How to choose the right wetsuit (Part 1)
The first selection criterion when choosing a surfing wetsuit is the water temperature. Water temperature varies according to the location and the time of the year. Systematically make sure that the water temperature at your spot corresponds to the recommended temperature range: Water warmer than 21°C. Water between 17°C and 22°C. Water between 12°C and 17°C. Water between 7°C and 12°C. Visit the site seatemperature.org to find out the temperature of your spot.
How to choose the right wetsuit (Part 2)
The 2nd criterion to take into account is the length of your sessions. If your sessions last less than an hour, the 100 models will be suitable. For up to 2 hours, opt for the 500 models and for up to 3 hours, the 900 models.
Compared to the 100 models, the 500 models will be more efficient at reducing fatigue (more freedom of movement) and irritation. The same is true for the 900 models compared with the 500 models.
NOTE: the 900 models are easier to put on.
Choose the right size
To make the most of the features of your wetsuit, it is necessary to choose the correct size. A surfing wetsuit should be a very tight fit and there should be no visible folds. When dry, it is perfectly normal to feel like it is too tight, this discomfort disappears as soon as the wetsuit gets wet. If you pick a wetsuit that is too big, folds will form and may cause irritation.
Materials
The wetsuit 900 range is made from 100% soft, ultra-stretch neoprene. The neoprene is lined with synthetic fabric for added resistance to wear. 5 mm neoprene on the torso and 4 mm on the limbs (arms and legs). The flexibility of the 900 range is provided by the super-stretch properties of the foam and the textile.
Hood neck
The neck finish has been developed to limit irritations. According to the sensitivity of the wearer, a UV top can be worn under the wetsuit to reduce the risk of irritation. The application of grease (e.g. Vaseline) in friction areas (neck, underarms, knees) is also recommended if wearing the diving suit for long periods.
Freedom of movement
The shapes and materials used in the men’s 900 wetsuit range have been specifically chosen for easy paddling and total freedom of movement. The entire suit is made from ultra-stretch neoprene. All the seams are stretch seams. The front zip totally frees up the back during use.
Zip/Integrated hood
The 900 5/4 mm wetsuit features our integrated hood. This design helps stop as much water as possible from getting in during long sessions.
The fastening system with a front zip ensures freedom of movement while providing a better watertight seal than a traditional back zip. The zip slider is made of stainless steel to withstand exposure to salt water.
Key pocket
There is a key pocket in the front panel under the zip.
Watertight assembly
The seams are stitched and glued to guarantee waterproofing and resistance.
The seams are blind-stitched, meaning the thread does not entirely pass through the neoprene, preventing water getting through.
To further enhance the watertightness and strength of the joints on our 900 ranges, they are fully braided on the inside.
The absence of threads on the inside also avoids irritation and chafing.
Comfort and reinforcement patches are strategically placed on the inside in sensitive areas.
Water stoppers
The ankles and wrists have special cuffs to help stop water getting in.
They also help keep the suit firmly in place when using gloves and boots.
Easy adjustment
The zip and hood adjustment systems are designed to be used with one hand. They are large enough to be used with the gloves recommended for sessions in water between 7°C and 12°C.
Quick drying
The 900 5/4 mm wetsuit has a new inner lining. This enables not only a minimal weight increase in the water but also ultra-fast drying. It can therefore be used several times a day while still keeping a dry feel when put on.
Stay warm for longer thanks to our thermal accessories!
Each temperature range has its own outfit...
When we are in the water, we lose more than half of our body heat through our extremities (feet, hands, head). Consequently, here are the recommended accessories:
- in water (>17°C) => low neoprene shoes.
- in water (12 - 17°C): High booties (boots) and gloves.
- in water (7 - 12°C): High booties (boots), gloves, hood and hooded top.
Multi-water sports wetsuits
Our wetsuits are designed to meet the needs of the most demanding surfers. Our design choices also make them compatible with other water sports such as swimming, kite surfing, windsurfing, wakeboarding, water skiing, sea wading or SUP (stand up paddle boarding).
What is the Decathlon Surf brand?
Based in Hendaye, in the south west of France, Decathlon’s surf brand has its offices right on the water’s edge. This means we can design a wetsuit and test it on the same day by surfing in it to check its thermal comfort.
