5/4 or 4/3 wetsuit

[Gazelle1]

I've been surfing for a couple of years and would like to invest in a wetsuit, but can't decide which one to get. I'll mostly be surfing in summer and autumn in Cornwall and Devon, but I really really feel the cold! I was leaning towards the 5/4 wetsuit, however, I've heard this can restrict movement a bit so was wondering whether I should go for the 4/3 instead. How much would a 5/4 restrict movement when surfing?

Is O'Neill a decent brand to go for?

[BaNZ]

I use 4/3 in Autumn. When it gets to around 12C is when I start using 5/4. Yes it really restricts the movement and takes the fun out of surfing. I got multiple wetsuits and different brands. Billabong, Oneil, rip curl, xcel, quiksilver. At the end of the day I don't see any difference in quality. I usually go for the £100-200 range.

[BoMan]

Agree with BANZ about the 5/4 restricting your movements. In winter I feel like the Michelin Man! That said, it's all about your tolerance for cold. It's no fun to shiver in the wind during a long lull and you won't make good decisions when the set arrives.

I look at the forecast water temperature and wear a 4/3 when it's above 57° F and use a 5/4 when it's colder. I also favor the thicker suit in stronger wind and when I'm planning a long session. Your preference will be different.

[Gazelle1]

Thank you, that's really helpful. So perhaps the 4/3 would be better - is that thickness ok in terms of not being too restrictive?

[tomthetreeman]

They are all different... A 4/3 with a lining and chest protection could be just as warm as a 5/4 without those things. Chest zip suits typically take on a bit less water, so if you’re on the fence, look for a 4/3 chest zip lined suit with the additional protection in the chest area, these things make a difference.

Tom

[waikikikichan]

but I really really feel the cold! I was leaning towards the 5/4 wetsuit, however, I've heard this can restrict movement a bit so was wondering whether I should go for the 4/3 instead. How much would a 5/4 restrict movement when surfing?

So would you rather choose being cold so you can move around more ? That is the dilemma you are facing warmth vs. flexibility. I have always been one wetsuit level above everyone else in the water here in Japan since I'm from Hawaii. When others are in 3/2mm, I'm still in my 4/3mm. And how much "restrictive" are we talking about ? Are you worried about the paddling restrictiveness or when you go to do a full wrapping round house cutback restrictiveness ?

Thank you, that's really helpful. So perhaps the 4/3 would be better - is that thickness ok in terms of not being too restrictive?

"Ok" is general broad relative description. Is the Food served OK ? Is the clothes brand OK ? What is okay for someone may not be okay for others. If you plan to surf for only 1 hour, I don't think you need to worry about being restrictive. The thing you need to know is the more you spend, the better the flexibility is ( but sometimes not the longevity ) in wetsuits.

That said, the most "restrictive" thing is when your joints are stiff from being too cold. Go warmer.

[BaNZ]

I have always been one wetsuit level above everyone else in the water here in Japan since I'm from Hawaii. When others are in 3/2mm, I'm still in my 4/3mm.

Can't agree more. I learnt how to surf in Taiwan where the water temp gets to 28-30 in summer. Surfers here go without a wetsuit when it is 22C and I'm in a 3/2 but shivering.

I've also met people from Sweden/Switzerland who went without a wetsuit at 16C claiming that it is so warm.

Everyone have different cold tolerance.

[Oldie]

As you have been surfing for a couple of years in Devon & Cornwall, which thickness did you wear? I cannot imagine you surfing without a wetsuit? DId you feel warm or not in those?

In the Dutch North Sea and the French/Spanish Atlantic, I take a 3/2 in summer and a 4/3 in autumn. Pondering to get a 5/4 for December & April for the North sea as that cools down fast and waves can be better. And I have a shorty for hot summer days in France. But as others said, it mostly depends on your own tolerance for cold.

[Prancing monkey]

Should be fine in a 4/3 in summer and autumn. I wore a 3/2 at watergate bay & crantock in September last year and was toasty; you would probably boil in a 5/4 in late summer / early autumn. Might need some boots for early June though. However if you want to surf in winter and spring you will definitely need a 5/4.