wetsuit- i know its been done

5/4 is NOT fine for 30 degree water. I didn't even know it got that cold anywhere in america. I surf long island, where the water temp usually bottoms out at 37. with that water temp and air temps below 20, a 5/4 is just barely enough. so for 30 degree water i would say definitely go for the 6/5. if anything atleast buy a thermal to wear under the 5/4.

 

You MIGHT be able to scratch by with a 5/4/3 up there for shorter sessions....but if you are going for the extendo session I recommend goin' thicker.

 

Typically, it's your extremities that get hit the hardest (almost with your head). Make sure you are packin' 7mm gloves and 7mm booties, and a thermo rashguard underneath and you should be good.

 

5mm is fine for the winter on li... 7mm mittens and boo ts.. I get cold easily and I'm good for 3 hours.. Your feet will get cold before the rest of body...

 

i went yesterday in rhode island and the water was 41 degrees and the air temp was 25 with a windcill of 0 or below. i have 5 mm gloves and 7 mm booties, i was in for two hours and didnt get cold.

 

Not too hijack this thread... but I have a billabong sg5 4/3 with a thermal vest/2mm hoodie, 5mil gloves and 5mil boots.

I think its probably too cold now to use that in the ny waters... can anyone confirm?
thanks

 

I have always used a 5/4/3 all winter in RI/MA/NH/ME. Good booties and gloves will get you through.

 

nobody on this forum or any other knows, only you can confirm..so suit up and give it a go. It totally depends on your tolerance for cold, quality/fit of the suit, and conditions on the day you paddle out. If its sunny, light winds and the waves arent macking, or its a spot where you can paddle out without lots of duck diving you might have a comfortable 2 hour session in that gear in 40 degree water

 

If you sit still in the water it doesn't matter what your gear is, you'll get cold. Keep paddling and up your wave count.

 

4/3 can be done..

I can confirm.
for the last 2 years i wore an oneill mutant 4/3 with thermo shirt all winter. pulled off a 2.5 hour session in mid january.
your feet might be a bit chilly in 5 mils, but a 4/3 in NY winter is completely doable.
However, I will say I am glad to now have a 5/4 drylock.

 

Im keeping a 4/3 for the whole winter. You guys gotta grow some balls. Its about 40 here in OCMD now

 

I ride in a 4/3 Quik year round with 5mm booties gloves. Once the water gets below about 48, I'm usually shivering after an hour in the water. But, I'm a skinny dude and don't have much natural insulation.

 

5/4/3 xcel drylock, 5mil Xcel gluvez, 7mm booteeyz, again Xcel drylocks...drylock iz thu best rubber around period. (uv course i'm obligated 2 say that cuz i'm sponsored by them) but it's true...their shiit's uh lill priceeyer, but well wurth it. there'z really no difference b-tween wrong island and anywhere northeast uv here. thu water'z 40 degreez and thu airtemps 10...