What should be your wetsuit of choice?

Shopping for a wetsuit is an enjoyable activity for most, but it can be quite aggravating if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Nowadays, there are more wetsuit brands and types than ever, producing so many different models that that the notion of ‘choice anxiety’ becomes a real thing.

At SRFACE we like to keep things simple, offering four different wetsuit types with distinct qualities: Heat, Flex, Remix and Eco wetsuits. If you’ve been on the lookout for a new wetsuit but don’t exactly know what you’re looking for, the following insights should help you to narrow down your options.

TIME 9 minutes

AUTHOR Augustus Schraven

What should be your wetsuit of choice?

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE BUYING A WETSUIT

The requirements you’re looking for in a wetsuit might depend on your personal preference. We’ll discuss the most important ones (in our opinion). Size, thickness, sustainability and features.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT WETSUIT SIZE

First of all, for a wetsuit to function like it should, it has to fit properly. In essence, a wetsuit is like a second skin and should fit accordingly. Is your wetsuit too big? Water will flush in making you heavier, drag through the water and cool down quickly. On the other hand, if it is too small it will cause a tight, restrictive and uncomfortable feeling and will compromise your flexibility. You don’t want to be restricted by your wetsuit, so flexibility and comfort are very important to consider.

Good news – you can determine your ideal wetsuit size by using the SRFACE Size Finder, or contact us on our live chat for a personal size advice.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT WETSUIT THICKNESS

The second thing to take into account when buying a new wetsuit is the thickness and insulation capabilities. If a wetsuit doesn’t keep you warm, why even bother, right?

As a rule of thumb, high-quality neoprene and better manufacturing techniques allow you to wear a thinner wetsuit. Choosing the right wetsuit thickness is fairly important, bailing on a quality session before your mates do because you’re cold is never an option. Our Thickness Calculator will help you select the right wetsuit thickness depending on where and when you surf.

BUY A SUSTAINABLE WETSUIT

Thirdly you should consider sustainability. To SRFACE, ‘sustainability’ isn’t just some marketing buzzword; it has been an integral part of our compass and business strategy since the day we’ve founded our company.

The main neoprene compound for most wetsuits on the market remains chloroprene. However, instead of using ‘dirty’ petroleum-based ingredients we exclusively work with limestone neoprene and natural rubber foam developed by Yulex®.

Now that we have established our key wetsuit performance indicators, let’s dive into the different SRFACE wetsuit models.

SRFACE HEAT WETSUIT

The name says it all, this wetsuit is all about keeping you warm. SRFACE Heat wetsuits are made from limestone neoprene and come in a 3/2mm (men's only), 4/3mm, 5/4mm and a 5/4mm hooded version. A couple of specific features in the wetsuit guarantee optimal thermal efficiency.

To start with, the smoothskin chest-, and back panel will keep your core warm without compromising on flexibility. Smoothskin is single-lined neoprene that protects you from windchill. This type of chest and back panels enable you to surf longer in cold and windy conditions. 

Secondly, the SRFACE Heat wetsuit also features thoughtfully designed seams. To reinforce a traditional Glued and Blind Stitched (GBS) seam, we’ve applied a liquid rubber seal on top of the stitching to create a sealed outside seam. This liquid rubber seal gives the seam an extra layer of protection from water entering the wetsuit. It’s a more durable construction that lasts longer than normal GBS seams. The technical name for this seam construction is S-seal. Although not as good looking, S-seal is found to be more durable than the thinner powerseams.

Additionally, we’ve also reinforced the inside of the GBS seams by applying neoprene tape on the inside. These neotape inside seams make the junctures even more waterproof by forming an extra layer of protection against water leaks. It also protects against seam irritation on the skin. 

SRFACE FLEX WETSUIT

SRFACE Flex wetsuits are designed for maximum freedom of motion. Made from limestone neoprene, these suits are available in a 2/2mm short arm (men's only) and a 3/2mm version.

Equipped with GBS seams and inside taped seams, our Flex wetsuits are ideal for warmer days and shorter sessions. The flexible nylon lining feels smooth on the skin and stretches 400% in all directions. Without the smoothskin mesh panels and liquid sealed seams, Flex wetsuits are lighter and perfect for summer conditions.

SRFACE REMIX WETSUIT

Introducing the Remix. We've listened to your feedback and requests, and decided to develop a warm wetsuit wetsuit with the highest possible freedom of motion. After researching and testing dozens of materials we decided on the renowned Japanese Yamamoto neoprene. The Yamamoto company was established in 1964 and has been producing state-of-the-art neoprene ever since. By using Yamamoto #40 - the highest quality neoprene available - the Remix is able to provide uncompromising heat and flex.

Equipped with GBS seams and inside taped seams, our Remix wetsuits are ideal for colder days and longer sessions in all seasons. Without the smoothskin mesh panels and liquid sealed seams, but with warmer Yamamoto #40 neoprene, the Remix is an amazing allround wetsuit.

SRFACE ECO WETSUIT

If you’re looking for the most sustainable wetsuit, the SRFACE Eco wetsuit is your best choice. SRFACE Eco wetsuits are made with Yulex®, a neoprene-free material. The flexible foam is made from natural rubber which is sustainably harvested from Hevea rubber trees in Sri Lanka. The flexible plant-based rubber is purified and made into a high-quality closed cell foam, maximizing flexibility and insulation while causing minimum harm to our environment. All Yulex® rubber plantations are FSC® certified.

Our Eco wetsuits are available in a 4/3 version, making it ideal for spring, autumn or a cold summer morning (11°C-19°C). The SRFACE Eco wetsuit seams are Glued and Blind Stitched as well as hand taped on the inside with neotape. 

Yulex® is constantly improving their material. Nowadays it can compete with ‘regular’ and limestone neoprene with regards to flexibility and insulation.

WHAT SRFACE WETSUIT TO CHOOSE

So, what should be your wetsuit of choice? This choice will largely depend on the conditions you’ll be surfing in and your personal preferences.

If you tend to run cold quickly or if you'll be surfing in chilly conditions, we’d recommend a SRFACE Heat wetsuit due to its insulation features, designed to keep you as warm as possible.

Looking for that boardshort feeling? Then you might have found your new wetsuit in our Flex range. Light and flexible, this wetsuit offers as much freedom of motion a wetsuit can provide.

Looking for a super high-end all-round wetsuit made with the best neoprene available? Then you might have found your new wetsuit in our Remix range. Warmer than our Flex, more flexible than our Heat. Don't compromise. Remix.

If you’re in the search of an eco-friendly option in which you can surf the bigger part of the year, the Eco range is what you’ll need. 

If you are still feeling unsure – no problem. Our experienced team of surfers are standing by to provide you with expert wetsuit advice, or discuss your personal size requirements. Just hit us up on the live chat.

The ultimate wetsuit for every surfer

From €159

TIME 9 minutes

AUTHOR Augustus Schraven