So you wanna get into river surfing and don’t know what kind of surfing wetsuit you need? Luckily, we have you covered in this video and article.
Surfing wetsuits differ from cheaper, generic wetsuits because they're designed for enhanced function and extra mobility to help make dynamic moves, like the ones during surfing, much easier. If you opt for a generic wetsuit you'll lose these performance enhancements, which will negatively impact your day on the water.
If you're just starting out and deciding if surfing's right for you, then a traditional wetsuit will save you some money. But, if you're looking to spend plenty of recreational time in the water, then a better designed surfing wetsuit will payoff in the long run.
Our lineup of surfing wetsuits come in a variety of thicknesses for different levels of warmth depending on where you're surfing, the time of year, and your personal preferences. Some come with premium features like fuzzy lining (helping keep you cozy and comfortable) and integrated hoods for colder months.
We carry a selection of surfing wetsuits that perform well in cold water environments. These are the key considerations to keep in mind when finding the best suit for you.
Surfing Wetsuits: Protection from the Environment
Here in the Canadian Rockies, the water's cold, the rivers are shallow, and the rocks are sharp. The first consideration we’re thinking of when people come into the shop looking for a surfing wetsuit is as a protective barrier, both from the cold and potentially from impact.
A thicker surfing wetsuit provides a stronger layer of protection between you and the cold, and the rocks, in dynamic river surfing environments. This is why wetsuit thickness is the first and most important thing to consider.
Our wetsuits range from 3/2MM, which is on the low end of insulation and great for warm summer days, to 4/3mm, and up to 5/4mm for colder days or if you prefer to be extra warm during the summer.
When a wetsuit's thickness is defined as "3/2mm" that means it is 3mm thick in the torso, and 2mm in the extremities. This it to keep more warmth in your torso to maintain a comfortable core temperature, but more flexibility in your limbs to help make surfing moves easier.
Surfing Wetsuits: Extra Flotation
A surfing wetsuit provides a considerable amount of flotation, which is another key thing to keep in mind. So, having a wetsuit on vs no wetsuit, even if you're in warmer water, actually provides some flotation when you are in the water swimming. A thicker wetsuit provides more flotation.
This extra flotation helps when you're paddling on your surfboard back up to the waves, bobbing in the water waiting your turn, or swimming after your board when you come off the board.
This saves you energy, and time, by keeping you on top of the water and makes your movement more efficient.
There's also an additional safety factor to all this, and a fun factor -- the more energy you save swimming, the more energy you'll have when you're on the wave.
Xcel Womens Axis X Front Zip Fullsuit Wetsuit
$329.95
The Xcel Womens AXIS X 4/mm Front Zip Fullsuit Wetsuit is a 3 season River and Ocean surfing wetsuit. Seam sealed with a front zip for ultimate warmth and dryness. The Xcel AXIS X 4/mm Front Zip Fullsuit Wetsuit is a… Read More
Surfing Wetsuits: Soft Touches
Premium surfing wetsuits can also have a ton of other features like sealed seams, hoods, internal linings, different zip configurations, and so on.
The importance you put on these considerations really boils down to your personal preference (and budget).
These additional attributes go a long way to enhancing the durability of your suit, the range of conditions it can be used in, your comfort, and your performance on the wave.
Inner linings are one of the more popular options, and the fuzzy material feels better against your skin than neoprene. Taped seams also help keep water out and prolongs their life.
Some suits have additional material in high wear areas like your wrists, ankles, and knees, enhancing impact protection and prolonging the life of your surfing wetsuit.
NRS Mens Radiant 4/3mm Wetsuit
$399.95
The NRS Men's Radiant 4/3 Wetsuit, with its blend of 4 mm and 3 mm neoprene, gives you maximum warmth without limiting mobility. It's the best full-length paddling wetsuit on the market. The 4 mm PowerSpan neoprene torso and thighs… Read More
Surfing Wetsuits Summary
Our primary consideration for buying a surfing wetsuit for river waves is framing it as a protective tool from cold and from rocks. From there, choose one based on the thickness and features that best serves your specific needs.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us below or visit us in store.
River Surfing Articles
AQ Outdoors Contact
Edmonton: (p) 780 463-4892 (e) info@aquabaticsedmonton.com
Calgary: (p) 403 288-9283 (e) info@aqoutdoors.com
