It's almost mid-June and so almost officially summer. It is light until late in the evening and the sea water temperature has risen considerably. There are days when you can just take your summer surf suit out of the closet for the first time in the new year. My favorite is a short sleeve wetsuit for the really nice days. See why but also whether this suits you.
Still quite cold for summer wetsuit
Despite the fact that the seawater temperature off the coast is now rising rapidly, it is still quite cold for the time of year. After all, it has remained cold for a long time in the spring. The seawater temperature is currently about 15,5 degrees on the coast and this is still increasing daily at this time of year.
Thickness summer wetsuit
A warm wetsuit is not an unnecessary luxury. Without a neoprene wetsuit you cool down very quickly in the cold water of the Netherlands. Especially in the beginning you are still in the water a lot and extra insulation is nice. I only go kitesurfing with my thinnest summer surf suit on the nice days and when I don't plan to kitesurf for too long.
The days on which you can kitesurf without a wetsuit in the Netherlands in the summer can usually be counted on one hand. That is why a wetsuit is important kitesurfing equipment.
Rule of thumb wetsuit thickness
A general indication is that in the summer you can get along well with a wetsuit of 4/3 mm. In the spring and autumn you need a 5/4 mm and in the winter possibly even thicker, for example a 6/4 mm wetsuit. Possibly even supplemented with a jacket over your wetsuit. Also view the size chart and explanation what thickness wetsuit you need at what time of year.
If you only purchase one wetsuit, a 5/4 mm is recommended.
Wetsuit also offers protection
A neoprene wetsuit also offers protection. So if you regularly make a tummy tuck in the surf or on the beach, a wetsuit with long legs and sleeves is not an unnecessary luxury. So think carefully whether a wetsuit with short sleeves and / or pipes suits you.
