Wetsuit Requirements for the South of EnglandNovember-MayUse a 4-5mm thick wetsuit. Hood, boots and gloves may be required. June-October A 2-3mm thick "shorty" (short arms and short legs) should be enough. Buying a WetsuitThe wetsuit suit industry is a multi-million pound industry. Wherever money is involved in something, information tends to get distorted.However you want to get a wetsuit that fits. Don't get one simply because some world famous surfer was photographed wearing the label. What type of wetsuit?Get a wetsuit that:- fits well - suits the local water temperature If conditions are not going to be harsh (ie warm and clean) the quality of the wetsuit matters less and you should think about getting a second hand wetsuit. Be fussy. If you're not sure try on another one, In my experience surf shop will usually tell you that what you're looking at is exactly what you need. (I think it's because surfers are such an agreeable lot)! Buying a New WetsuitThere are many shops from which you can purchase a new wetsuit.Personally, I would recommend that you get one near to the place that you surf, simply because if there was anything wrong with it you can get it replaced, repaired or changed very quickly. Additionally, the staff can advise the type of wetsuit suitable for the area. The other advantage of these places is they tend to be run by people "close to the action". Buying a Second Hand WetsuitThe small adds of most local newspapers contain surfing accessory bargains.There are a few websites that contain items, though most are out of date. Surf shops sell second hand wetsuits. Home Page Located at: http://www.lingard.co.uk/jonathan/sg-wetsu.htm |
Selected Wetsuit Shops
Westwinds UK Surfing index has a long list of shops around the country: Westwind UK Surf Index Shop List Return to Base Pages |
