Keeping Warm
When I first started surfing, I just used a wetsuit that I got years and years ago when I first started learning. It was an Excel and it served me well. It was so well made that it lasted me 7 years, though it wasn't used all that much.
After a couple of seasons, I decided to get a new suit because I was much smaller in college and had outgrown the suit. I went with something affordable, a Billabong that didn't cost that much, about $150. It fit better than my first wetsuit, but the warmth was about the same. It would flush every so often after a bad wipeout and I would have some water trapped in either my arms or legs. The initial steps into the water, my legs felt fine till I got to the knees, then I'd feel little pin pricks letting me know what the water temperature was. I just thought this was normal.
The suit lasted more than a few seasons before it started to thin out. My guess was the constant act of putting it on and taking it off stretched out the rubber too much. I decided to splurge a bit and get a nicer wetsuit, but didn't want to go all out and buy a wetsuit over $300. My friend bought a Psycho One from O'Neill. He loved it. It kept him dry for the most part.
I tried a bunch of different suits on and bought a Quiksilver that was a little over $200. It had piece that went over the head to prevent flushing. The suit was glue stitched and it felt great. The piece that went over the head took a little getting used to as it felt like I was getting choked. Within the first few months, a seam tore at the back of the calf. The location was right where the heel puts pressure as I put on the suit. Rather unfortunate location for a seam.
A friend recommended a shop where I could get it repaired. I brought it in and the guy said that it would be a little tough to get fixed because of the glue stitching. They were able to fix it for $40. I used it for another month before the other leg tore open. Instead of getting it repaired, I opted to just get a new suit, one that wasn't glue stitched. I could be getting the terminology wrong. When I say glue stitched, it didn't have threads, just some sort of rubber seal.
I bought into the advertising, "We make the best and fix the rest." In case you're wondering, it's a Coral Reef wetsuit. For $200, off the rack, I got a 3/3 and for $40 more, they tailored it for me. I have yet to try it out since the water has been so warm, but am sure it'll work out great. It's still in my closet, but it's just a matter of time before I break it out.
As for why I haven't posted much on this blog, it's because I had knee surgery. The knee is still not 100%. My timing has been off and my stamina is not that great. I am more nervous about head high plus waves these days, not trusting myself. The home break is more crowded than before. There are also new friendly face. After a couple of waves, all my worries go away and I remember why I struggled through the cold mornings and endless hours just paddling without catching anything. The rides make it all worthwhile.
After a couple of seasons, I decided to get a new suit because I was much smaller in college and had outgrown the suit. I went with something affordable, a Billabong that didn't cost that much, about $150. It fit better than my first wetsuit, but the warmth was about the same. It would flush every so often after a bad wipeout and I would have some water trapped in either my arms or legs. The initial steps into the water, my legs felt fine till I got to the knees, then I'd feel little pin pricks letting me know what the water temperature was. I just thought this was normal.
The suit lasted more than a few seasons before it started to thin out. My guess was the constant act of putting it on and taking it off stretched out the rubber too much. I decided to splurge a bit and get a nicer wetsuit, but didn't want to go all out and buy a wetsuit over $300. My friend bought a Psycho One from O'Neill. He loved it. It kept him dry for the most part.
I tried a bunch of different suits on and bought a Quiksilver that was a little over $200. It had piece that went over the head to prevent flushing. The suit was glue stitched and it felt great. The piece that went over the head took a little getting used to as it felt like I was getting choked. Within the first few months, a seam tore at the back of the calf. The location was right where the heel puts pressure as I put on the suit. Rather unfortunate location for a seam.
A friend recommended a shop where I could get it repaired. I brought it in and the guy said that it would be a little tough to get fixed because of the glue stitching. They were able to fix it for $40. I used it for another month before the other leg tore open. Instead of getting it repaired, I opted to just get a new suit, one that wasn't glue stitched. I could be getting the terminology wrong. When I say glue stitched, it didn't have threads, just some sort of rubber seal.
I bought into the advertising, "We make the best and fix the rest." In case you're wondering, it's a Coral Reef wetsuit. For $200, off the rack, I got a 3/3 and for $40 more, they tailored it for me. I have yet to try it out since the water has been so warm, but am sure it'll work out great. It's still in my closet, but it's just a matter of time before I break it out.
As for why I haven't posted much on this blog, it's because I had knee surgery. The knee is still not 100%. My timing has been off and my stamina is not that great. I am more nervous about head high plus waves these days, not trusting myself. The home break is more crowded than before. There are also new friendly face. After a couple of waves, all my worries go away and I remember why I struggled through the cold mornings and endless hours just paddling without catching anything. The rides make it all worthwhile.
posted by Dan at 3:26 PM
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