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

Wearing a wetsuit the right way to surf? It sounds like a no-brainer, but it’s not: protecting yourself from high temperatures, water seepage, and discomfort is critical to making the most of your experience in the water.

So we thought we would create this guide, in which we will walk you step by step through the correct procedure for putting 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 get some clarity

Wearing a wetsuit for surfing: the steps to follow

The first thing to do is to choose a surf wetsuit appropriate for the water conditions and season. Wetsuits come in different thicknesses and styles, so it is important to choose the most appropriate one for the water temperature and local climate.

We now turn to the dressing phase.

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

• Start by wearing socks and gloves, if necessary, so that your hands and feet are protected. Then move on to the lower part of the wetsuit: tuck your legs into the wetsuit as if you were wearing a pair of pants. Make sure it is snug but not too tight. Lift the top part of the wetsuit over your shoulders and start tucking your arms into the cuffs and inside the sleeves.
• Lift the wetsuit up to the waist: make sure the wetsuit is well positioned on the waist and that there are no creases or wrinkles.
• Close the zipper: If the wetsuit has a zipper on the back or chest, be sure to close it completely. Be careful not to pinch the skin when you close the zipper.
• Check the fit: make sure the wetsuit is snug against 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 any. This helps prevent water from entering.
• Now check that the wetsuit fits comfortably: make a few movements, such as bending forward or raising your arms, to make sure the wetsuit is not too tight and allows you to move easily. If you feel it is too tight in some areas, you may need to choose a different size or type of wetsuit.

Here, in brief, is the procedure for putting on the suit correctly.
Now let’s see how to choose a surf suit based on the different models available on the market.

Surfing wetsuit: which one to choose

Choosing the right wetsuit is crucial to enjoying the surfing experience. Neoprene wetsuits, the most popular, are distinguished primarily by the type of closure: back zipper, front zipper, or no zipper.

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

The newer and very popular front-zip wetsuit offers more stretch and waterproofing. It is put on through an opening in the chest, and proceeded by inserting the legs and then one arm at a time. The neck closure completes the process.

The zipperless wetsuit is the latest innovation in design: it is similar to the front-zip model, but has no zippers. It is put on through an opening between the shoulder and chest. The advantages of this model? Maximum elasticity and more waterproofness.

What to wear under the wetsuit?

This is a personal choice and varies according to individual preferences. Some surfers prefer not to wear anything to maximize the contact between skin and neoprene, while others opt for swimsuits or bikinis for more support.

Read also: At what age can you start learning surfing?

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, relying on a good surf school will help to understand how to tame the board. In this regard take a look here at our surfing courses in Fuerteventura.

Choosing and wearing a wetsuit correctly is also far from a triviality: on the contrary, it is essential for practicing smoothly. Choosing the right model and following the practical tips on how to wear a wetsuit, which we have just outlined, will make the experience of riding waves more comfortable.

Once you’ve properly donned your wetsuit, you’re ready to get in the water and enjoy the waves-but remember to take care of your wetsuit after each session, rinsing it with fresh water and letting it 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 properly and enjoy your surfing sessions to the fullest.

Takeaways

• Wearing a wetsuit correctly in surfing is essential to ensure a practice without discomfort and problems in the water.
• Choosing a wetsuit suitable for the water conditions and season is critical. Consider thickness and style based on water temperature and local climate.
• The procedure for putting on a wetsuit requires attention to detail. Be sure to dry your body well, remove jewelry and sharp objects, and put on socks and gloves if necessary. Follow a specific sequence for dressing: start with the legs, then the arms, lift the wetsuit up to the waist, zipper it up, and make sure the fit is snug.
• Surfing wetsuits can vary in zipper closure, including back, front or no zipper. Choose the type that best suits your needs for flexibility and waterproofness.
• A well-maintained wetsuit will last longer. After each session, rinse it with fresh water and let it dry in the shade.

Questions & Answers

How to wear a wetsuit for surfing?

To properly put on a wetsuit, follow these steps: choose a wetsuit suitable for the conditions, dry your body well, put on socks and gloves if necessary, tuck in your legs, lift the wetsuit up to your waist, zipper it up, check the fit, and close all the Velcro closures.

Which surfing wetsuit to choose?

Choosing the right wetsuit is crucial. There are back-zip, front-zip and no-zip wetsuits. The back-zip wetsuit is traditional but limits elasticity. The front-zip wetsuit offers more elasticity. The wetsuit without a zipper offers maximum elasticity and waterproofness.

What to wear under a wetsuit?

The choice of what to wear under a wetsuit is personal. Some prefer to wear nothing, while others opt for swimsuits or bikinis for more support.