Winter Wetsuit Ideas

[ZeroR2]

I never had a need for a wetsuit. That is because the only locations that I have windsurfed was Bonaire, Margarita and Miami. I did pick up 3/2mm shorty (Promotion) for the Hood River this summer. I need something for the winter (Nov-Feb) for White Rock (closest location). My shoulders would only fit XXX large. I assume that a 5mm full suit would be what I need. Are there any brands that are durable and comfortable that you recommend? I just have no knowledge about wetsuits. Thanks.

[grantmac]

5/4 with a hood, mitts and booties will get it done. Some guys sail dry but I won't in waves.

Promotion makes some really well designed suits for wind sports and you kind of already know their sizing.

[tweegster]

5/4/3 quicksilver sychros is what I have been riding. Backzip is easy and cheap, not taking as many waves on the head so a top end suit is not necessary.

Biggest thing is good gloves with pre- bend fingers (MEC good) and a wind breaking layer on top (promotion exo or similar).
I wear a touque rather than a hood, easier to look around.

I am “comfy” down to -5 or so.

I live in WR too, there is a small local crew of hardy year rounders.

[Faceplant]

Xcel wetsuits. Great sizing chart. Check their web site for specials. 5/4 is all you'll need around here. For surfing in the winter I like thicker booties (5mm). For kiting I have Atan's. (3mm) I like them a lot. They are thin and work well in foot straps. Get some good gloves tho cuz the hands might get cold.

[ZeroR2]

Thanks guys. Just ordered a Quiksilver Syncro 5/4/3 Back Zip GBS Wetsuit for myself and got a used Xcel 5/4 for my son. I really appreciate all the input. Next is gloves & booties.

[shmish]

Thanks guys. Just ordered a Quiksilver Syncro 5/4/3 Back Zip GBS Wetsuit for myself and got a used Xcel 5/4 for my son. I really appreciate all the input. Next is gloves & booties.

Where did you get them from?

[tweegster]

Nice, for booties keep in mind a heel strap will get in the way of foot straps and water does not pool in your feet like surfing. Ripcurl outlet has rubber dipped ones that work but dont last long.

I hear Atans are good but have not tried.

Gloves must have slick rubber outter face to stop evaporative cooling and prebent fingers to stop arm pump. Mits are always warmest, but some people can't stand them.

I use my mec mits or nothing. 1.5 mil excel surfing gloves are much colder when kiting than no gloves at all.

[grantmac]

I like a heel strap otherwise it feels like I'm stubbing my toes, also I've had a strap half pull on off.

REALLY liking my Solites still. They lasted pretty much 1 year and I'll happily spend that money again.
Lots of guys like the Atans here on the island but they are very fragile, barnacles will tear them to pieces.

I run the Dakine mitts without palms. A little cumbersome but I'm far worse with frozen hands. I put thick nitrile gloves under them.

[ZeroR2]

Thanks guys. Just ordered a Quiksilver Syncro 5/4/3 Back Zip GBS Wetsuit for myself and got a used Xcel 5/4 for my son. I really appreciate all the input. Next is gloves & booties.

Where did you get them from?

I got it from the USA (2day free shipping) for USD 165 (incl. taxes) to Blaine. I think that Quicksilver has a 15% coupon on their site and pretty much the same price. I would just order directly from them with the coupon. Don't know much about if they ship to Canada etc.

If the sign up 15% coupon doesn't work, PM and I will let you know where I got it from.

[telus022420]

The few times I've sailed in the fall I added a vest underneath. Works well for me.

https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5021-527/ ... prene-Vest