Wetsuits: Front Zip Vs Back Zip

[Toby]

Wetsuits: Front Zip Vs Back Zip

This week I'm going to break down almost everything you could want to know about picking up a wetsuit for kiteboarding, surfing, windsurfing, you name it. Initially I planed on just doing a video on front zip vs back zip wetsuits but I figured why not go a little deeper.

In this video I'll cover front zip vs back zip, economic vs expensive, sizing and thickness. As always, if I missed something, please let us know in the comments! I've been reading the comments on our page and in the forums and I love all the great feedback everyone has to offer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BungVSbm14

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BungVSbm14

[ChickenD!ken]

Or get a zipless..

[dylan*]

I can't tell any difference personally. The best wetsuit is the one that fits you the best, in my experience.

[NorCalNomad]

Zipless or Front zip if you have the flexibility/ youth to deal with them.

I hate velcro around/ on a wetsuit.

[alford]

That video is a total waste of time.

[alford]

Seems like many dedicated kite and windsport shops are still heavily stocking back zip suits.
For surfing front zip makes sense with the added flexibility of no zip along back for paddling. For Kiteboarding I'm not sure if it is worth the extra effort, unless you're stick skinny.

[Kamikuza]

Zipless or Front zip if you have the flexibility/ youth to deal with them.

I hate velcro around/ on a wetsuit.

Velcro never stays stuck, ends up scratching my neck. Then it unzips,,,

[NorCalNomad]

Seems like many dedicated kite and windsport shops are still heavily stocking back zip suits.

That's because the majority of the kiteboarding user base is older men...not known for being limber.

[Kykeon]

I use a wetsuit mainly for the sun protection, skin protection from jelly fish and the foil
Warmth is not the biggest thing… July-August I’m 90% ok only with lycra

So far I was happy with a 1mm swimming wetsuit but it is falling apart…
I think that I’ll go with something a bit thicker for more durability.
I don’t feel it’s worth to invest much and I’m considering one those 2

Dinghy wetsuit 3/2
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/dg500-m-wet ... 83864.html

Surf wetsuit 2/2
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/surf-wetsui ... 29498.html

[alford]

Seems like many dedicated kite and windsport shops are still heavily stocking back zip suits.

That's because the majority of the kiteboarding user base is older men...not known for being limber.

Was thinking exactly that too but didn't want to admit it!