Thickness Based on Water
| Water | Recommended Wetsuit |
|---|---|
| Above 24 °C | Lycra or neoprene top |
| 20 to 24 °C | Shorty or 2 mm |
| 16 to 20 °C | 3/2 mm |
| 12 to 16 °C | 4/3 mm, booties recommended |
| 8 to 12 °C | 5/4 mm, booties, gloves, hood |
| Below 8 °C | 6/5 mm or drysuit, full gear |
The wind cools you down a lot: when kiting, go for one size up from surfing. The first number is the thickness of the torso, the second is for the arms and legs.
Choosing Wisely
- Back zip or chest zip: the chest zip lets in less water.
- Glued and taped seams: essential starting from 4/3.
- The wetsuit should be fitted without restricting the shoulders: you’ll be raising your arms all session long.
Protections
- Helmet: highly recommended for beginners, in foil and big air.
- Impact vest: protects your ribs and helps you float (it's not a life vest).
- Booties: protect against rocks, corals, sea urchins, and cold.
- Line cutter: often tucked in the harness, for cutting tangled lines.
- Board leash: only for surf and foil, never for twintip (the board would come back to you).
Rinse the wetsuit in fresh water and let it dry in the shade, inside out: it will last twice as long.