How to Choose a Bodyboard wetsuit ?
The choice of a bodyboard wetsuit is made according to how you use it and will mostly depend on the water temperature.
The colder the water, the thicker the neoprene. For example, in winter in France the water sits between 10 °C and 13 °C, and riders will go for a 4/3. From 15 °C up to 20 °C, a 3/2 will suit most bodyboarders, and above 20 °C, a shorty or a steamer.
| °C | °F | THICKNESS |
|---|---|---|
| > 22 °C | > 72 °F | 1 mm |
| 19 °C - 22 °C | 66 °F - 72 °F | 2/2 |
| 15 °C - 19 °C | 59 °F - 66 °F | 3/2 |
| 12 °C - 15 °C | 54 °F - 59 °F | 4/3 |
| 9 °C - 12 °C | 48 °F - 54 °F | 5/4 |
Another important criterion to take into account is the size of the wetsuit.
It is important to choose the size of your wetsuit according to your build. A well-fitted wetsuit will let you save energy when kicking and paddling.
You can refer to each brand's size chart to choose the one that fits you best.
Details and finishes are the last criteria of choice and comfort.
Stretch neoprene allows greater freedom of movement.Liquid tape on the seams reinforces the stitching and therefore the life of the wetsuit.
Fleece-lined inner panels provide a feeling of comfort and warmth.
The bodyboardcenter.com team is here to advise and guide you on the choice of wetsuits suited to your use.
Jérémy Arnoux's advice: “ Sensitivity to cold varies from one person to another; if you feel the cold, do not hesitate to wear neoprene socks to limit heat loss. ”
Going further
Neoprene thickness settled? Browse our selection of bodyboard wetsuits, from the summer shorty to the 5/4 for winter.
For the rest of your kit, everything is covered point by point in our guide how to choose your bodyboard. And since the cold also gets in through the extremities, see how to choose your bodyboard fins, where we detail the neoprene socks Jérémy mentions just above.
