How to choose the right wetsuit (Part 1)
The first selection criterion when choosing a surfing wetsuit is the water temperature.
Water temperature varies according to the location and the time of the year.
Systematically make sure that the water temperature at your spot corresponds to the recommended temperature range:
Warm water above 20°C.
Temperate water between 17 and 22°C.
Cold water between 12 and 17°C.
Very cold water between 7 and 12°C.
Visit the site seatemperature.org to find out the temperature of your spot.
How to choose the right wetsuit (Part 2)
The 2nd criterion to take into account is the length of your sessions. If your sessions last less than an hour, the 100 models will be suitable. For up to 2 hours, opt for the 500 models and for up to 3 hours, the 900 models.
Compared to the 100 models, the 500 models will be warmer (and more watertight) and more efficient at reducing fatigue (more freedom of movement) and irritation. The same is true for the 900 models compared with the 500 models.
NB: the 900 models are easier to put on.
Choose the right size
To make the most of the features of your wetsuit, it is necessary to choose the correct size. A surfing wetsuit should be a very tight fit and there should be no visible folds. When dry, it is perfectly normal to feel like it is too tight, this discomfort disappears as soon as the wetsuit gets wet. If you choose a wetsuit that is too big, folds will appear, you will experience irritation and thermal comfort will be reduced (letting in water).
Try it on before you buy it!
Materials
This OLAIAN 100 shorty is made of neoprene for better thermal comfort.
The neoprene is lined with polyester fabric for added resistance to wear.
Neoprene thickness: 1.5 mm. Neoprene is a closed-cell polychloroprene elastomeric foam with trapped nitrogen bubbles that have insulating properties.
We test and guarantee the thermal quality of our neoprene materials.
Neck
The neck finish has been developed to limit irritation. According to the sensitivity of the wearer, a UV top can be worn under the wetsuit to reduce the risk of irritation. The application of grease (e.g. Vaseline) in friction areas (neck, underarms) is also recommended if wearing the wetsuit for long periods. Make sure the flap is always inside the wetsuit to limit the risk of irritation with the zip and the neck.
Fastening
Our zips and fastenings are laboratory-tested in order to ensure an optimal lifespan and good resistance to salt water.We have put the zip at the back of the wetsuit for more comfort during surf sports (when lying down to paddle).
Anti-chafing design
We designed this product with seamless panels under the arms to limit irritation due to the repetitive paddling movements associated with surf sports.
Stay warm for longer thanks to our thermal accessories! Each temperature range has its own outfit...
When we are in the water, we lose more than half of our body heat through our extremities (feet, hands, head).
Consequently, here are the recommended accessories:
- in warm water and temperate water (>17°C) => neoprene low booties.
- in cold water (12 - 17°C): High booties (boots) and gloves.
- in very cold water (7 - 12°C): High booties (boots), gloves, hood and hooded top...
Find our entire range of neoprene accessories at decathlon.fr
Multi-water sports wetsuits
Our wetsuits are designed to meet the needs of the most demanding surfers. Our design choices also make them compatible with other water sports such as kitesurfing, windsurfing, wakeboarding, water skiing, sea wading or SUP (stand up paddle boarding).
What is the OLAIAN brand?
OLAIAN, DECATHLON'S SURFING BRAND
Based in Hendaye, in South West France, OLAIAN is Decathlon's surfing brand. In our offices at the water's edge, we can design a shorty suit and then on the same day test it directly in real practice conditions
Maximum wash temperature 95°C. Normal treatment.
Maximum wash temperature of 30°C. Very moderate treatment.
Iron at a maximum soleplate temperature of 150°C.
Maximum wash temperature 70°C. Normal treatment.
Ironing at a maximum iron soleplate temperature of 200°C.