13 January 2022
If you’re wondering what wetsuit to buy for which conditions, it can be a
balance. The thicker the wetsuit, the warmer it will be. However, thicker
wetsuits can impair movement and flexibility.
How do wetsuits work?
A layer of water is trapped under the surface of the wetsuit, where it is
warmed by body heat. This creates an insulating barrier.
The neoprene material used in wetsuit construction contains air pockets
which provide additional insulation. Thicker neoprene offers better heat
conservation.
How effective a wetsuit is will depend on the quality of the suit’s
workmanship, the materials used, and how well it fits the individual.
A loose-fitting wetsuit will retain water less well
, negating the insulating action provided by the barrier of water.
What wetsuit thickness is best?
This will depend mostly on the activity the wearer is partaking in, how
much flexibility is needed and how cold conditions are. Quality wetsuits
will utilise techniques and materials that insulate better with less
restriction.
Two (sometimes three) numbers are used to denote wetsuit thickness in
retailer’s descriptions, e.g. 4/3/3. These figures reflect the amount of
insulating material (in millimetres) used in the torso
panels, then the legs, and finally the arms.
Thick torso panels keep core body temperature up. Thinner panels on the
limbs offer increased mobility for arms and legs.
Wetsuit thicknesses
2mm wetsuit
A wetsuit of this thickness is often considered a summer option. 2mm
wetsuits can be warm enough in cool temperatures, while undertaking a high
intensity sport, or if supplemented with accessories, such as hoods or
thermal wetsuit underlayers
.
3mm wetsuit
For spring or autumn days when the wind is up, a 4/3 or completely 3mm
wetsuit will provide decent insulation. 3mm-thick neoprene won’t restrict
movement in arms or legs, but it will keep the wearer warmer than a 2mm
wetsuit would.
5mm wetsuit
Once water temperatures drop below 10°C, a 5mm wetsuit is recommended. This
could be 5mm in the torso panels, but potentially thinner over the
limbs to allow more flexibility.
If you intend to be underwater for extended periods, or there are strong
winds, wetsuit hoods can prevent further heat loss and
protect from surfer’s ear: a painful condition caused by
repeated exposure to cold winds and water.
It’s also recommended to wear
wetsuit boots or socks
to protect from cold water lapping at the board. This can quickly sap heat
and lead to balance issues, should feet or ankles become numb. This also
has the potential to cause painful chilblains.
Thicker wetsuits
Water at 6°C or lower may require 6mm or even 7mm wetsuits to protect from
extreme cold. It’s inadvisable to go without a wetsuit hood in these
temperatures.
Thick arctic wetsuits (6mm and above) are becoming less common, as material
technology improves. Thinner wetsuits are increasingly able to deliver
effective insulating performance without stifling the wearer or reducing
their movement.
Wetsuit types
Material thickness isn’t the only factor that affects wetsuit warmth.
Style, accessories and manufacturing all influence effectiveness against
cold temperatures.
The best wetsuit for open water swimming will differ from the best for
kayaking or paddleboarding. This is down to differences in the amount of
time spent in the water versus the types of physical activities and their
durations.
Those with smaller budgets or restricted storage may not have the option
for multiple wetsuits of varying thickness.
Wetsuit accessories
are less of an investment and provide the option to remove or add layers
out on the water, should weather conditions change.
Wetsuit seams
Seams can make or break a winter wetsuit. Well-sealed seams will prevent
water from being flushed through the suit, reducing its insulating
potential. Neoprene tape seals are the most effective.
Glued- and blind-stitched seals are more common, but are also effective and
comfortable.
When
paddleboarding in winter
, always respect the elements and dress to the conditions. While you may
not intend to spend much time in the water, you should be prepared for all
eventualities.
Equipment warm enough for daytime sun and light wind may not hold up in
adverse weather or if you become stranded in cold water. Well-made winter
wetsuits can be your lifeline and help avoid hypothermia.
For wetsuits you can trust,
browse the full range of winter wetsuits available on our website
.
