Is your wetsuit now reduced to a rag? Are you just getting into the world of kitesurfing and want to buy your first wetsuit? There are a thousand different kinds and you don’t know how to choose? You are in the right place! In this article we will explain how many types of kite suits exist and give you tips on how to best choose the right one for you.
Kitesurfing wetsuit: the 3 characteristics for a correct choice
Kitesurfing is one of the most addictive and adrenaline-pumping water sports in the world, but without the right kitesurfing equipment, your sessions can become uncomfortable and hold back your performance. In this article, we will explore the importance of a quality kitesurfing wetsuit and how it can greatly enhance your experience.
What are the characteristics to keep in mind to make the right choice?
1. Comfort
A high-quality kitesurfing wetsuit gives you unparalleled comfort. It is essential to have a wetsuit with ergonomic seams and stretchy materials that ensure a perfect fit, allowing you to move freely. This is crucial when you are trying to master stunts and catch the wind with your kite.
2. Performance
Kitesurfing wetsuits not only need to dress comfortably, but also need to improve your performance. With thermal protection, you can extend your sessions even in colder waters. In addition, a well-designed wetsuit reduces water resistance, improving your speed and agility on the water.
3. Weight, thickness and temperature
The choice of your wetsuit also depends on when you want to use it and the water temperatures during your kitesurfing sessions. The most common kite suits fall into four main types, depending on where and when you plan to use them. In relation to different water temperatures, we list the 4 types of wetsuits in ascending order of thickness:
3.1. Summer wetsuit: neoprene shirt (1.5 – 2.5 mm)
The lighter wetsuit, is perfect for warmer waters, such as summer or temperate waters. Various models can be found on the market, with both long and short sleeves. The thin thickness allows for good flexibility and freedom of movement, which is essential for water sports such as kitesurfing. In addition, many models often also offer effective protection from the sun’s UV rays. They are very easy to wear because they often have a back zipper.
3.2. Shorty (short sleeve or long sleeve, short leg 2-3 mm)
It can have short sleeves or long sleeves but with short legs, it is suitable for slightly cooler temperatures, such as in mid-season. This type of kitesurfing wetsuit also provides UV protection. Seams are often designed to minimize skin irritation and provide good insulation.
3.3. Over Knee (long sleeve, leg below the knee 3-2 or 4-3 mm)
This wetsuit, with long sleeves and legs that cover up to the knee, offers good thermal protection. The 3-2 or 4-3 mm versions are perfect for waters with colder temperatures, such as winter or spring, with temperatures between 15°C and 20°C. In addition, the long sleeves provide additional arm protection and help maintain body heat. These wetsuits have at least two distinctive advantages: they are easier to put on than full wetsuits and offer a remarkable level of agility and comfort, so much so that they can almost be compared to shorty wetsuits.
3.4. Whole winter kitesurfing wetsuit (long sleeve, long leg 3-4 or 4-5 mm)
The full-length, long-sleeved, long-legged wetsuit offers maximum thermal protection and is an ideal choice for extremely cold conditions. It is recommended to use it in winter with the water touching temperatures below 15°C, also to prevent the risk of hypothermia. These wetsuits are also suitable with windy days where the wind can decrease the perceived temperature. It is important to have a full-length kitesurfing wetsuit with good seams so that it does not compromise movement, we recommend for this type a wetsuit with a back closure so as to limit the entry of water into the neck.
To simplify your choice, you can refer to this table that tells you which type of wetsuit is best for each month of the year:
| Month | Best type of wetsuit |
|---|---|
| January | Entire (3-4 or 4-5 mm) |
| February | Entire (3-4 or 4-5 mm) |
| March | Over Knee (3-2 o 4-3 mm) |
| April | Over Knee (3-2 o 4-3 mm) |
| May | Shorty (2-3 mm) |
| June | Shorty (2-3 mm) |
| July | Neoprene T-shirt (1.5-2.5 mm) |
| August | Neoprene T-shirt (1.5-2.5 mm) |
| September | Shorty (2-3 mm) |
| October | Over Knee (3-2 o 4-3 mm) |
| November | Entire (3-4 or 4-5 mm) |
| December | Entire (3-4 or 4-5 mm) |
Please note: This table refers to perceived temperatures in the Mediterranean Sea.
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Kitesurfing wetsuit: other useful information
Before buying any kind of wetsuit, pay attention to these other aspects:
Men’s or women’s kitesurfing wetsuit
It may seem obvious but it is not, kitesurfing wetsuits also differ in gender. Well yes, wetsuits are not all the same! The curves and fit differ greatly whether you are a boy or a girl.
Choosing the right size
Choosing the right size for wetsuits, especially winter wetsuits, is essential. The ideal wetsuit should adhere to the body like a second skin, leaving no gaps between the neoprene and the body.
It may feel too tight when you first wear it, but it is important to consider that you may try it on in a heated dressing room, which can make it feel tighter. Instead of immediately discarding the wetsuit to look for a larger one, ask the seller for advice.
Choosing the right size is crucial to ensure that the wetsuit provides adequate thermal insulation and a comfortable fit, allowing you to enjoy your kitesurfing experience to the fullest without sacrificing safety and comfort.
How to store your kitesurfing wetsuit: 5 useful tips
To store your kitesurfing wetsuit properly, follow these five tips:
1. Washing the kitesurfing wetsuit
Rinse the wetsuit with fresh water after each session to remove salt and sand, elements that could ruin the seams.
At regular intervals you can perform a thorough cleaning on your wetsuit. Follow these steps so you don’t make mistakes:
- Fill a tub with lukewarm water and add a specific detergent
- Soak the wetsuit and let it soak for 10-15 minutes
- Rub gently with a soft sponge or cloth to remove dirt
- Rinse with warm water
2. Dry the wetsuit
Dry the wetsuit in the shade and cool, avoiding direct sun. Lay your wetsuit on a hanger.
3. Check the locking systems
Check the seams periodically to make sure they are in good condition. If you find flaws in the seams proceed as soon as possible to fix them to avoid compromising the wetsuit. If necessary, you can apply a lubricant to the hinges to make them smoother.
4. Avoid bending it
Avoid folding it tightly during storage. Ideally, it should be hung on an appropriate hanger.
5. Store it well
Store the wetsuit in a cool, dry place away from heat sources and harmful chemicals.
Go on a kitesurfing trip with Tribala
Be honest, did reading this article get you in the mood for a new kitesurfing session? Why not take a kitesurfing group trip with Tribala? .Discover available destinations around the world and join the sports tribe
Oh, I forgot! With Tribala, you can rent your kitesurfing equipment conveniently on the spot, and so can your wetsuit!
What are you waiting for?
