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I’m looking at getting a wetsuit, first one so have some questions.
What style? At the moment I’m leaning towards a shorty. I’ve recently got a kayak which I’ll be doing some occasional chilled paddling on lakes/reservoirs/canal, warm summer days only probably. And I won’t be in the water intentionally. Is a wetsuit cold/restrictive when not in the water/sat in a boat?
I like a bit of ‘wild swimming’ In the same kind of places (not canal), and always like a dip when near the sea.
So, just want to stay a little bit warmer and have a go-to swimming/water thing to wear if that makes sense. Good all-rounder? Thickness/shorty/full suit? Sizing, buy big/small? Safe to buy online, or essential to try on? Anything else, recommendations?
Cheers
A bit small is generally the best otherwise it won't work properly in the water, if it's loose then cold water can keep flushing through and you never get warm.
You can't try on in shops so it's not much different if you buy online and have to return it.
Remember UK water is cold even in summer, I have a 5mm full length wetsuit that was about right in the sea last week. Mine was from Limo, good place if you don't want to spend loads, Decathlon also have some good cheaper options.
Bought a Decathlon full length last week and used it in the sea over the last couple of days.
Certainly warm, I found it a bit restrictive for swimming but apparently it's designed for flexibility. Certainly warm. Shortie can be a bit chill in the UK, I've got cold diving in Turkey in summer in a short wetsuit. Long gives arms and legs a bit more protection. As above needs to be snug to work properly.
Wetsuits suck for kayaking in. Hot and restrictive.
I'd have thought so too. My logic being, I'm new to kayaking so will probably spend more time in the water than in the boat. Once I get used to it, save the wetsuit for swimming. Plus, I won't be kayaking in the way you're probably thinking. Just a leisurely mess-around.
I suggest a 3mm Long John (sometimes called Farmer John). For kayaking, even non-seriously, you really do not want arms on a wetsuit. Lomo are good value.
If you want to kayak get wet suit long johns and just some kind of thermal rash vest. Kayaking in a wetsuit which covers your shoulders is a pain.
Something like;
https://www.peakuk.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=68&product_id=523
Got a Decathlon 5mm long wetsuit, it's good for longer spells in the sea, but warm out of the water, and you'd find it restrictive for kayaking.
Recently bought a 2.5mm shorty from Decathlon (basic model only £14.99) and used it on holiday in IoW last week for some sea swimming and body boarding.
It was perfect, and at no time did I get cold.
As above get it on the tight side, or it won't work as it should.
I'm 6ft with a 35/36" waist and the Decathlon large fitted me snugly.
occasional chilled paddling on lakes/reservoirs/canal, warm summer days only
Plas y Brenin put newbies in neoprene dungarees and a dry cag in March in Wales.
Yesterday everyone where we were was paddling in shorts and a T-shirt, no neoprene in sight.
Could get neoprene shorts and vest , gives a bit of flexibility in summer. Won't be as warm overall.
Nookie do some good 3/4 neoprene shorts. And some good thermal rash vests.
Made in Cornwall too.
Good stuff. Thanks all.
I run warm, and I was getting terrible headaches after trying to surf in my full length 2/3mm Animal wetsuit two weeks ago near Cardigan. Changed to a t-shirt and shorts and was soooo much better! I'd been overheating.
^^^
Seems unlikely, but then there was someone surfing the other night in winter suit, hood, gloves and boots, so I guess it takes all kinds.
Nookie 3/4 bottoms and shorts, BA and one of these might be better - allows you to match and mix to summer conditions. A cag can be added to give more warm/wind protection if needed. Used to boat in this all the time and the IR posh version
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/mens-neoprene-top-900-black-id_8544518.html
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