HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR WETSUIT? - Homies Shop

Summer is upon us and hurricane season is often in the fall and spring. What does it mean ? This means that good swell will hit the East Coast and opportunities to slam Chicoutimi-Maine will become frequent! Not a surf lover? Our lakes and rivers will break free of the ice and you might want to bring your wake surfing, wake, watercraft or other season forward to May and June? Same after summer for September and October when our water temperatures drop?

In any case, you'll need a WETSUIT, and we have some at Homies! Here are some tips to help you choose.

 

Why is it hot?

A wetsuit is not complicated, the wetsuit lets in a small amount of water and your body heats it up. The thicker and more airtight the wetsuit, the warmer it keeps you.

 

What to know before buying?

The right size

Know that a wetsuit is categorically tight and super tight. The layer of water that penetrates must be as thin as possible, so there's no question of being too comfortable with your wetsuit. Most companies will offer different sizes to help you: medium tall or medium small, large tall or large small, and so on. It's the balance between as tight as possible and agility that you must retain. At Homies, it's the Ripcurl brand, so you can rely on the size chart below to find the right size for you.

 

 

Types of zippers

Front zip, back zip and chest zip. Front zips are the easiest to put on and are ideal for a warm water wetsuit. The back zips are just as easy to put on, even more so, on the other hand, the long zip located in the back is less effective against cold water and less flexible. Chest zips are a little more difficult to put on, but offer a lot of warmth and flexibility. It's pretty much our favorite here! But again, it all depends on where and what activity you're going to do with your wet.

 

Thicknesses

We report that in millimetres. A 5/4 means 5 mm of water in the body and 4 mm in the legs, arms and other parts of the body that require more flexibility.
 

Here is what is suggested depending on the season:

  • Spring and summer (water at 19 to 23 degrees): 2mm

  • Spring (water at 15 to 20 degrees): 2mm long or 3/2 sleeves

  • Fall (water at 12 to 17 degrees): 4/3

  • Fall and winter (water between 9 and 13 degrees): 5/4

 

The seams

Seams flat and joined. The flat seams on the so-called entry-level suits are ideal for occasional use. Joined or taped seams go on high-end wetsuits. They keep water in really well and are often considered the best choice for a durable wetsuit.

 

Gloves, balaclava and boots

It's not complicated, it's rather rare that someone buys a wetsuit below 3mm and does not take the gloves, the hood and the boots. Often offered from 3mm to 7mm, these accessories are essential. In order of importance? Feet definitely, head and hands.

 

For more advice, the Homies Chicoutimi team is waiting for you!

Surf

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