Wetsuit review by Andy from No Shoes No Worries - Part 2


SURF - October 02, 2020
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You may have read Part 1 of the ROXY Wetsuit review (if you haven’t, go check it out here) that answered the how’s and why’s of picking your perfect wetsuit from the latest Satin Collection.

Beyond deciding the right wetsuit for your climate and surf style, there’s a slew of other queries you may be asking yourself, such as: How does one get in and out of a wetsuit? And, what should I wear under my wetsuit?

In this second installment of the ROXY Wetsuit review, I’ll be filling you in on what you need to know before paddling out.

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What’s the best way to put on your wetsuit?

Oh, the trials and tribulations of attempting to look graceful when sliding in and out of your wettie! The best way to put on a wetsuit depends entirely on the type of wetsuit you’re about to put on, as well as your level of patience.

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Many surfer gals will know what I mean when I say the struggles of putting on a full 4:3 steamer in a cold parking lot are REAL. Whether before or after your surf, it’s your own version of a shimmy-and-squeeze dance to wriggle yourself in and out of it.

Lucky for us, ROXY’s advanced glide skin and neoprene technology has been made with mobility and flexibility in mind. While springsuits are pretty easy and self-explanatory, it’s the steamers that require a little more finesse.

Hot tip: Within the first few times of putting on your new wetsuit, use a plastic bag to wrap around your foot and slide one leg at a time into your wetsuit. You’ll find there is less friction on the way in and your foot will glide through easily!

Start at the bottom by grabbing/bunching up the fabric at the ankle and working your way up the leg. It’s important to get your foot through and the neoprene fabric past the heel before you start pulling it up your leg, to avoid unnecessarily wearing down the fabric. Once you’re past the knees, it’s a pretty seamless -- (pun intended) -- process.

Once you get to about mid-chest, the right arm goes in first. Make sure you get your right arm all the way in and adjust the rubber around your shoulder so that you can comfortably get your left arm in without feeling too squeezed in. Once your left arm is in, pull the flap above your head (if it’s an overhead/front zip), zip it across your chest and you’re ready to go.

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To get out of your wetsuit, just reverse the whole process by starting with the overhead flap, one arm then the other. The top can sometimes be the hardest part of getting out of your wetsuit, so make sure to be patient and not overstretch the rubber around your neck/shoulders.

Keep in mind with steamers: the thicker your wetsuit, the more the first few times may feel a little challenging as you make your way into it. Be patient, and most of all careful not to pull too vigorously on the fabric as in time it could rip, leaving you with some not-so-welcome ventilation. With practice and use, the wetsuit will loosen up and you’ll be able to put it on a little more smoothly (and rapidly – so you don’t miss out on any sets while your friends are still doing their wetsuit dance).

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What should you wear under your wetsuit?

What to wear under your wetsuit usually boils down to personal preference.
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There are three options when thinking about what to wear:

  • 1. Bikini
  • 2. One-piece
  • 3. Commando (as in, nothing/au naturel).

  • While the third is the bravest and possibly most convenient option, it may make things a little tricky when you un-suit after a session. What you wear under your wetsuit depends on the type of wetsuit you’re wearing, the weather, and what you want to do after your surf.

    For added warmth, a one-piece swimsuit will add a layer of protection on your chest and tummy, as well as make things a little easier when you slide out of your wetsuit in a public space (i.e the parking lot at the beach or on the beach itself), making it easier for you to change back into your clothes. Not to mention, a one piece means everything stays in place when you’re surfing and you won’t have to deal with any loose ties or moving parts.

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    In the summertime, however, you may be more inclined to wear a two piece, for the simple reason that you can lay on the beach and dry off in the sun with minimal tan lines after your session.

    The final touch : Add a little sunscreen or zinc to your face, double check your fins and leg rope and you’re good to go! You’re now equipped with all the intel you need to paddle out, catch a wave, hang ten ( -- or cutback!) and look damn good while doing so.

    Until next time, keep smiling, keep surfing. Yew!



    SHOP THE LATEST WETSUIT COLLECTION HERE

    Photographer: @elliebobbie roxy-satin-wetsuit-review