Kitesurfing is notable because it takes place on open water. If you’re going to spend that much time on and in the water, though, you’re going to need a wetsuit. When shopping for a wetsuit, there are two things in particular that you need to decide on: thickness and style. Each determines certain important factors that have an effect on the ease and comfort of your kitesurfing experience.
Wetsuit thickness is often determined, first of all, by the use it is designed to see. Wetsuits designed for surface sports rarely have a thickness above 5mm; if you see a wetsuit with a 7mm or 9mm thickness, it is designed for diving, where warmth is more important and flexibility is less important. In product descriptions, wetsuit thickness is often given in 2 or 3 numbers in a sequence. For example, a winter wetsuit might indicate that it has a thickness of 5/3. This means that the thickness over the core of the wetsuit – the chest, sides, and back – is 5mm, but the thickness over the extremities – arms and legs – is 3mm. Some wetsuits use three numbers, so that a similar winter wetsuit might indicate a thickness of 5/3/2. This means that the thickness over the core is 5mm, the thickness over the upper arms and the thighs is 3mm, and the thickness over the forearms and lower legs is 2mm. What thickness you buy depends on the climate of your area, the time of year you intend to be kitesurfing, and, to a certain degree, your own personal preferences.
Wetsuits also have different styles. Similar to thickness variations, these revolve around a balance of warmth and flexibility, but both styles are used for kitesurfing. The two types are double-lined and single-lined wetsuits. Double-lined wetsuits tend to look a little like canvas; they are more resistant to wear and tear and tend to be warmer than single-lined suits. Single-lined suits, on the other hand, are more flexible and more resistant to the wind, but they are damaged more easily; they also have a plastic or rubbery feel to them.
When shopping for wetsuits for kitesurfing, remember these two factors: thickness and style. Being comfortable on your board is very important to a safe and enjoyable kitesurfing experience.
