Winter wetsuit recommendation

SpaceRacer · Since 04 Nov 2007 434 Posts Obsessed

Not looking for a wetsuit vs drysuit discussion here. Looking for the warmest wetsuit period. I kite and SUP more than prone surfing anymore so warmth would be my priority over flexibility. Any recommendations on what to buy and from where would be appreciated. Thanks

Jonpnw · Tue Oct 31, 17 9:10 am **Warm**

The new wetsuit technology is amazing. I just upgraded my 10 year old 5/4 Hotline to a Ride Engine Apoc 5/4 and the flexibility is amazing. I haven't used it in the ocean yet but it is keeping me toasty in the river.

WindSki · Since 14 Dec 2012 411 Posts Portland Obsessed

I have the ION drysuit and its almost too hot in the winter, that is coast winter kite sessions.

Slappysan · Since 13 Jun 2012 309 Posts Obsessed

I like to be warm so I wear my Mission 6/5/4 a lot and am very happy with it.

https://www.npsurf.com/collections/mission-wetsuit/products/mission-fz-fullsuit-6-5-4-hooded

Ryan · Since 14 Jul 2005 537 Posts Oregon Addicted

I don't have one but from what I understand this is one of the best

http://www.patagonia.com/shop/mens-r5-wetsuits

I have a 6/5/4 rip curl and have never been cold except on the Columbia kiting. Seems like the wind is the biggest enemy to staying warm.

Sasquatch · Since 09 Mar 2005 2099 Posts PNW Bigfoot

Flo · Since 02 Feb 2016 19 Posts White Salmon

I talked to Josh from Cleanline a few weeks back and ended up buying a Hooded R4 Suit from Patagonia. I highly recommend seeing him, if you are out on the coast. I'm super happy with my Suit, its flexible and keeps me toasty warm and would definitely buy it again.
Cheers,
Flo

wylieflyote · Tue Oct 31, 17 11:56 am

Windian · Since 28 Apr 2008 898 Posts Newport, OR NEWPORT OG

Fit is what is most important since almost all the wetsuit companies make pretty good product. Xcel and Oneill seem to fit my body stamp best, but I have friends that like Ripcurl or Patagonia. I live on the central Oregon coast and opt for a 4/3 full suit with attached hood for my go to wetsuit for summer and winter and only reach for a 5/4 when the air temps drop into the the 40's or lower. The attached hood is a must IMO as most of your heat loss occurs out of your fat head. Never see anyone around here using a drysuit in the surf as you would not be able to go under waves very well.

I do like using my Promotion Exoskin top for cold weather kiting to cut the wind. Don't even feel the wind when using one until I peel it off and instantly I can feel the wind blowing through the neopreme.

Ho-Toe · Wed Nov 01, 17 5:55 am **Depends...**

I think the answer to this query depends upon where you kite... You'll need less insulation at the coast generally than in the gorge. Ocean water temps rarely drop below 50F, however the wind chill especially with E winds is substantial.

I've been quite happy in my 5.5/4/3 mm ripcurls with integral hood. 7mm booties; no gloves unless I absolutey have to have them.

I want to add one of those Promotion smooth skin tops like Windian rocks to my getup.

On really cold E wind days I have resorted to wearing a double-layered 7/7 mm O'neill dive suit. I do not necessarily recommend that approach!

west · Since 09 Oct 2008 136 Posts Lake Michigan Stoked

Hotline 5/4 w hood, out of Santa Cruz....I’ve found it to be the gold standard for 40 degrees: 40 water: 40 knots! I buy one every 4 years, and use the other for a dry back up.

Would like to get an exoskin to pair with it on extreme days.

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4910 Posts Portland Unstrapped