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 at 21°C. Water between 17 and 22°C. Water between 12 and 17°C. Water between 7 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 are suitable. 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 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.
Try it on before you buy it!
Materials
This OLAIAN_DECATHLON SURF 900 4/3 wetsuit is made with real neoprene. The neoprene is lined with synthetic fabric for added abrasion resistance. Neoprene thickness: 4 and 3 mm. Neoprene is a closed-cell polychloroprene elastomer foam with trapped nitrogen bubbles that have insulating properties. We test and guarantee the thermal quality of our neoprene materials.
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) is also recommended if wearing the diving suit for long periods. Make sure the flap is always inside the wetsuit to limit the risk of irritation with the zip and the neck.
Fastening
Our zips and fastenings are laboratory tested in order to ensure an optimal lifespan and good resistance to salt water. We have put the zip at the front of the wetsuit—across the chest, slightly angled—for more comfort and freedom of movement for surfing and other water sports.
Watertight assembly
The seams are glued and blind stitched (GBS) for a watertight seal. The seams are blind-stitched, which means the thread does not pass through the entire thickness of the neoprene and so prevents water from getting through. The absence of threads on the inside avoids irritation and chafing. Taped on the inside for comfort and reinforcement in sensitive areas.
Key pocket
There is a key loop under the zip flap
Anti-chafing design
We designed this product with seamless panels under the arms to minimise irritation from the repetitive paddling movements associated with surfing and other water sports.
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 => neoprene low booties.
- 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 foil surfing, wingfoil, windsurfing, kitesurfing, wakeboarding, water skiing, sea walking and SUP (stand up paddleboarding).
Ankle and wrist cuffs
Features cuffs at the ankles and wrists for better watertight seals.
DO YOU HAVE A HOLE OR TEAR IN YOUR WETSUIT? DON’T THROW IT AWAY!
Decathlon is committed to ensuring that all neoprene wetsuits are repairable and in perfect condition after repair!
What is the Decathlon Surf brand?
Based in Hendaye, in south-west France, OLAIAN is Decathlon’s surfing brand. In our offices at the water’s edge, we can design and prototype a wetsuit then go and test it by surfing in it daily at local spots to check the thermal comfort and freedom of movement it provides.
