I am in my sixties and started longboarding @18 months ago here in Florida near Sebastian Inlet. Of course I am totally hooked. Last winter I used a 3/2 Roxy wetsuit and wore a sleeveless 1 mm top under it. On windy days I wore a sleeveless zip up 2 mm vest. There were a few days I was barely warm enough. I am thinking of getting a 4/3 for this winter as I bet the water and air will be colder than last winter. Here's the question : if you wear a 1 mm sleeveless top under a 3/2 long suit, is it the same as wearing a 4/3 suit in terms of warmth. Or is it totally a different animal?
It would be like a 4/2... however... its been about 20 years since I've surfed sebastian inlet.. but I don't see you ever needing a 4/3 down there...
Okay. Thanks for advice. I will stick with what I did last year. If it becomes unbearable in Jan and Feb, then I will search for affordable 4/3. Slender women in 60s get colder than others !
The 4/3 is 4mm at the core and 3mm for limbs, the 3/2 is 3mm at the core and 2mm for the limbs. With a 1mm sleeveless top under the 3/2 it would be like a 4/2 rather then a 4/3 as far as mathematics go. I think you would be warmer with a 4/3 because 1) it is thicker all around, and 2 it wouldn't be as bulky as having layers of gear on. Plus, if you get real cold, you can wear the 1mm sleeveless under the 4/3 and be extra toasty. In addition, some 4/3 suits have the optional hoodie you can attach if need be, but you are in Florida and Im not sure how cold it really gets down there.
as others have said, it would be more like a 4/2 than a 4/3. however, layering wetsuits is always a bad idea, b/c you end up w/ a far bulkier & cumbersome affair than you would w/ a proper wetsuit. i've done the hooded vest under my 4/3 thing here in nj & even found that to be more restrictive than normal; enough so that if a hood is needed, i'd rather wear a quid lid or my 5/4.
Okay, those are interesting points too. Know of a good 4/3 under $200 new for women? Are there certain things I should look for in a wetsuit? My 3/2 I got for $50 in a going outa business sale. I know that won't happen again. I figure my 3/2 will do fine thru mid December and fine again in March.
a 3/2 should be all you need in So. Florida. Instead of going thicker, you should probably invest in some 2mm or 3mm booties for your tootsies. If the wind gets to you too much, consider a higher quality 3/2 with taped and glued seams, with a poly or charcoal inner liner for your core. For a wide variety of inexpensive women's wetsuits, I provided a link: http://www.wetsuitwearhouse.com/page/WW/CTGY/womens-wetsuits Have fun surfing.
Layering makes it harder. I would go with a nice 3/2 with glued and taped seams, zipperless even better. Maybe a squid lid of the wind is kicking. You lose 10-15% of body out the top of your head. If you do layer, go with hotlineonline.com - their thermal shirts and shorts are awesome! If you plan on going north, NC or something, the 4/3.
Oh wow! 44 is great too. Yup, me and my 60 something year old girlfriends took up surfing, some of them body board. Think it's easy to find a half dozen 60 yr old women in good enough shape to do it? It's so much fun, now that kids are grown, we don't have to worry about getting hurt or killed anymore Thanks for all the comments guys.
all you need down there is a 3/2 for the coldest days and you can get by with a 2mm short arm full or spring suit most days..im from satellite beach, fl and have surfed there for 15 years and good for you btw!
Trust me betty , i live a little south of ya, all you need is a 3/2, last winter i hardly used my wetsuit but maybe a dozen times, this winter might be a little different though, they are forecasting a little bit colder winter but still the 3/2 is perfect, i do own a pair of 3mm booties, but havent had the chance to wear them yet...lol
If you bought a really nice 3/2 with a chest zip entry, taped seems, that should keep you nice and warm. Also be sure that the suits fits properly. That will make a HUGE difference too. But, if you are sensitive to the cold, a nice 4/3, chest zip, with taped seems will suit you well. Older wetsuits, even just a few years old are behind in technology so it's worth checking out. Agreed that booties and gloves make the whole ensemble much warmer. I admire you for getting in to surfing at your age. One of the reasons I love surfing so much is that you meet people of all ages and backgrounds out in the lineup.
Are the inside of your seams taped and sealed in your 3/2? That makes a HUGE difference... if not- i would get a good, taped and sealed seamed suit- a 3/2- it makes a huge difference. Also- a 4/3 will be much warmer. layering a wetsuit with another wetsuit top does not really work as well as just having 4 mil - an example- a 4 mil will be warmer then wearing 3+1 mil. Wetsuits dont really work as well as clothes do when layering.... although there IS something you could wear under your suit that will help- its called a "polypro" top/shirt (the thermal stuff that Gfootr mentioned)- you can buy one at a surf shop, or you can get one at Marshalls for like 20 bucks - just buy the Under Armour stuff- but you gotta get the one that is shiny on the outside and fuzzy on the inside- thicker then a regular rash guard. These also help with the wind chill! Hope this helps!
No, I don't have taped seams or chest entry. It's up the back long zipper. There are also short zippers on the ankle. Maybe you are right, maybe I just need a better 3/2. I don't know how to pick the right one! Any link of an example of a decent 3/2 under $200? Right about the ages stuff. I love that surfers from 12 years old and up will talk to me while we wait for the wave. It's so cool and friendly. Maybe they take pity on the old lady or are awed at the possibilities of aging in such a fun way?
Betty go to your local surfshop and ask the people in there, im sure they will set you up, just remember you need a 3/2 taped, glued and blindstich seams...also you get what you pay for when it comes to wetsuits, $200 should get you a pretty good Florida wetsuit. There was someone earlier in the post that gave you a wetsuitwarehouse.com website, give that a look and you can get a good idea of what you want...hope everyone has helped you out.
Here's an example of a suit that would work for you (It is a back-zip though)---->http://www.amazon.com/ONeill-Womens...0429249&sr=8-6&keywords=o'neill+wetsuit+women Everyone offering solid advice, like fl.surfdog said...got to a surf shop I would stay away from ordering online, unless your sure about your size. Best to go to a shop and try them on, to ensure good, comfortable fit. It's definitely worth it to spend a little extra when it comes to wetsuits. I think it's awesome that you found surfing at your age, it is undeniably a gift that few ever see, feel or can understand, but once you get that feeling, it's the best thing you've ever experienced and you want more...and more...and more. Have fun, don't get frustrated, it takes a lot of time and patience.
Keep am eye on Whiskey Militia. Can find it as the top entry on the forum page. Cna find some great deals. Just purchased an XCEL on there last month.
