Wetsuit/surfboard advice

andyd12

Hi guys,
I am new to surfing and living in Sligo. Done a few lessons and stuff.

I am thinking about getting a Wetsuit and board.
What thickness wetsuit would be recommended and should I buy new or second hand?

Also what size board is best, I am a 6ft 1" guy, 90kg. I am guessing a second hand board would be best?
Thanks

SSr0

Probably better to get a 5:3mm or 5:4mm wetsuit, you won't get much use out of a thinner summer one here in Ireland unfortunately.

As for boards, your best bet is to go for a longboard/minimal so you'll be able to catch the most waves possible and progress that much faster. I went for a smaller board when I started off and it definitely made the learning process a lot harder.

Mickeroo

Get a 5mm suit so you can use it in winter (Hood, boots and gloves will be wanted then too).

As for a board, if you're just starting out then something big, bouyant and durable like a Bic 7"9 is a good option or even just get a cheap foamie to learn the basics on. If you're sure you'll stick with it then a 9ft+ longboard might be a good investment, you'll always have use for a longboard.

andyd12

Cool thanks for the advice guys.
On the wetsuit, it probably to best to buy new ??
It would be better fitting buying in a shop ? They ain't too expensive right?

spaceHopper

Head in to sunset water sports in sligo they have keen prices. A good fit is very important so buy in a shop not on line.

Mickeroo

New suit and a second hand board is the way to go starting out imo. Can also recommend sunset in sligo, got a suit there about 6 years ago and it's still in good nick (though it's not gotten wet much the last couple of years ).

andyd12

Super thanks. I was kind of thinking that would be best but I'm sure you know better. Thanks guys

andyd12

Hi guys, I got my board and suit recently and have started trying to surf. Really enjoying it!
Just a question on the wetsuit, should it be washed with water every time after being in the sea? Thanks

Mickeroo

andyd12 wrote: »

Hi guys, I got my board and suit recently and have started trying to surf. Really enjoying it!
Just a question on the wetsuit, should it be washed with water every time after being in the sea? Thanks

Yeah always give it a good dunk in fresh water afterwards then hang it up to dry. I have a soak basin in the van, always chuck it in there afterwards and fill it with water when i get home.

andyd12

Mickeroo wrote: »

Yeah always give it a good dunk in fresh water afterwards then hang it up to dry. I have a soak basin in the van, always chuck it in there afterwards and fill it with water when i get home.

Great thanks I was thinking of picking up one of those. Thanks againðŸ‘

drunkmonkey

Mickeroo wrote: »

Get a 5mm suit so you can use it in winter (Hood, boots and gloves will be wanted then too).

As for a board, if you're just starting out then something big, bouyant and durable like a Bic 7"9 is a good option or even just get a cheap foamie to learn the basics on. If you're sure you'll stick with it then a 9ft+ longboard might be a good investment, you'll always have use for a longboard.

Mickeroo what would you think of going for the bic 8'4 Magnum over the 7'9, carrying a dad belly so was thinking the extra buyoancy would be better as I need to loose a few kg. Any disadvantages? thanks.

Mickeroo

drunkmonkey wrote: »

Mickeroo what would you think of going for the bic 8'4 Magnum over the 7'9, carrying a dad belly so was thinking the extra buyoancy would be better as I need to loose a few kg. Any disadvantages? thanks.

Yeah it would be grand, I learned on a 7'9 myself but 8'4 will be fine too and should be slightly easier due to the extra volume.

Bics are a good investment anyway as they're easy to sell if you decide to move on to a more advanced board down the line or they're handy to hold on to for messing around on smaller days. They're practically indestructible too.