Wet and Wild with Rockin’ Fig -- Rick Fignetti

We’re right smack in the middle of winter and that water couldn’t seem

any colder -- in fact, we’re talkin’ freezin’ unless you have a nice warm

full suit.

Plenty of them out there, tons of different brands, with all sorts of

fits. The good thing is they’re getting better and better every year with

the new rubber and technology. The stretch is a major factor now verses

the old rubbers that were way stiffer. There’s even zipperless suits

where you crawl through the neck. When it’s completely on, you can’t feel

any restriction’s on your back. Or the new short zip, which is barely

noticeable. If you’re looking for a suit, the first thing to check on is

the seams. The basic, or overlock seam, sticks out a bit on the inside.

It’s usually you’re best price point suit, at $80 to $150. Which is good,

if you’re on a budget, but those seams do leak and sometimes give you a

rash from the rubbing. The flatlock is sewn on both sides, and is

definitely more comfortable. It costs anywhere from $100 to $200 and lets

less water in although it still leaks a bit. Heading for the more deluxe

model, the glued and blindstitch is air tight, so it’s leak proof and

keeps a better constant temperature in the wetsuit. Some suits even have

taping over the seams to make them more tough so you won’t pop a seam.

With these the water in the neoprene cells heats up with the temperature

of your body, retaining the heat to keep ya warm. The thickness ranges

from two millimeters ultralite suits, to the most common three millimeter

bodies with two millimeter sleeves for better paddling ability. Finally

there is the four and five millimeter suits for super cold water temps,

mid-50’s and below.

The new super stretch rubber is usually put in by the shoulders and

back to give more mobility and the new durable knee pads for the

longevity of the suit. Smooth skin rubber blocks the wind better, but

doesn’t last as long as the nylon material. Hoods, booties and gloves are

accessories that could be used in the different climate zones. And you

can even double up with Lycra or polypropylene rash guards for more

insulation -- the layer effect.

Most of those sizings do have height requirements and you can get tall

suit sizes too.

It’s a good thing to try a few brands on to see what fits best.

You want them to fit fairly tight, so a bunch of water won’t be

flushing through, with a good bond on the wrists and ankles. They seem

tight on, but will loosen up in the water and definitely make the

difference between staying out there a few minutes compared to a few

hours.

Proper care is to rinse them out after use in fresh water. Don’t leave

them in the car trunk for long periods of time, exhaust fumes are bad for

the rubber. Dry them out in indirect sun light to slow fading and don’t

put it in the dryer -- it’ll fry the cells. When taking your suit off

peel it off slowly, don’t tug and pull on it, cause if you tear a seam,

it’ll start unraveling, then you’ve got a hole. There are places that

repair suits too, if anything happens. Other than that see ya in the

lineup, Rockin Fig over and out.

* RICK FIGNETTI is a six-time West Coast champion, has announced the

U.S. Open of Surfing the last eight years and has been the KROQ-FM

(106.7) surfologist for the last 15 years where he’s done morning surf

reports. He owns a surf shop on Main Street. You can reach him at (714)

536-1058.