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Expert advice from real kiters

How to Buy a Wetsuit

If you’re looking to buy a kitesurfing wetsuit, there are a few factors you will need to keep in mind. Most important are the fit, the warmth and the movement.


Buying this kind of kit is not something you will be doing all that often. Our team is always available for a chat to help you feel confident about your decision, so you can be confident before your purchase.  Local kitesurfers are most welcome to come over and try as many as you want. We’ve got the full Mystic range available in most sizes.


So, let’s get into a bit more of the detail! 


Why do you need a wetsuit?


You need to ask yourself what are you buying it for and when are you using it. If you want to keep kiting right through winter, then the thickest full-body suit will be best. If warmth is not important because, for example, you’re heading into for example a tropical summer and planning on perfecting some more kiting tricks, then a thick suit is not right for you.  Instead go for a short-sleeve and leg option with low millimetre thickness, so as to give you maximum movement.  


All this said it really comes down to where you are in the world. If you live for example in the UK, Ireland or Scandinavia, then chances are that you need fairly thick neoprene even in summer. Conversely, if you do most of your kiting in the Mediterranean then you’ll likely need thinner kit for most of the year.


Again, this is easily figured out so just contact us for a chat. 

 


What are the benefits of a kitesurfing wetsuit?


This is paramount kit, particularly in cold conditions. Not only will it work to keep you as warm as possible, but in summer it’s going to better protect your skin against UV rays, wind, jellyfish, stingers etc. Also, it will help to keep you buoyant during those infrequent times when you’re in the water, rather than on it! 


How to fit a wetsuit 

You want your kit to be a very snug fit - no bulges anywhere and really feeling as if it were a second skin. Every part of the fit should be snug, especially around the neck, wrists and ankles as these are evidently where water might otherwise seap in. Don’t stress if you step into your gear and find it a bit of a process - this should be the case. Over time you will find getting in and out becomes faster and easier (we have plenty of tips to help!). 


Check out the this Mystic size chart  to get an idea of the best suit for you physique. 

Do wetsuits keep you warm?  

In a word - absolutely!

Evidently the thicker the neoprene; the warmer it is going to be. If you really suffer in the cold you can consider some thermal base layers designed for aquatic sports - again we can help out here. Remember however, that the thicker your neoprene, the less stretch and movement you will have. That said technology has come so far these days that even the thickest versions give a surprising level of flex. 


We stock full body suits which will cover all limbs, as well as summer version gear which finishes short in the arms and legs. 


How thick should my wetsuit be? 


Thickness is measured in what looks like a ratio, so let’s say 3/2. This indicates the mm thickness around the core/body (so in this instance it’s 3mm) and then around the limbs (so 2mm). 


Broadly speaking, for kiting we would recommend a 3/2 to 4/3 to be used in the Northern European summer. For a Northern European winter you’d need to be looking at a thickness of 5/4 or 6/4. 


Wetsuit seam construction 

When it comes to gear for kiting, you’ve three types of seam construction available:


  • Flatlock Seams
  • This seam looks a bit like train tracks on the outside and inside of the gear. Some water will seep in through flatlock seams, so you should only consider this option for your summer suits. 


  • Sealed Seams
  • This combines stitching and glue and although a little water can still get through, it’s appropriate for colder water conditions. 


  • Sealed and Liquid Taped Seams 
  • For the very coldest of conditions, this is the seam you should be looking for. It combines liquid tape over one or both sides of the stitching, and is designed to keep all water out. 


    Front zip versus back zip, which is best? 

    That answer ultimately comes down to personal preference. The difference is probably self-explanatory; one option has the zip located on the chest of the wetsuit, the other is located on the back. Typically, a back zip is easier to get in and out of as the opening is longer. A front zip however, tends to provide slightly more flexibility in upper body movement. Note, there are also zip-free options available - ask us if you're interested! 

     

    Looking for a great kitesurf wetsuit shop? Best wetsuit deals are here!

    Now you’ve got the key information around buying the best kitesurfing wetsuit for you, check out our wetsuits below and see what’s on offer. We’re always keen to hear from you, help out some more, and strike the very best deals, so reach out to us!