So I got a 3/2 wetsuit, and I know this question is different for everyone, but I am wondering what temp the water will have to get to for me to be comfortable riding..
I just started to use mine and the water was 65 but the air was 50 so it was more for wind protection than anything, but I probably won't be putting the shorty back on till spring.
depends on the quality of the wetsuit - how much flushing you'll get and seepage through the joints and zipper. With a half decent 3/2 you should be able to handle mid 50s. Then if you want you can layer on short and a top for an extra mil or two.
Dont forget booties and gloves too - these make a huge difference in keeping you warm.
agreed. I have a cheap oneill hammer and if you had the heat or something with better seams and a better zipper you wouldn't flush out as much and that would keep you much warmmer even though the suit is still the same mil.
i wore the oniell heat 3/2 all winter last year here in northern california and was fine. sometimes air and water was in the 40s.
like they said above it matters on the quality of the suit. welded seams are a must to seal out water and tight suit will keep the water out if you want to be serious
booties wont fit. Thats why you should invest in closed toe bindings. The warmth difference is amazing. The toe support is ehhh not that much better, but being able to feel your feet is the best feeling in the world when you get out of the water.
When I lived in Massachusetts i would wear my 100 dollar oneil wetsuit all the way down to 40 degree water. I wear a oneil guru underneath that gives me an extra 1.5mm and then i wear golves and a hood. Im usually bring a thermos of hot water and pour it down the back of the wetsuit before i ride....its way cheaper than a shower. That combined with a docks start made for a great session.
if you are trying to get a little more warmth out of your wetsuit, instead of a neo top(which would add a lot of bulk and restrict movement) oneill makes thermal layering that goes under wetsuits that is sort of like under armor. im about to get the thermo vest with a built on 1.5mm neo hood.
My Oneill 4/3 suit kept my body plenty warm in 45 degree water & 40 degree air. It was just the toes and hands that couldn't take it for more that 1 set.
Last April I went in 40 degree water without a wetsuit. I was about blue when they pulled me up. Good thing the airtemp was in the 80's. I have never wakeboarded more carefully then I did that day.
Water in the low 40s is like wakeboarding in water that is in the mid 50s IMO, but the SIGNIFICANT advantage of the wetsuit is how it shields you from the wind and your body stays warm. So half surviving half enjoying myself
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