Buy a wetsuit for surf, kitesurf and cold water
A wetsuit is a close-fitting neoprene suit that traps a thin layer of water between your skin and the material, which your body heat warms up and so insulates against cold water and wind. Which wetsuit you need depends on water temperature, season and the watersport: for Dutch conditions a fullsuit with the right neoprene thickness is almost always the best choice. The range includes wetsuits from Prolimit, JOBE, Mystic, Magic Marine and more, in shorty and fullsuit versions for surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, SUP and diving. Find specific versionsmen's wetsuits, women's wetsuitschildren's wetsuits.
Which wetsuit thickness do I need?
| Thickness | Water temperature | Season / use | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 mm | 22 degrees and higher | Holiday warm water, snorkeling | Shorty or thin fullsuit |
| 3/2 mm | 18 to 22 degrees | Summer in the Netherlands, late July and August | Fullsuit or shorty |
| 4/3 mm | 12 to 17 degrees | Spring, autumn and cooler summer days | Fullsuit, most versatile choice |
| 5/4 mm | 9 to 13 degrees | Winter | Fullsuit with gloves and hood |
| 6/4 mm | Below 9 degrees | Severe winter, ice swimming | Fullsuit with full accessories |
Rule of thumb: in the Netherlands a 4/3 mm fullsuit is the most versatile choice for those active year-round or from spring onward. A 3/2 mm is sufficient for summer activities in July and August. For winter surfing without interruption you go to 5/4 mm or 6/4 mm and combine with neoprene gloves, hood and surf shoes.
Shorty or fullsuit
A shorty has short sleeves and legs to above the knee, ideal for warm water and short sessions where freedom of movement prevails over insulation. A fullsuit covers arms and legs fully and insulates your whole body, which in the Netherlands is practically always needed outside high summer. When in doubt: choose a fullsuit, because you can always cut your session short if overheated, but you cannot extend it when cold. For racing, windsurfing and kitesurfing you always choose a fullsuit because of wind chill.
Frequently asked questions about wetsuits
How should a wetsuit fit?
A wetsuit should fit tightly around the whole body, without folds at the knees, armpits or lower back, and without pinching at the neck or shoulders. A wetsuit that is too loose lets in new cold water continuously and barely insulates because the warm water layer between skin and neoprene cannot stagnate. A wetsuit that is too tight restricts your breathing and freedom of movement. When between sizes: choose the smaller one, because neoprene stretches slightly on first use. Fit the wetsuit with the under-clothing you will actually wear (usually nothing, for those wanting protection against chafing a thin lycra shirt).
What do you wear under a wetsuit?
In most cases you wear nothing under a wetsuit, because the neoprene seals best directly against the skin and the insulating water layer works most effectively. For those prone to chafing or wanting sun protection, a thin lycra shirt under the fullsuit is a good solution. In winter you can wear a thin neoprene vest or long-sleeve top under a 5/4 mm fullsuit for extra warmth. Cotton clothing is not recommended because cotton holds water and makes the wetsuit heavier and colder.
What is the difference between a cheap and an expensive wetsuit?
The price difference is mainly in the neoprene quality, the seams and the finishing. Cheap wetsuits use stiffer neoprene with less freedom of movement at shoulders and knees, and simple flat seams that let in more water. More expensive wetsuits use super-stretch neoprene for maximum freedom of movement and GBS (glued blind stitched) or liquid-sealed seams that barely let in water. For occasional use (holidays, a few times per season) an entry-level wetsuit is more than enough. For weekly or daily water use, a premium wetsuit pays off in comfort and lifespan.
How do you maintain a wetsuit?
Rinse the wetsuit with fresh water after every salt water use, both inside and out. Hang the wetsuit inside out on a wide hanger out of direct sunlight and wind, because UV and heat accelerate the degradation of neoprene. Periodically use a special wetsuit shampoo such as Nikwax or a similar neoprene soap to remove salt, sunscreen and bacteria. Avoid hot washes, aggressive cleaning products and the washing machine. Never pull the wetsuit off by the sleeves or legs, because that tears the seams. Only store when fully dry.
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