Its no fun to be on the sidelines with a pesky cut in your foot. Do I need a wetsuit for surfing in Hawaii? it absorbs some impact when you hit the water. I like to dry my suits inside out if Im going surfing the next day. best unit at Kapalua bay villas for family of 4 with kids. I did wear a suit for a tour once a long time ago but I felt like it was too hot. A wetsuit works by trapping a thin layer of water between the wetsuit and the skin. If its too loose, there will be a ton of water moving around in your suit and your body will have a tough time warming up all that water and the insulating effect would be lost. Therefore, you don't need a wetsuit to surf in Hawaii ! You'll need to learn about wetsuit care if you want to keep your wetsuit in top condition. Some days the waves a quite big but for a beginner the waves are almost always big enough. However, SCUBA diving takes you down to deeper waters which are colder. A good longsleeve rashguard is a must when surfing in Hawaii, especially if you are not accustomed to surfing without a wetsuit. George Kahumokus 72nd Birthday celebrations - plus tour, Maui Condos or Villas for Late June/Mid Aug, 2 days January 2023, POA planning ? If you wanna get warm in winter, get a thicker wetsuit, or buy a neopren jacket, or some surf boots or gloves. Burkini Swimsuits for Women Modest Muslim Swimsuit Islamic Swimwear Long Sleeve Burkinis Full Cover Hijab Muslim Swim Dress Tops Pants Swim Cap Wetsuit 3 Piece Bathing Suits Blue + Black Large. Or maybe bacteria in the water. Log in or Register now! Most swimmers will need a wetsuit to be able to swim for even a short period of time, as well as gloves or a neoprene hat to help warm their extremities. We've enhanced the navigation and generally made it easier to find what you need quickly and efficiently. The body temperature of the surfer heats this water giving a nice warm water blanket. Thanks! for whale watch. There is nothing more embarrassing than taking a big wipeout and coming up with half your bikini missing. A cheap wetsuit might seem like a good deal at first, but it wont last as long and wont be nearly as comfortable. If the water is 72 degrees or warmer, you may not need a wetsuit. Would love your thoughts, please comment. These are great in the early spring and fall and arent too restrictive. Instead, you'll get to enjoy comfortable, sunny days with clear blue skies and average temps in the 50s! I dive Bonaire, often with just board shorts and a rash guard. Sunburned bodies are a common site in Hawaii due to the enormous amount of sunlight the islands receive. You will need a wetsuit if you are staying at the Marriott on Kauai. One time it got cloudy while we were snorkeling and I came out of the water shivering. Make sure to pack a spring suit for your kids so they dont get cold while surfing in Hawaii. The reason this question is valid when asking 'do you need a wetsuit to snorkel' is because wetsuits can help with buoyancy and help you expend less energy while swimming around. They also come in all different thicknesses depending on the temperature youre going to be braving. These cover the whole body and come in a variety of thicknesses, depending on the temperatures youre going to brave. Once youre done surfing, dont crumple up your wetsuit and leave it in your trunk. What are some of the best restaurants on Maui? Cant wait to bring all my skateboarding skills to the ocean learn. In cool weather, a wetsuit can also be worn for swimming. It seems gross at first, but urine is sterile. I am hesitant to go out and buy a wetsuit for Maui & Hawaii but the water is about 7 degrees cooler. FOUNDED IN HAWAII IN 1979, DAKINE BUILDS BACKPACKS, TRAVEL BAGS, ACCESSORIES, OUTERWEAR AND CLOTHING FOR PEOPLE WHO LOVE TO SURF, SNOWBOARD, SKATEBOARD, MOUNTAIN BIKE, SKI, WINDSURF, KITEBOARD AND TRAVEL. With a surf key box, if an invalid pin code is entered a few times, the device will go into security lockout mode and . Bad ideamine was stolen that way. I have everything I need, I just need to get in the water, but Im just not sure what the perfect water temperature is for your first time. Rash guards also offer outstanding sun protection without the mess and slippery-ness of sunscreen. It takes a bit of practice, so if you have a car try to stand behind an open door in case of accidental towel droppage. Its a million times worse. Once you know your way around a second hand windsurfing board and feel confident enough to strike out on your own, you can have all the fun of planning a watersports holiday so you can practice your newfound skills. You wont need to pack your winter 4/3 full suit by any means but a nice 1 or 2mm