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Wetsuit/surfboard advice

  • 13-05-2018 5:28pm
    #1
    andyd12
    Registered Users Posts: 332 ✭✭


    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


Comments

  • #2
    SSr0
    Registered Users Posts: 299 ✭✭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.


  • #3
    Mickeroo
    Administrators, Computer Games Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 32,126 Admin ✭✭✭✭✭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.


  • #4
    andyd12
    Registered Users Posts: 332 ✭✭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?


  • #5
    spaceHopper
    Registered Users Posts: 3,961 ✭✭✭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.


  • #6
    Mickeroo
    Administrators, Computer Games Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 32,126 Admin ✭✭✭✭✭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 :().


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  • #7
    andyd12
    Registered Users Posts: 332 ✭✭andyd12


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


  • #8
    andyd12
    Registered Users Posts: 332 ✭✭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


  • #9
    Mickeroo
    Administrators, Computer Games Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 32,126 Admin ✭✭✭✭✭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.


  • #10
    andyd12
    Registered Users Posts: 332 ✭✭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‘


  • #11
    drunkmonkey
    Registered Users Posts: 28,074 ✭✭✭✭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.


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  • #12
    Mickeroo
    Administrators, Computer Games Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 32,126 Admin ✭✭✭✭✭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.


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