Fifty Things I Wish I Knew BEFORE I Started Surfing! #22- Spring Suits

Spring suits are wetsuits that don't give full coverage. They're great for mobility as they allow your knees and elbows to move while keeping your body's core warm. Spring suits are perfect for surfing in excellent to warm water when it's a bit chilly for just a swimsuit but too warm for your full suit.

There are different types of spring suits, depending on the sleeve and leg length. Some of the most common ones are:

- Long sleeve short leg: This type of spring suit has long sleeves that cover your arms but short legs that end above your knees. This type protects your arms from sunburn, wind chill, or abrasion while keeping your legs cool and flexible. - Short sleeve short leg: This type of spring suit has short sleeves that end above your elbows and short legs that end above your knees. This type is suitable for maximizing mobility and comfort while keeping your torso warm. - Long sleeve long leg: This type of spring suit has long sleeves that cover your arms and long legs that end below your knees. This type provides more warmth and protection while allowing some movement in your ankles and wrists.

When choosing a spring suit, you should look for quality ones that are durable, comfortable, and fit well. Some of the features that you should look for in a quality spring suit are:

- The material: The material of the spring suit should be stretchy, smooth, and soft. It should also be resistant to water, heat, and abrasion. Some of the best materials for spring suits are neoprene, nylon, spandex, or a combination of these. - The seams: The seams of the spring suit should be firm, flat, and smooth. They should also be sealed or taped to prevent water from entering or leaking. Some of the best types of seams for spring suits are flatlock, blindstitch, or glued and blindstitched. - The zipper: The zipper of the spring suit should be easy to use, durable, and corrosion-resistant. It should also be placed in a convenient and comfortable location, such as the back, the chest, or the side. Some of the best types of zippers for spring suits are YKK, plastic coil, or metal teeth. - The fit: The spring suit should be snug but not tight. It should conform to your body shape and size without restricting movement or breathing. It should also cover your torso and limbs without leaving any gaps or wrinkles.

Another benefit of wearing a quality spring suit is preventing rashes from surfing. Rashes are skin irritations from friction, heat, or bacteria. They can cause itching, burning, redness, or swelling on your skin. They can also affect your performance and enjoyment of surfing.

A quality spring suit can prevent rashes by:

- Reducing friction: A quality spring suit can reduce friction between your skin and the surfboard or the water. It can also reduce friction between different parts of your body, such as your armpits or thighs. - Regulating heat: A quality spring suit can regulate heat by keeping you warm or cool in cold water. It can also wick away sweat and moisture from your skin. - Preventing bacteria: A quality spring suit can prevent bacteria from growing on your skin or the suit itself. It can also protect you from harmful microorganisms in the water.

Some of the best brands of quality spring suits for surfing are:

- Rip Curl: This is one of the most popular and reputable brands of surfing wetsuits¹. They have various spring suits for men and women with different styles and features. Some of their best-selling spring suits are the E-Bomb Pro, the Dawn Patrol, and the Omega.

- O'Neill: This is another excellent brand of surfing wetsuits. They have a variety of spring suits for men and women with different designs and technologies. Some of their best-selling spring suits are the Hyperfreak, the Reactor II, and the O'Riginal.

- Patagonia: This is a brand of eco-friendly surfing wetsuits. They use natural rubber instead of neoprene for their wetsuits, which reduces their environmental impact. They also have a high-quality and durable construction for their wetsuits. Some of their best-selling spring suits are the R1 Lite Yulex, the R2 Yulex, and the R3 Yulex.

In the next post, I'll cover wetsuits designed for women that look similar to a one-piece bathing suit.

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