You will need certain materials:
1. A Wetsuit
2. A Board
3. Transportation
4. Surf Buddies
4. Surf Buddies
We are going to begin with the wetsuit.
The Wetsuit
If you are reading this from somewhere tropical: I am so jealous. You can just jump into the ocean without any thought. You don't freeze every step of the way. You get a golden, balanced tan. You can sport cute bikinis. The list goes on, but suffice it to say I would love to surf without a wetsuit.
Still, my wetsuit is my best friend up here in San Francisco. Having a good wetsuit is imperative to having a good time. Seriously, the water is freezing and being unprepared will leave you absolutely miserable.
What makes a good wetsuit?
1. Size
2. Thickness
3. Stitching vs Sealed
4. Price
Size:
One size fits all is a farce. Bodies are always different, the important thing is that you find a wetsuit that fits snuggly around your body. If the wetsuit is to be effective, it need to be as tight as a second layer of skin. Keep that in mind when you're trying wetsuits on.
Side note: Trying on wetsuits is literally the worst, but you have to do it. Still, prepare for an uncomfortable struggle in the fitting room.
It is important to have your suit well-fitted in the shoulders, by that I mean not too loose and not too tight. If it is too tight in the shoulders, your paddling will be restricted and less effective. If anything is too loose, you will have rolls where water could get in. Someone once said it's okay to have a little water getting in, I would agree to that statement, but still try to get a second layer of skin.
Thickness:
Northern Californians will need a 4'3 mm or a 5'4'3' mm wetsuit. What the hell does that mean? GOOD QUESTION.
Okay, so the material is neoprene and its flexible, insulating and wonderful. The most common thickness is a 4'3 mm. 4 millimeters in the chest and torso, where you need extra warmth and 3 millimeters is allocated to the arms and legs, making paddling and moving easier.
The 5'4'3 is 5 mm in the chest/torso, 4 mm in shoulders and upper legs, 3 mm in arms and lower legs. If you're particularly cold, you could go this route. It will be more expensive but you certainly will be cozy warm!!
Sealed vs Stitched:
Honestly, this is where I know very little. I have gathered enough information to know that sealed stitching is more water tight which will lead to more warmth. Unsealed stitching will be more susceptible to leaking.
Price:
They range from $180-$490 (approximations from 2 mile surf shop prices in Bolinas). What you choose to pay is up to you, but as frugal as I wanted to be, every person I consulted with said to not skip on the quality of your wetsuit. Keep your eye open for sales or used suits. Personally, I'm grossed out by used suits because many people "christen" their suit by peeing in it...ew. You're trapped in your own pee the entire time. Grosssssss. Anyways, it certainly is a cheaper option, so I wouldn't rule it out.
Brand:
who cares.
My opinion is to get a 4'3 mm wetsuit for SF and a 3'2 mm for Southern California. I don't recommend cutting corners here.
I have not bought booties yet, but it's something I regret every time I do a morning session or encounter rocks.
I hope this helps!
Toodaloo!
Annette
Mermaid in Training
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