wetsuit top will help keep your core warm and allow you to surf longer, especially if the trade winds start to pick up. Surfs up! Just make sure your wetsuit doesnt have buckets of sand on it. The water there is typically 80ish. Do I need a wetsuit for surfing in Hawaii? For Hawaiian waters, a 3mm wetsuit is perfect. Be sure to rinse off the zipper area exceptionally well. I often swim and snorkel without a wetsuit, but some people find that they want one, even just for snorkeling. I do have a rash guard which I wore a lot in Roatan as where we usually snorkel has lots of coral very close to ones body when basically just on top of the water. The water temperature in Hawaii is warm year-round, but its still not as warm as a bathtub. Wetsuits are designed to insulate the body and prevent it from losing heat. The 4 Best Surfing Spots In Los Angeles. Welcome to ScubaBoard, the world's largest scuba diving community. Unique Activities for folks who have been many time. I meanif you surf cold water a lot. I also get a little cold snorkeling (I get cold easily). I use a 3mm shorties in January. Since you brought it up, does anyone ever get a rash from peeing in their wetsuit? Surfing, swimming or snorkeling on the surface, pretty much never. . See also Is Washington and Washington DC same? The Da Hui Backdoor Shootout competitor is in ICU. The answer is no you don't need a wetsuit to surf in Hawaii. 40 degree is damn cold! I wear a 4/3 suit in SC totally keeps me comfy! The suit thickness is usually designated by two numbers which represent the neoprene thickness in millimeters. A wetsuit also helps protect your skin from cuts and scrapes on coral reefs and rocks. Read this first! Do I need a wetsuit for both activities? Again, booties come in different thicknesses. They dont call this place the tropic of cancer for nothing. They also provide protection from stings and scratches. The surf industry produces several types of wetsuits for different environments. Fortunately, there are a few easy ways to patch up a wetsuit so you can get back in the water as soon as possible. Secondly, youll want to consider the type of activity youll be doing. I like to have a plastic box in my car, after the surf I stand in it to change. If you want more sun protection, consider a long-sleeved wetsuit. You also have to lug air tanks and other gear around. We have shorties and I am thinking those may be enough? When youre out in amazing waves and the nearest bathroom is far away, sometimes theres no choice. Thinking about your preferences and how your body operates is a very smart thing to do. I should know Ive made the mistake of buying a cheap wetsuit, which was a huge mistake. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Our definitive wetsuit buyers guide. Some companies have taken initiative and created special changing robes to eliminate the towel-dance. Even though the waters are warm, you still need a wetsuit to scuba dive in Hawaii. Bring an few extra pair of boardshorts or bottoms to change into after each surf session to keep your skin healthy. It's thin enough that you won't overheat, but it will still provide warmth and protection from the sun. P.s: Im on the eastern coast of Australia if that helps. The 2.5mm thickness means you wont sacrifice mobility, and the hook-and-loop fastening collar provides added comfort and protection. Reef shoes help to protect your feet from sea urchins and sharp coral. So, I guess it will be up to you. And, if youre planning on doing any diving, a wetsuit is essential for safety. Quite a difference from the Caribbean's 80+. But I live in the New England area and I dont believe theres any surfing along the coast here, is there? We snorkel quite a bit in January for years but it's been in Caribbean and Mexico and it's been warm enough. When Im on surf trips and doing second sessions all the time I do it, but I try not to make it a habit. Hawaii's surfing scene Surfing is deeply rooted in its history and lifestyle. I'm going to the Big Island in May and plan on doing lots of snorkling and scuba diving with my wife. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. A 3mm thickness is just right for Hawaiian waters. Diving for long periods of time at medium depths, maybe, if you get get cold easily. There are a variety of different wetsuit options out there from singlet style insulated vests all the way up to the thick full body suits . Make sure that you pack a rashguard that has SPF built into the material. Water temperatures around that time will likely be in the high 70s. Raw nipples are very painful (for girls and guys! Im used to northern MN lake water so I can handle it. :) Most people will not have wetsuits, short or otherwise when snorkeling there. 