Wetsuit too constricting?

[SoCalSurfing]

Hi,

I got a full length O'NEIL 4/3 wetsuit 2 Christmas ago.

I have worn it a few times since...but the last time I went out, I felt way too constricted and actually took it off.

(Since then I have been working out a little more but not sure if that is it or I am just surfing bigger waves)

Especially for wiping out - when I wipe out or go under a wave, having my full range of easy movement is really important to me.

Also, when popping up, I feel like I am working a lot harder with the wetsuit.

Has anyone else experience this and are there any solutions or other wetsuits that may help for this?

Thank You.

(Socal Water temperature)

[jaffa1949]

The answer is simple, two Christmases puddings etc. ( but probably not if you are working out)
But working out is the issue, you are likely to have more bulk across all your muscle groups hence the tighter fit.
You are now paddling against rubber constriction. As the wetsuit get thicker there is more rebound resistance against the now expanded muscle. Keep the fitness and tone, get a new wetsuit

[SoCalSurfing]

Are there any wetsuits marketed and designed for more range of motion ?

[jaffa1949]

Calling hypebusters , help needed here. All surfing wetsuit brands claim they are the warmest most flexible best to surf in etc.
Guess you just have to read between the lines, I am part of the grow your own wetsuit program with a good spread of kidney warming adipose tissue and only need a 3/2 even in winter,not a "brand name" bought on special at a local sports store, third year now, it is getting tired.
Outlasted some of the more expensive brand names
I wear a titanium rash vest underneath so it adds warmth with flexibility

[dtc]

three things to look for to get a 'less constricting' wetsuit (ignoring all the other issues like seams etc)

- neoprene comes in stretchy and non stretchy. Some wetsuits are a mix eg 50% stretch and 50% non stretch. The higher end wetsuits are usually all stretch (stretchy is less constricting but probably a bit less tough; non stretch is cheaper). So check that the suit is mostly stretch

- some neoprene is stretchier than others - usually the higher end suits are stretchier, although whether you need that extra stretch is a different issue - get a proper fit rather than extra stretch (and note stretchier usually less tough...)

- front zips are more flexible than back zips, because the zip itself is restricting.

You dont need the top end big manufacturer suit, but for max flexibility you should look at the 2nd or 3rd line suits (or last years models - they are basically the same) that are 100% stretch and front zip.

This doesnt mean every suit will fit you. All manufacturers cut their suits differently; I find it really hard to get a suit that properly fits across my shoulders (and I'm hardly Arnie). So you just have to try on the suits and find the one that fits and buy it; if you surf often enough, a properly fitting wetsuit is far more important than the $100 or whatever you may have saved by getting one that doesnt fit that is cheaper.

However, as Jaffa said, its not always the top / big manufacturers that make the suit that will fit you best nor is price a guarantee of either fit or longevity.

[SoCalSurfing]

dtc,

thanks, that's helpful, did not know this....

[surfyeah]

Is this the first wetsuit that you have ever owned? Because lots of people find wearing a wetsuit for the first time constricting but this is just the way it is, you will always feel a bit trapped inside a wetsuit if you are used to surfing without it...off course to some extent. Then there are also other factors, what dtc said...