What's the diff between a windsurfing, and surfing wetsuit??
Randy
A windsurfing specific "wet"suit is all-smoothkin as opposed to most (or partial) wetsuit nylon mesh which holds water against your skin. Thus, it's not a WETsuit. A WETsuit works down in the water but up in the wind, it's a bit like an air-conditioner. A windsurfing specific suit sheds water instantly and has far greater wind-breaking properties. A ws-ng specific suit is also reinforced in the crotch (for harness strap wear and tear) and on the knees (climbing on non-skid surface of board)
To elaborate:
Surfing suits not only lack the special padding, etc of a windsurfing suit but, iirc, are cut larger in the shoulders to allow more freedom of movement for paddling. Similarly, wetsuits cut for triathlon use allow freedom of movement for swimming. We need less room so our suits are tighter, and thus, warmer- again, as well as the re-enforcements that Chuck mentions.
Nomenclature aside, contacting your local dealer such as Chuck prevents the possibility of buying neoprene that doesn't work for you. Yes, it really makes a difference on having a slick exterior. You can feel cold spots on the suit if it has any external nylon re-enforcements, which most don't now because of even that small bit affecting the warmth of the suit.
The New York Times, Sunday 8/1/04 edition had an article titled "Superhero Styling: Wet Suits Go Buff". I'm not makeing this up. Some quotes, "Suits designed to turn misshapen sea mammals into surf gods," "The new lines of wet suits are designed to accentuate your best features and - how shall I put it? - hold you in, " "and abdomen-slimming seams, and some act like push-up bras," and finally "If, as a result of that, you get some extra love, we're fine with that." These quotes are real.
So, when you call Chuck or Tim looking for a wet suit, make sure it's one of the Buff ones. Gene's Consignment does not currently have any Buff suits in stock (I bought the last one), and we still do not carry any form fitting windsurfing shorts.
I got a pretty good list of wet wear close-outs here from Neil Pryde -- the best all-around in quality-to-price in my opinion -- and North. LOVE the new "E3" entry system that is a short zipper (with integral flap behind it) coming down from teh back of the neck. Get hold of me if you're interested in updating your suit A good suit is the one thing between you adn the most common dangerous thing in this sport -- hyperthermia!
surfing wetsuit or windsurfing wetsuit.? they are different.
Our local dealers can help with the windsurfing dept.
I am looking for a windsurfing wetsuit.
How can I contact your dealer?
Links to local dealers:
http://windsurfatlanta.org/modules.php?op=modload&name=Web_Links&file=index&req=viewlink&cid=9
I use my new neilpryde for both surfing and windsurfing. Got it from white cap.
What's the diff between a windsurfing, and surfing wetsuit??
Randy
A windsurfing specific "wet"suit is all-smoothkin as opposed to most (or partial) wetsuit nylon mesh which holds water against your skin. Thus, it's not a WETsuit. A WETsuit works down in the water but up in the wind, it's a bit like an air-conditioner. A windsurfing specific suit sheds water instantly and has far greater wind-breaking properties. A ws-ng specific suit is also reinforced in the crotch (for harness strap wear and tear) and on the knees (climbing on non-skid surface of board)
I guess that's all cleared up.
To elaborate:
Surfing suits not only lack the special padding, etc of a windsurfing suit but, iirc, are cut larger in the shoulders to allow more freedom of movement for paddling. Similarly, wetsuits cut for triathlon use allow freedom of movement for swimming. We need less room so our suits are tighter, and thus, warmer- again, as well as the re-enforcements that Chuck mentions.
Nomenclature aside, contacting your local dealer such as Chuck prevents the possibility of buying neoprene that doesn't work for you. Yes, it really makes a difference on having a slick exterior. You can feel cold spots on the suit if it has any external nylon re-enforcements, which most don't now because of even that small bit affecting the warmth of the suit.
The New York Times, Sunday 8/1/04 edition had an article titled "Superhero Styling: Wet Suits Go Buff". I'm not makeing this up. Some quotes, "Suits designed to turn misshapen sea mammals into surf gods," "The new lines of wet suits are designed to accentuate your best features and - how shall I put it? - hold you in, " "and abdomen-slimming seams, and some act like push-up bras," and finally "If, as a result of that, you get some extra love, we're fine with that." These quotes are real.
So, when you call Chuck or Tim looking for a wet suit, make sure it's one of the Buff ones. Gene's Consignment does not currently have any Buff suits in stock (I bought the last one), and we still do not carry any form fitting windsurfing shorts.
Gene
Gene Mathis
I got a pretty good list of wet wear close-outs here from Neil Pryde -- the best all-around in quality-to-price in my opinion -- and North. LOVE the new "E3" entry system that is a short zipper (with integral flap behind it) coming down from teh back of the neck. Get hold of me if you're interested in updating your suit A good suit is the one thing between you adn the most common dangerous thing in this sport -- hyperthermia!
Gene, Did you get the wet suit with the push-up bra version?
Oh. Wait a minute! The last suit you bought was from me! Maybe I better take that back.
Patrick