How much do wetsuits make a difference in cold water surfing?

I want to go surfing in Lake Ontario, but the water is very cold. So I wanted to know, if I wore a wetsuit how much of a difference would it make? Like maybe make 55 degrees water fell like 80 or something like that?


Please answer ASAP, and thank you!|||The 1st answer describing how suits works is unfortunately incorrect. I know I sold them for a high end manufacturer. The idea is to keep out as much water as possible, and the little bit that does get in will warm up. However, as one response said, it will "flush in AND out AND back in again", not allowing the water to warm up.





I'd go with a 2mm suit at least, and get some booties and a hood. It's a little less comfortable, but the respondents who asked you to be careful b/c of the possibility of hypothermia are quite correct.





Try www.nrsweb.com for wetsuits and other kayaking gear





Be safe and enjoy!|||Akiva,





Wetsuits make a big difference in cold water surfing. Good wetsuits that fit well make an even greater difference. As for the water temps, no wetsuit will ever make 55 degree water FEEL LIKE 80 degree water. The water will still feel frigid, you just won't have to feel it very often because you're skin won't be exposed. As the other post mentioned, your body will warm the water in the suit (as long as it fits properly and the water isn't flowing in and out).





I'd go with a 4/3 and booties.





Have fun surfing in Lake Ontario. You're hard core!!!|||This article is the best information I have ever found on wetsuit needs for various water temps. At 55 degrees you are in definite danger of drowning due to cold water immersion loss of muscle control. Read this, please, and be safe:



http://www.wetsuitmegastore.com/wetsuit/鈥?/a>



I have a 3/4 mm surfing full wetsuit and being in 55 degree water in just that is still a shock. The only way to make 55 degree water feel like 80 degrees is with a heavier suit plus hood and booties. OR a drysuit with thermal layer underneath. That 2/3 suit the other answer suggested may somewhat increase your survival but not your comfort -- that is a spring suit wieght best suited for water above 65 degrees (I know because I also have a 2/3 springsuit).



You need warmer coverage when you are surfing or kayaking rather than scuba diving because of the heat loss from being up in the wind too.|||reading through the other answer yes a wet suit would keep you warmer than nude "as you said a difference to what" although when surfing you will have a lot of movement and the water will change as you surf so therefore you may still be cold as the water flushes through the suit. also the wind will cool the water off as they are not wind proof.|||Without a wetsuit you risk hypothermia, and potentially freezing up, being unable to move, and you'll die. Or you get cold, but not stupid, and come out of the water and warm up before anythign serious happens.





Cold jacks up your blood pressure which is really bad for your hearts arteries. So two new ways to keep from living a long enjoyable life.





GET A WETSUIT ! Get it tailored just right for you so you don't have cold water flowing in and out, which will just keep you cold, not warm.|||A wet suit fills with water and then your body keeps the water warm, so you have a thin layer of body temperature water surrounding your body is how a wet suit works. Any 2/3 (thin part is 2mm, thick is 3mm) should be fine for 55 degree water and feel very comfortable to float in. Remember booties and gloves!