How to choose the right wetsuit (Part 1)
The first selection criterion when choosing a surfing wetsuit is the water temperature. Water temperature varies according to the location and the time of the year. Systematically make sure that the water temperature at your spot corresponds to the recommended temperature range: Warm water above 21°C. Temperate water between 17°C and 22°C. Cold water between 12°C and 17°C. Very cold water between 7°C and 12°C. Visit the site seatemperature.org to find out the temperature of your spot.
How to choose the right wetsuit (Part 2)
The 2nd criterion to take into account is the length of your sessions. If your sessions last less than an hour, the 100 models will be suitable. For up to 2 hours, opt for the 500 models and for up to 3 hours, the 900 models.
Compared to the 100 models, the 500 models will be warmer (and more watertight) and more efficient at reducing fatigue (more freedom of movement) and irritation. The same is true for the 900 models compared with the 500 models.
NOTE: the 900 models are easier to put on.
Choose the right size
To make the most of the features of your wetsuit, it is necessary to choose the correct size. A surfing wetsuit should be a very tight fit and there should be no visible folds. When dry, it is perfectly normal to feel like it is too tight, this discomfort disappears as soon as the wetsuit gets wet. If you choose a diving suit that is too big, folds will appear, you will experience irritation and thermal insulation will be reduced (letting in water).
Try it on before you buy it!
Materials
This Tribord 100 4/3 wetsuit is made from genuine Neoprene for even better thermal comfort. The neoprene is lined with polyamide fabric for added resistance to wear. Neoprene thickness: 4 and 3 mm. Neoprene is a closed-cell polychloroprene elastomeric foam with trapped nitrogen bubbles that have insulating properties.
Neck
The neck finish has been developed to limit irritations. According to the sensitivity of the wearer, a UV top can be worn under the wetsuit to reduce the risk of irritation. The application of grease (e.g. Vaseline) in friction areas (neck, underarms, knees) is also recommended if wearing the diving suit for long periods.
Make sure the flap is always inside the wetsuit to limit the risk of irritation with the zip and the neck.
Watertight assembly
The seams are stitched and glued for a watertight seal and robustness. The seams are "blind-stitched", which means the thread does not pass through the entire thickness of the neoprene and so prevents water from getting through. The absence of threads on the inside avoids irritation and chafing. Patches for comfort and reinforcement are strategically placed on the inside in sensitive areas.
Fastening
Our zips and fastenings are laboratory tested in order to ensure an optimal lifespan and good resistance to salt water.
We have put the zip at the back of the wetsuit for more comfort during surf sports (when lying down to paddle).
Zip pull
We are required by law to put a short cord on the zips of junior products to prevent the risk of strangulation for the youngest users. For older kids, you can add a longer cord so that they can operate the zip themselves. A small rip-tab prevents accidental opening of the zip during use.
Anti-chafing design
We designed this product with seamless panels under the arms to limit irritation due to the repetitive paddling movements associated with surf sports.
Stay warm for longer thanks to our thermal accessories! Each temperature range has its own outfit...
When we are in the water, we lose more than half of our body heat through our extremities (feet, hands, head).
Consequently, here are the recommended accessories:
- in warm water and temperate water (>17°C) => neoprene low booties.
- in cold water (12 - 17°C): High booties (boots) and gloves.
- in very cold water (7 - 12°C): High booties (boots), gloves, balaclava and balaclava top.
Multi-water sports wetsuits
Our wetsuits are designed to meet the needs of the most demanding surfers. Our design choices also make them compatible with other watersports such as kitesurfing, windsurfing, wakeboarding, water skiing, sea wading or SUP (stand up paddle).
What is the OLAIAN brand?
TRIBORD surfing products have now become OLAIAN products, the new Decathlon brand dedicated to surfing, bodyboarding and skimboarding. Gradually, the branding of all our surfing products will be replaced. This is why your product may have a different logo to the one in the picture illustrating the product.
