Why there is no front zipper in wetsuits?

[exkites]

I really don't like to pee in to my wetsuit but undress all time is so annoying, and I'm sure that many of you agree that front zipper would be very useful feature! So why non of the brands produce that?

[ronnie]

Because not everyone looks like Claudine Auger?

[kite_crazy66]

The first video was quite disturbing... thanks for making it up with the photo of Ms. Auger.

And to answer exkites question. I think they don't have front zippers bc wetsuits are primarily designed for surfers (regular wave surfers). Lying on the board with a pastic zipper pressed up against your body is not the most enjoyable of things.

[exkites]

I'm not talking about full front zipper, it could be just a small exit in the down part..

The first video was quite disturbing... thanks for making it up with the photo of Ms. Auger.

And to answer exkites question. I think they don't have front zippers bc wetsuits are primarily designed for surfers (regular wave surfers). Lying on the board with a pastic zipper pressed up against your body is not the most enjoyable of things.

[AndKite]

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=2372322

Started this thread a while back... enjoy the ideas. I am currently getting a custom wetsuit made by a local producer, and i am planning on getting him to put in a sort-of zipper in it. Not actually a zipper, more of a velcro construction... We'll see how it goes! If it works, i will be a happy man being able to go about my business without taking all equipment off. Working as instructor, all day at the beach and on top of full wetsuit we have wind-jackets which makes peeing even more irritating.

Let's see!

[exkites]

Thanks man..

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=2372322

Started this thread a while back... enjoy the ideas. I am currently getting a custom wetsuit made by a local producer, and i am planning on getting him to put in a sort-of zipper in it. Not actually a zipper, more of a velcro construction... We'll see how it goes! If it works, i will be a happy man being able to go about my business without taking all equipment off. Working as instructor, all day at the beach and on top of full wetsuit we have wind-jackets which makes peeing even more irritating.

Let's see!

[Kamikuza]

Noticed recently one of the guys had a wetsuit with a crotch-access panel ... can't remember the brand though.

[prelives]

The large majority of wetsuits are designed for surfing during which you lie on your stomach while paddling - very uncomfortable to lie on a zipper.

If you lived in a cold water location, you'd be quick to pee in your wetsuit! In winter, I hold it until I'm out in the water!

[Thor SFBay]

It's funny how so many people are deathly afraid of urine. If you pee in your wetsuit, the water flushes it out pretty quickly. It's really no big deal at all. Plus, I'd like to know how you are going to unzip or open a flap and take a leak while you are kiteboarding. Imagine the accidents that could happen if you lose control of your kite while trying to pee... I think the only time such a feature would be nice to have is when you are hanging out on shore waiting for the wind to pick up.

[Peter_Frank]

It's funny how so many people are deathly afraid of urine. If you pee in your wetsuit, the water flushes it out pretty quickly. It's really no big deal at all. Plus, I'd like to know how you are going to unzip or open a flap and take a leak while you are kiteboarding. Imagine the accidents that could happen if you lose control of your kite while trying to pee... I think the only time such a feature would be nice to have is when you are hanging out on shore waiting for the wind to pick up.

Nope - it actually stays for a long time (the urine), and apart from smelling like it damages the neoprene, that is known.

But of course - we all have done that in the wintertime when no other alternatives I think....

Only if you have "summer" suits very thin and loose and not warm (nor good) - it will flush faster, true.
But this only happens if you have a cheapskate suit, and not a good one - as the good ones even if only 2-3mm, will not let water flush through really - only a slow "filling" with water, so they are incredibly warm

And the OP dont mean to open for a pee while you are out - but when you have a wetsuit on for a long time (and in colder areas you can NOT just take it off and on) while teaching f.ex thus walking around all day maybe - you need to take a pee now and then of course (and if not, you dont drink sufficiently, and might get dehydrated).

So the question is understandable for some

Although, I think most NOT teaching, has learned how to handle it - but when out for 6-8hours or longer you might get a problem, especially if cold (40-50F)

The reason why they DONT have pee zips, I think, is because most dont really need it (only out for 2-3 hours maybe, or can just pull the suit down if warm), and it would increase the price somewhat

Peter