What wetsuit thickness do i need?

[R3d Nemesis]

I want to get out onto the water and am just getting the basic essentials together.

Is a wetsuit or drysuit better?

How thick in mm do i need the wetsuit to be for the UK (i want to go in winter and summer)?

any help/advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanx in advance!!!

[mkratty]

i got a cheapo shortie from aldi that goes under my 3mm .i used it last year so will be doing the same this winter .

 

get a decent 3mm full suit then get a cheap shortie for extra warmth .

 

glove ,boots and a hood are a must !!!!!!!!!

[jordan_aryan]

i got a cheapo shortie from aldi that goes under my 3mm .i used it last year so will be doing the same this winter .

 

get a decent 3mm full suit then get a cheap shortie for extra warmth .

 

glove ,boots and a hood are a must !!!!!!!!!

 

 

^thats a really effective way of doing it.

 

my method is to get a really good 5mm semi dry, 3/4 of the year youll need it.

the 5m keeps the water out until you bail. but most importantly its effective at keeping wind chill to a min as its all rubber(ish).

 

then in the summer i use a bog standard 3mm.

 

Probs cheaper doing it MKratty's way.

[Hentex]

I wear a 2mm oniel short john under a 5/3 ripcurl with a thermal rash vesh in winter... i must be a complete girl... im comfortable tho... remeber i love heat tho being in the job and all I also wear a mystic 2mm hood. No socks no gloves. In the summer i simply wear my 5/3 until its really hot and windy??!!??!!! then nakkid!

[Pike]

winter in the south 5/3 wetsuit with rashie underneath and wooly hat with helmet with gloves & bodyboard neoprene socks.

In the north sea (redcar) I did start to use my drysuit feb/mar and it was loeverly & warm but I was in a minority, most were wearing wetsuit with a nutter called Simon (teesside powerkites) who never seemed to use gloves or booties!

 

just depends how much luxury you want and how thick your skin is!

 

But rest assured Kitesurfing is a year round sport no matter where you are.

[BigBadBri]

Same as mkratty, 3mm wetty with 1mm rash vest and 2mm shorts, when it gets really cold have to use boots, gloves and balaclava.

 

You still feel a little cold but it is definately do-able. Does me fine in Scotland anyway.

[The Masochist]

All you need is a decent 5/3 wetsuit with a thermal rash vest boots and gloves you'll be sorted.

 

But if you stand around your going to get cold also once cold its hard to get motivated/warm again so hit it hard for aslong as you can then get out and get changed

[R3d Nemesis]

Ok cool thanx for all your help guys, cant wait to get out there and have some fun:D :D

[rush]

Last winter was very mild, in fact I managed fine in a 4/3mm wetsuit, as long as it's a good 'un and well sealed!

[Druncan]

Just got a O'neil 6/4 psycho with attached hood. It is the dogs dangly bits:D bit expensive tho but worth every penny!