I haven't been on the water for a couple of months now due to a hectic weekend schedule changing jobs and moving house, but things have finally settled and I'm itching to get back on the water. Except, it's now winter and I am not equipped for the colder Melbourne weather. I only have a springsuit.
I've done some reading and it sounds like if I drive to Torquay and drop into a normal surf shop for a 4/3 wetsuit, I'll probably freeze my arse off because the normal surfing wetsuits aren't great for windsurfing. Seems like NeilPryde is the way to go. Where can I order one online? Or even better (as I have no idea what size I need, having never worn a full wetsuit), is there anywhere within 100Km of Melbourne that would stock them? SHQ just seems to sell O'Neil and Ripcurl, which would be normal surf wetsuits.
Something like this: http://www.npsurf.com/products/wetsuits/mens/mission/fullsuit-5-4-3.html
Guessing I'll need booties at a minimum too, but not too fussed about the brand of those.
Is the (Port Phillip) bay freezing already, or does it take a while to properly cool down after the autumn?
Maybe I should just move to Perth :P
Thanks guys. I posted on the SHQ Facebook page and they said they do sell NP, even though their website only has O'Neil and Ripcurl (think the website isn't really maintained). I'll drop in there tomorrow and see if I can get something I can actually try on, otherwise, I'll start ringing around other places and will hopefully have a better idea what size I need.
Stu, how do ION suits compare with NP? I don't need anything too fancy, I just don't want to die from the cold.
BTW, is there anything in particular I should be looking for to suggest the warmth of the suit for windsurfing? I imagine wind chill in the winter is also an issue. Does the amount of rubber over the neoprene on the back, chest and shoulders help with that sort of thing?
That link is awesome, thanks! So basically look for blindstitching if you want the warmest stitching :)
I windsurf in the Yorkshire Pennines (next to the highest Motorway in UK) and it gets pretty cold up here......
Needless to say, I have a 'few' wetsuits including shorties which I wear as an inner liner when I have been out on the water at -2C (yes, minus 2C) 
The problem with heavy wetsuits is that although you stay warm, the (wet) weight is considerable and can be exhausting to carry around once wet.
The general rule that I use is, for ambient temperatures above 10C, the 3/2mm comes out. Less weight, less restrictive movement and less exhausting to wear.
If the temperature is less than 10C but above 4C then the 5/3mm O'Neill with chest heat shield gets worn.
Below 4C, I wear the 3/2mm shortie under the 5/3mm O'Neill which keeps me nice and toasty 
That's a bit colder than here! I'm also from the Northeast of England (Guisborough, near Middlesbrough), but live in Melbourne as of approaching 7 years ago.
Just checked the bay temperatures here and they're around 16c at the surface. The air temperature tomorrow is supposed to be around 20c. That is unseasonably warm though. I'm expecting to be out in < 10c consistently once the winter really sets in.
Hoping I can get a suit and go out tomorrow. NW should be ok on the east side of the bay. Not looking very windy, but enough to get a feel for it again after a brief hiatus.
Make sure the wetsuit fits properly, especially around the kidney area.
Some good videos and info here: www.wetsuitcentre.co.uk/
Select to expand quoteMrCranky said...d11wtq said...
BTW, is there anything in particular I should be looking for to suggest the warmth of the suit for windsurfing? I imagine wind chill in the winter is also an issue. Does the amount of rubber over the neoprene on the back, chest and shoulders help with that sort of thing?
The biggest price differentiator is the seams.
Isn't that for surfing (constant immersion)?
Dunno if it relates to windsurfing that much?
I think good fit and smoothie.
Select to expand quoteMark _australia said...MrCranky said...d11wtq said...
BTW, is there anything in particular I should be looking for to suggest the warmth of the suit for windsurfing? I imagine wind chill in the winter is also an issue. Does the amount of rubber over the neoprene on the back, chest and shoulders help with that sort of thing?
The biggest price differentiator is the seams.
Isn't that for surfing (constant immersion)?
Dunno if it relates to windsurfing that much?
I think good fit and smoothie.
OP is a beginner. Lots of TIW.
O'Neill Psycho with the front zip gets my vote. Once getting it on and off are sorted this is a very nice winter suit.
Select to expand quoted11wtq said...
Just checked the bay temperatures here and they're around 16c at the surface. The air temperature tomorrow is supposed to be around 20c. That is unseasonably warm though. I'm expecting to be out in < 10c consistently once the winter really sets in.
Hoping I can get a suit and go out tomorrow. NW should be ok on the east side of the bay. Not looking very windy, but enough to get a feel for it again after a brief hiatus.