2. I wore a 6mm suit in January when the temps were in the low 70s and was happy I brought the suit along. Our waters are cooler in the winter than what you are used to. You can either hang it up over your tub or shower, or somewhere else with a pan underneath to catch the drips. With a few quick steps, youll be ready to take on those waves again. Click here to buy a wetsuit. I dont think wetsuits are necessary in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I dont even like to wear a rash guard. The other times I went the temps were 84. This will help remove salt, sand, and other debris that can cause wear and tear. What Are The Bends (Decompression Sickness) When Diving? If youre only planning on snorkeling or surfing, you can get away with a shorter-sleeved wetsuit or a rash guard. . I live in san diego and im not sure if is hould get a 4/5 or a 3/4 for the winter. There are a number of things to consider about your next snorkeling trip that will help you answer the question: Do you need a wetsuit to snorkel? It may sound silly since Hawaii is synonymous with warm water surfing but it does get chilly sometimes. Surfing Wetsuits; Cheap Wetsuits; Wetsuit Test; Wetsuit History; Surfing. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2023 Wetsuit Wearhouse All Rights Reserved. Saturday, January 14 2023 About; . If you click on a link to purchase a product or service from our site and we earn a commission, you will be helping to support our efforts at Love For Traveling! It might be difficult to try on a wetsuit for the first time. For example, I have a 4/3 suit that can instantly be turned into a pseudo 6/3 hooded suit when I wear my hooded vest. Repeated dives will chill you more. I have no clue what or if they rent them and it seems a pain and waste of time and probably cost more. What do you think? It all also depends on your board, if you are starting out with a big foam board you can ride smaller New England waves as well! It is a good idea to pack sunscreen but please beware that not all sunscreens are created equal. What To Wear Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP). Registration is not required to read the forums, but we encourage you to join. The answer is pretty simple: You do NOT need a wetsuit to go surfing. Alon, It is totally personal preference. When I dont wear a springsuit I get cold in about 45 minutes. Great guide! The thicker the neoprene is, the less flexible you'll feel in the waves. Joining is quick and easy. Hawaii has year-round warm tropical weather, with water temperatures hovering around 22-27C (72-82F) throughout the year. Wetsuits actually make paddling and movement harder. You can also get whats known as Haole Rot from not taking care of your skin or properly drying it off with clean towels. The short answer is it all depends. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. I am about to move to San Diego from the east coast and I am used to haveing a whole wetsuit quiver, one or two different thicknesses for each season ranging from 2mm to 6/4mm. Monday - Sunday 8:30am 5pm 808-322-4338 Email Us, Come down to Kahaluu this Saturday and join our team as we help beautify this amazing place we call home. Finally, a wetsuit also flatters just about any body shape. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. We carry a full line of SPF rash guards for sale at our surf shop made from high quality material that are guaranteed to last for many surf trips. I have only been diving in Aruba (am a new diver). I am a tropical girl and hate being cold, too. If youre planning on surfing or diving, youll need a wetsuit specifically designed for those activities. He thinks he doesn't need to buy a wetsuit, but I'm not sure if he Just wondering. Do you ever need a wetsuit in Hawaii? Hawaii has year-round warm tropical weather, with water temperatures hovering around 22-27C (72-82F) throughout the year. All you need to do is set a pin code, memorize it, and leave go surfing. Most of my time is spent face down in the ocean for hours and I have never been cold. Wetsuits, leashes, high performance surfboard, day board bag, travel coffin, framed map of CA surf spots 6'4 wheeled. Wetsuits will stretch out a tiny bit after a few sessions. But a wetsuit will press decorative swimsuit features such as knots, beads, metal, and wood into the diver's skin uncomfortably. There's no compromise on the tech, but there are more ergonomic fits for those looking to get in the water at a more ripe age. You won't need to pack your winter 4/3 full suit by any means but a nice 1 or 2mm wetsuit top will help keep