Women's wetsuit recommendation for Oregon Coast?

tinyE · Since 21 Jan 2006 2004 Posts not really an XTreme Poster

I checked out the patagonia, but the women's doesn't have a hood, and they also only offer the women's in a back zip. Is this because of the boobs?

as i'm sure all you know, it's most important to keep your lady warmer than you are, or she's not going to head out with you.

Can anyone recommend something [very] warm, yet mobile? Do you absolutely have to have a woman's wetsuit? or can some women wear a man's?

laura · Since 22 May 2007 108 Posts Stoked

I have a new xcel, 6/5 hoodie, super warm and flex, love it, talk to Ben and Tim at Oregon surf shop, I did have a Roxy 5m that was super warm, you are on the right track. We need to stay warm or how comfort level goes down and then so does your:) One more thing, I do buy my suits a tad big to layer underneath if need be.

TWIN-FIN · Since 24 May 2006 805 Posts Portland, OR Hot Monkey

The Xcel dry lock kicks it!
No velcro, front zip, with hood.
Warm and flexable.
I got a 5/4 and love it for the coast, when my 3/2 psyco 2 gives it, up Im going to switch to Xcel.
Gorge Performance has them in stock.

kristina · Since 14 Mar 2007 27 Posts The Hood

ProMotion in Hood River makes a 6/5/4 hooded front zip that's super warm, great for the coast (www.wetsuit.com). I know a few girls who have the xcel and love it too.

I think 5-6mm thickness, attached hood. Women's suits fit way better unless she's got a REALLY boyish figure. The shape's just wrong so you carry extra h20 thru the waist/arms but reduce mobility in the chest/hips/legs. Can be done but won't help create a friendly experience Smile

Scribble · Since 18 Nov 2005 636 Posts NoPo Addicted

Laura what do you layer with? I've heard of wearing wool socks under booties. I was curious if a wool long john would help or if it would make more sense to put my shorty on under my 5/4.

I really NEED to get a session in, but 38 degrees sounds a little dangerous even with gloves and booties.

Andy

Chooch · Thu Feb 12, 09 11:23 am

Andy go to gi joes and pick up some cold weather under armor. It has a warm inner lining to keep your core warm and the polypro also helps keep you dry. Buy a pair of pants and a l/s shirt and it will bump you 4/3 up to a 5/3

Wind Slither · Since 04 Mar 2005 2611 Posts The 503 METAL

Cleanline in Seaside has just about every kind of suit you can think of and Josh really knows his stuff.

Took my boys in their last weekend and he had them fitted and stylin in minutes.

I find suits are a very personal thing...best to try at least 2-3 on and decide. All the new ones are going to be reasonably warm, so it comes down to fit and style, ease of use, etc.

Thumb's Up

Scribble · Since 18 Nov 2005 636 Posts NoPo Addicted

So would this work at less than half the price of Under Armour's Cold Weather base layer?

http://outersports.com/black-heavy-weight-fleece-polypropylene-underwear-p-2848.html

Andy

Chooch · Thu Feb 12, 09 7:11 pm

Damn good find Andy. That should be perfect....I just might have to pick up a set of those

boardrider · Since 05 Apr 2006 1034 Posts Ventura, CA XTreme Poster

MATUSE is a new company making GEOPRENE wetsuits that are supposed to be warmer w/ more floatation & flexability. They are super sweet looking suits,eco friendly, and are getting great reviews from local surfers. Future of wetsuits ? Confused

A good fitting wetsuit is real important for warmth IMO.
http://www.matuse.com/products_hoplite_543.html

scottnorby · Thu Feb 12, 09 8:05 pm

We live at the beach.
My wife Tami wears the backzip 3mm patagonia with a pair of booties and she is totally warm. And she is never warm.
I also kite with the 3mm back zip---no booties.

I wore the 3mm backzip all winter.
Super flexible and so worth the money!

But I did just get the 5mm hooded and it would be too hot for kiting.

Matt E. · Since 22 May 2008 318 Posts West Coast Sales Rep Obsessed

My dad got a matuse and LOVES it.[/quote]

carolb · Fri Feb 13, 09 8:34 am **wet suits**

For those "I really don't want to kite cause its really cold days" I wear the 5/4 O'Neil I got from Oregon Kite Shop (I think) last summer. It has a built in hood and is incredible warm. It was pretty cheap.

For the "kinda cold in SPI surf", I got a 4/3 Hyperflex on line and really cheap. After 2 years, its wearing out so I just order the Maui Magic/Mystic 4/3 in the cool teal color but they are 2 months back ordered and will be pricey.

And for the Gorge, 3/2 Exceed cause they have a cool design from Jason Clack in Seattle. They run tall.

I get them all a little big/loose so I have a little more flexibility. The Mystic is suppose to have a lot more stretch. Besides staying warm, they protect against impact of crashes and support for old tired knees. I wear them out at the rate of about 1 per year in the 3/2 and 4/3.

And for board shorts, my favorite site is killerdana.com!

blowhard · Since 26 Dec 2005 2026 Posts Windward

tinyE
you know,
I'm out in some sub 50 degrees now
Which before with the baggy Hotline UHC would have been freezing and just no way possible.
As I look around the surfers this winter,
I notice are also wearing the
X cels .(Whiskeymalitia $160)
At first I thought I got too small a suit and the opening was really tight
But tight is right for cold water
you don't want any water inside sloshing around
no sign of wear after one season (and more winter kiting than ever)
I've been wearing X-cel booties for the 7th year this is my 3rd pair
are as tough as ever