It is essential for a trouble-free and problem-free practice: let’s find out how to do it in detail.

Wearing a wetsuit correctly when surfing? It seems like a trifle, but it’s not: protecting yourself from high temperatures, water infiltration and discomfort is essential to get the most out of your experience in the water.

That’s why we thought of creating this guide, in which we will take you step by step through the correct procedure to put on a wetsuit, focusing especially on those who have never had this experience or need some extra advice.

Read also: How long does it take to learn to surf? Let’s clarify

Wearing a wetsuit: the steps to follow

The first thing to do is to choose a wetsuit suitable for the water conditions and the season of the year. There are suits of different thicknesses and styles, so it is important to choose the most suitable one for the water temperature and local climate.

Now we move on to the dressing phase.

Before putting on your wetsuit, dry your entire body thoroughly: it will be much easier to slide the wetsuit over your skin when you are dry. Also remove any jewelry or sharp objects that could damage the wetsuit.

• Start by putting on socks and gloves, if necessary, to protect your hands and feet. Next, move on to the bottom of the suit: tuck your legs into the suit as if you were wearing pants. Make sure it is snug, but not too tight. Lift the top of the suit above your shoulders and start tucking your arms through the cuffs and inside the sleeves.
• Lift the neoprene up to the waist: make sure the neoprene fits snugly around the waist and that there are no folds or wrinkles.
• Close the zipper: if the suit has a zipper on the back or chest, be sure to close it completely. Be careful not to pinch your skin when zipping.
• Check the fit: make sure the suit fits snugly on your body without being too tight. You should be able to move comfortably.
• Carefully close all hook-and-loop fasteners, such as neck or ankle straps, if present. This helps prevent water from entering.
• Check now that the suit fits you well: make some movements, such as leaning forward or raising your arms, to make sure that the suit is not too tight and allows you to move easily. If you feel that it is too tight in some areas, you may need to choose another size or another type of wetsuit.

This is, in a nutshell, the procedure for correctly putting on a wetsuit.

Let’s see now how to choose a wetsuit according to the different models available on the market.

Surfing wetsuit: which one to choose

Choosing the right wetsuit is crucial to the surfing experience. Wetsuits, the most commonly used, differ mainly by the type of closure: back zipper, front zipper or no zipper.

The back zipper wetsuit is the more traditional model, ideal for beginners or people with less flexibility. It is put on starting with the legs, proceeding gradually to adapt the suit to the body without damaging it. The back zipper makes it easier to put on, but may limit the elasticity.

The more recent and very popular front-zip suit offers greater elasticity and waterproofing. It is fitted through an opening in the chest, and proceeds by inserting the legs and then one arm at a time. The neck zipper completes the process.

The zipperless suit is the latest innovation in terms of design: it is similar to the model with a front zipper, but without a zipper. It is positioned through an opening between the shoulder and the chest. The advantages of this model? Maximum elasticity and increased waterproofness.

What to wear under the wetsuit?

This is a personal choice and varies according to individual preferences. Some surfers prefer to wear nothing to maximize skin contact with the neoprene, while others opt for swimsuits or bikinis for extra support.

Read also: At what age can you start learning to surf?

In conclusion

Surfing is more than a sport, it is a passion and a culture that involves thousands of fans around the world. Those who approach this evocative world may face challenges, such as learning the technique: in this case, having a good surf school will help you understand how to tame the board. In this regard, check out our surf courses in Fuerteventura.

Choosing and putting on a wetsuit correctly is also far from being a triviality: on the contrary, it is essential to practice without problems. Choosing the right model and following the practical advice on how to put on a wetsuit, which we have just outlined, will make the experience of surfing the waves more comfortable.

Once your wetsuit is properly fitted, you’re ready to get in the water and enjoy the waves, but remember to take care of your wetsuit after each session by rinsing it with fresh water and leaving it to dry in the shade to keep it in good condition over time.

By following these steps, you should be able to put on a wetsuit correctly and enjoy your surf sessions to the fullest.

Takeaways

• Choosing the right wetsuit depends on water temperature and local weather, with options varying in thickness and style to offer the best protection.
• Drying completely before putting on the suit and removing jewelry or accessories prevents damage and allows the neoprene to better fit the body.
• Start at the legs, fitting the suit snugly without creases. Work your way up to the shoulders and arms, making sure it is snug but comfortable.
• Back-zippered suits are easier to use but less stretchy, while front-zippered and unzippered suits offer greater flexibility and waterproofing.
• After each session, it is essential to rinse the suit with fresh water and leave it to dry in the shade to extend its useful life.

FAQ

How to choose the right wetsuit?

To choose the right wetsuit, it is important to consider the water temperature and the local climate. There are wetsuits of different thicknesses and styles, so choose the one that best suits your surfing conditions.

What is the correct procedure for putting on a wetsuit?

Before putting on your wetsuit, you should dry off well and remove any jewelry or accessories that may damage it. Start by putting on socks and gloves if necessary, and then continue adjusting the suit from the legs to the shoulders, making sure it fits snugly but comfortably.

What should I wear under my wetsuit?

It is a personal choice. Some surfers prefer to wear nothing underneath the wetsuit to maximize skin contact, while others opt to wear swim trunks or bikinis for added support.