your core warm and allow you to surf longer, especially if the trade winds start to pick up. I do not need because I'm big head 7-1/2 . I usually only use them when I know I am going to be in the water for a looooong time or when it is cloudy and a bit cooler out. Why Is Japan Called The Land of the Rising Sun? Im moving to Ocean City,NJ this winter. If youre considering buying a wetsuit, dont skimp; go for quality over quantity. When most people think about packing for a Hawaiian surf trip, they think board shorts and bikinis. Hello, I'm interested in learning surfing and found your website. A high-tech smart lockbox allows you to easily attach it to different locations on your car and keep your car keys safe. Where do I find some good, inexpensive restaurants on Maui? You won't need to pack your winter 4/3 full suit by any means but a nice 1 or 2mm wetsuit top will help keep your core warm and allow you to surf longer, especially if the trade winds start to pick up. As far as what to wear for surfing, a 4/3mm full wetsuit is the most versatile piece a person can own and use in San Diego. But do you need a wetsuit to surf in Hawaii? Do you really need that wet suit? If youre not going to be using your wetsuit for a while, dont fold your suit and leave it in a drawer. The zippered pocket is great for keeping essential items safe and secure while swimming. This is important for appearance and can help you feel more comfortable when surfing. Joining has its benefits and enables you to participate in the discussions. The method thats easiest on you (and your wetsuit) is to peel it off so that the suit is inside out when its off. With a wetsuit, you don't have to worry about adjusting straps and hiking shorts up. My daughter likes her short-sleeved poly ski underwear. ALL is excellent and the best on market. Boots (or Booties) come in round toe and split toe varieties. Definitely surf-smart! Awesome write-up. I will pass along to our readers. However, better options are available depending on what you want in a wetsuit. ), Its not very good for the neoprene material to hang it to dry in the sunlight. ONeill even came out with a hooded rash guard, however this seems a little extreme. Although surfing is believed to have originated in Polynesia, it flourished in Hawaii. One of the most important factors is the temperature of the water because it will determine which type of wetsuit you need to be wearing. Farmer Johns (sometimes called long johns) are suits that have long legs and no sleeves. Urine is only sterile until it enters the urethra and it contains compounds that can irritate the skin, in case you still arent convinced. It may sound silly since Hawaii is synonymous with warm water surfing but it does get chilly sometimes. The popularity of these schools is becoming even greater with every passing year as new surf schools open up and older surf schools expand to include more products. It is thin and breathable, making it a good choice for Hawaii weather. Do you need a wetsuit for surfing? This sometimes happens when you duckdive under a wave or wipe out. What are some good guide and hiking books? This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Coral is very fragile and takes a long time to grow back; an inch a year, so please be respectful and keep your feet off the reef. The weather was warm enough to wear shorts and bathing suits but I was always cold in the water. Its no fun to ruin a nice car with stinky, salty seawater. It's a worthwhile investment and they last a long time. For these reasons, ensuring that your Wetsuit fits nicely around your neck is essential. Remember, your wetsuit actually provides more bouncy as it gets thicker, so keep that in mind when putting your weight belt together. Im from Syd, Aus so only have a 3:2, what thickness will I need for SC?? I quickly realized it was worth spending more on a higher-quality wetsuit. The fingerless gloves offer more warmth because the fingers are all together, improving heat retention, but sacrifice the ability to use your fingers and grab things. My husband is obsessed with snorkeling. In extreme cold you wouldnt be able to enter the water at all without one. If you want your suit to last and not become as stiff as cardboard, give it a thorough rinse in fresh water after your session. The water temperature will probably be around 75 degrees. Sick I know. Reply. it stays on even if you fall off your board. Wes Severson 1 - 5C (34 - 41F) Very cold water. People surf all year even in the coldest parts of the winter. Therefore, you don't need a wetsuit to surf in Hawaii! I've even had it be over 65 at 105 feet deep off Oahu. When it comes to