What wetsuit do I need?

What size wetsuit would i need?

• ok .. so im gunna start surfing and need to buy a wetsuit ive been looking online.. i found a couple .. but was wondering if a 34" 155-160cm XS would fit me im age 17 very thin wear size 4/6 uk size clothes is it bad buying a wetsuit onlinee ????

• Answer:

  The best wetsuit for someone who wants to learn to surf is one rented from your surfing instructor. Seriously, this question gets asked a lot, and the answer is always the same, so forgive me if I "cut and paste" it from the last time. Lessons are the best way to start. Lessons can come from a professional instructor, or surfing family members or experienced surfing friends. Professional lessons are NOT that expensive, and they are a wise investment.You have to learn surf etiquette (so the experienced surfers in the line up don't want to drown you), how to paddle and take off on a wave, and how to ride a wave. The last thing experienced surfers want is for inexperienced people to just grab a board, rush into the surf and get in our way. Lessons shorten the learning curve significantly. And they help keep ignorant, un-prepared kooks out of the water and out of the way of more experienced surfers. Don't even think about buying your own surfboard, yet. A surfboard is a big investment. Beginners should take advantage of renting boards and wetsuits while taking lessons. If it turns out you don't like surfing, you haven't wasted a whole lot of money on gear that you are not going to use. When you are ready to buy, don't waste your time on line, go to a good local surf shop to discuss your size (weight is import, height isn't), skill level and local wave conditions. After 46 years of surfing, I still get my surfboard buying advice from good local shops in the places where I surf. A surf shop is also the best place to find information on instructors. Unless you are familiar with a particular brand, never buiy a wetsuit on line. Every manufacturer sizes theor sutisd slightly differently. A women XS in one brand is NOT the same asa women's XS in another. The best way to buty a wet suit is to try one on in a surf shop or dive shop. Wet suits are like swim suits, they are "non-returnable". Don't waste money on a suit that doesn't fit well. An poor fittning wet suit is worse than useless. And, I know there are lots of nice kids who want to share information with you on line. But don't take the advice from youngsters, who may know even less than you do about surfing, a surfboard is a big investment. I hope you are mature enough to read through the BS that lots of people throw at you on line. So, I would be very careful about who's advice you take. Good luck with surfing. I started when I was 14, that was in 1966. As you can see, I have been surfing for a while, and it has given me a lifetime of fun. It will for you too, if you take the time to learn the right way