were designed to be in, not above the water. Is this a thing?
If I went for a full steamer will 2/3mm do? Any tips on style, material, cheap vs exxxy? Thanks heaps in advance.
Thanks for the feedback. I notice the flashbomb spruiks more quick dry tech - I wonder if this is prone to the evaporative effect. Pricey but no doubt comfortable. I'm 6"5' and lean so will definately need to get in store and try some on. Good to see some of the brands make tall sizes, hopefully shops stock them.
I paddle in a pair of wettie pants and a Vaikobi V-Cold Rashie. Under that i have a thin merino undershirt. Its all i need, with no restriction on movement at all...
If you are in or near the south, go and see Mark at Expedition Kayaks in Miranda. He'll kit you out with what you need.
Great price online westuits Rip Curl etc. www.dextersurf.com.au
Highly recommended.
The ion looks pretty good but they only make tall T sizes in M and L wtf. Only for short tall people. I'm about 195cm and 95kg with massive crotch. Don't want to go small or the package cops the squeeze. What sizes you got in stock?
Really surprised that you have not used a proper wettie - sup or otherwise. So.. yes.. evaporative effect is greater when surfing standup...but largely negated because you are more active than when prone surfing - especially sitting in line for a wave. However, even prone, you are going to be vulnerable to wind chill... as you're sitting mostly with your upper body out of the water - a reason why they market cooler weather wetties with a front and back "windproof" rubber panel. These are very effective! A 3/2 mm is usually more than adequate for your area... depends on how much of a sook you are. Modern wetsuits are very flexible - and designed for more active moves than you'll ever do on a surf sup - so don't go thinking its all that restrictive.
2mm O'neill Gooru steamer for me down here in a Vicco winter (mostly Westernport). On the cooler days, a Merino base layer underneath and maybe a rashie over the top