Get a Neil Pryde PFD as well. Helps with waterstarts and reduces the wind chill.
If you've got a good 3/2 wetsuit and its just wind chill hitting your chest then try one of these Puppies
www.whitworths.com.au/burke-kennedy-polar-fleece-jacket-black?q=17994
Very surprising how much extra warmth they give without any sailing restriction or noticeable weight, there also trousers available as well
Hello, D11,
Bay temp currently 15 and you can expect that it will get down to 10-12 in August, then it starts to heat up again. Go here, for last year: http://www.baywx.com.au/temps.2013.html. Worst temp I measured was about 8 degrees C at Green Point, many years ago.
I?ve found that a single-sided 4/3 wetsuit is more versatile than a 5/3 suit, when the 4/3 is combined with a RipCurl 1.5mm thick long sleeved jacket: www.ripcurl.com.au/shop/guys/wetsuits/vests/dpatrol-15mm-lsl-jkt.html. On really cold days, you use the wettie plus the jacket. On slightly warmer days, (say October), the wettie will do the job.
An NP standard hood: www.npsurf.com/products/protective/hoods-beanies-hats.html, with neck protection, will keep your head and neck warm.
Personally, I find Mirage Classic boots, 5 mm, no zip, round toe, just as good as the bigger brands, available here: www.macs.com.au/products/1045-wetsuit-boot-mirage-classic. Keep your big toe-nails filed down, otherwise it will cut through the boot from the inside out.
Hope this helps.
Think carefully before you buy an NP wet suit.
We get to use wetties a lot here in South Island NZ and NP fall to bits.
Very warm and comfortable but after two of them dying I've just had to buy another brand.
I think they are intended only for occasional use.
Not really fit for purpose.
^ -1.
I've got 2 of them, both over 5 years old. With smooth skin wetties, you HAVE to be careful how you treat them.
Select to expand quoteWindmanV said...
^ -1.
I've got 2 of them, both over 5 years old. With smooth skin wetties, you HAVE to be careful how you treat them.
Yes, have heard that story from NP dealers.
Seems to me if you use them, you're not being careful enough.
I can recommend pro-motion wetsuits.
They have a special kitesurfing/windsurfing range with dry skin so you don't get wind chill problems. They are also cut bigger around the arms so you don't fatigue so much. They are made for The Gorge, so they know what they are doing! I have a couple and they have lasted well. Only a couple of seasons but no issues yet! My winter wettie, 5/3, is so cosy I can wear it all day in and out of the water without getting cold. It is also so floaty I can float standing up in it, but it is not heavy or restrictive. On some really cold winter days I think about putting it on to keep warm around the house! And don't say it doesn't get cold in Perth! it does!
The dryskin on my shortie even helps stop chilling in summer if you tend to stand around in your wetsuit.
I have found after sales service is excellent and they will replace or accept return on anything that doesn't fit - probably not if you have worn it in the water...
stores.wetsuit.com/windsport-wetsuits/
Flying objects "Flux" wetsuits are also worth a look. A local brand, and their neoprene is so soft it feels like getting a cuddle when you put it on. I don't think they do the dry skin though. They do a range of thicknesses and have a front of the shoulder zip for ease of getting on and off. Often you can get special prices on superceded models.
I have heaps of NP gear including sails, masts, vests, wetsuit jackets etc. and I am happy with most of it but I am not a fan of their wetsuits either. I had a NP spring suit last years model and lasted me less than a handful of sessions. It ripped open a massive hole in the seem on the leg
I looked closer at the rest of it and I could rip it all apart completely very easily if I try. Looks very poorly made! I didn't even bother going back for a warranty claim.
My Rip curl wettie is definitely well made. Cost me a bit (one of the higher end models) but has sealed seems and so comfy and warm. Once on you hardly even think about the fact that you are wearing it. Perhaps the sealed seems adds to longevity too? I have not been cold during winter and almost the opposite. I wore it last week in the northerlies and you have to jump in every now and then during carve gybes not to overheat. At least that is my excuse 
I only got the NP one as the Rip curl 4/3 is too warm for transition seasons. In my opinion it would be too warm in Australia north of and including about Perth/Sydney latitude. I prefer at least a 4/3 in Victoria if you go down to Sandy Point or southern coast in middle of winter. I have got away with a 3/2 in the bay and throw the 1.5mm jacket over the top when really cold but a good 4/3 is better..
Have a NP assassin 3/2. Great wettie. Extra warmth in the chest area. Charcoal/bamboo stuff so it does not stink when you warm it up.
Fantastic neck seal.
Also sub $300 from Windsurfing Perth.
Call Reg to check if he has your size.
Windsurfingperth.com.au
