Women’s 2 mm neoprene 500 stretch shorty blue pink

How to choose the right wetsuit (Part 1)

The first selection criterion when choosing a surfing wetsuit is the water temperature.

Water temperature varies according to the location and the time of the year.

Systematically make sure that the water temperature at your spot corresponds to the recommended temperature range:

Water warmer than 20°C.

Water between 17 and 22°C.

Water between 12 and 17°C.

Water between 7 and 12°C.

Visit the site seatemperature.org to find out the temperature of your spot.

How to choose the right wetsuit (Part 2)

The 2nd criterion to take into account is the length of your sessions. If your sessions last less than an hour, the 100 models will be suitable. For up to 2 hours, opt for the 500 models and for up to 3 hours, the 900 models. Compared to the 100 models, the 500 models will be warmer and more efficient at reducing fatigue (more freedom of movement) and irritation. The same is true for the 900 models compared with the 500 models. NOTE: the 900 models are easier to put on.

Choose the right size

To make the most of the features of your wetsuit, it is necessary to choose the correct size. A surfing wetsuit should be a very tight fit and there should be no visible folds. When dry, it is perfectly normal to feel like it is too tight, this discomfort disappears as soon as the wetsuit gets wet.

YOU ARE AN INTERMEDIATE SURFER

You regularly go surfing. During your sessions, you paddle out to the line-up, duck dive under the breaking waves if you are on a shortboard, or turtle roll if you are on a longboard, then surf waves of less than one metre. You often fall and are used to being shaken about underwater. Your swimsuit must meet the requirements of your activity and stay in place for each of your movements. We have designed a range for you that is suited to regular activity and your body shape.

Fastening

Our zips and fastenings are laboratory tested in order to ensure an optimal lifespan and good resistance to salt water. We have put the zip at the back of the wetsuit for more comfort during surf sports (when lying down to paddle).

An outfit for every temperature range

When we are in the water, we lose more than half of our body heat through our extremities (feet, hands, head). Consequently, here are the recommended accessories:

- In water > 17°C: Low neoprene shoes.

- In water between 12 and 17°C: High booties (boots) and gloves.

- In water between 7 and 12°C: High booties (boots), gloves, hood and hooded top.

OLAIAN, DECATHLON'S SURF BRAND

Based in Hendaye, in southwest France, OLAIAN is Decathlon's new surfing and bodyboarding brand. In our offices at the water's edge, we can design a swimsuit or wetsuit and then on the same day test it directly in the sea to check it stays in place in the waves.