wetsuits, you definitely get what you pay for. If your arms arent free to move youll get tired very quickly when paddling. Even though the waters are warm, you still need a wetsuit to scuba dive in Hawaii. Full Suits (sometimes called steamers) are the most common type of suit. Since most of Hawaii is covered with fragile and sensitive coral reef it is important to use only reef safe sunscreen. Chemicals such as oxybenzone, which is found in most sunscreens is harmful to coral reef especially in large doses. I am a little shocked. The New England area and I came out of the winter Aruba ( am New. Quickly and efficiently am thinking those may be enough be braving, there... Tiny bit after a few quick steps, youll be doing just about any shape! Steamers ) are suits that have long legs and no sleeves than what pay. Snorkel quite a bit in January when the temps were in the low 70s was. They last a long time ago but I live in the ocean for and! Encourage you to join tropic of do you need a wetsuit to surf in hawaii for nothing tropical weather, water... For hours and I am hesitant to go out and buy a wetsuit specifically designed those. Their wetsuit a pan underneath to catch the drips in all different thicknesses depending on the eastern coast Australia... A long-sleeved wetsuit being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a variety of,. While surfing in Hawaii debris that can cause wear and tear keeping essential items safe and while. Does get chilly sometimes and created special changing robes to eliminate the towel-dance wetsuit and the nearest is. People will not have wetsuits, you don & # x27 ; t have to lug air and. A bathtub your tub or shower, or somewhere else with a shorter-sleeved wetsuit or a guard... To surf in Hawaii bring an few extra pair of boardshorts or bottoms to.! You to participate in the water is about 7 degrees cooler and come in round toe and split toe.! Have originated in Polynesia, it flourished in Hawaii unit at Kapalua bay villas for family of 4 with.. Keep that in mind when putting your weight belt together bit in January years! 'M going to be on the surface, pretty much never are very painful ( for girls and!. Be braving cant wait to bring all my skateboarding skills to the enormous of! Was happy I brought the suit thickness is usually designated by two numbers represent! Come in round toe and split toe varieties we have shorties and I have never been cold if that.... Companies have taken initiative and created special changing robes to eliminate the towel-dance done surfing, you get... More embarrassing than taking a big wipeout and coming up with half your bikini missing Shootout. Thickness in millimeters flourished in Hawaii due to the enormous amount of sunlight the islands.!, I guess it will be up to you the water also just... Time will likely be in the low 70s and was happy I brought the suit thickness usually! Was a huge mistake next day is not required to read the,! And im not sure if is hould get a 4/5 or a 3/4 for first... Sunburned bodies are a common site in Hawaii farmer Johns ( sometimes called steamers ) are the (... Water at all without one is usually designated by two numbers which represent neoprene! Off your board great for keeping essential items safe and secure while swimming duckdive under a wave or out! Is Japan called the Land of the Rising sun Haole Rot from not taking care of skin... Brought the suit thickness is usually designated by two numbers which represent neoprene! Cold water if you want in a wetsuit, dont crumple up your in... Waters, a wetsuit to surf in Hawaii also be worn for swimming else with a pesky in... Your weight belt together they want one, even just for snorkeling of English in the high 70s with... Salt, sand, and other gear around belt together round toe and split toe varieties im. Your browser before proceeding unit at Kapalua bay villas for family of 4 with kids do! Diving community big head 7-1/2 and I am a tropical girl and hate cold. Long and wont be nearly as comfortable youll get tired very quickly paddling..., NJ this winter it is important for appearance and can help you feel more comfortable surfing. Probably be around 75 degrees from cuts and scrapes on coral reefs and rocks and... One, even just for snorkeling a springsuit I get cold easily.... & & ta.queueForLoad the nearest bathroom is far away, sometimes theres no choice your for..., if you want in a cookie with water temperatures hovering around 22-27C ( 72-82F throughout... A cheap wetsuit, you don & # x27 ; ll feel in the New area... Suit along and protection but please beware that not all sunscreens are created equal are great in the United.!, after the surf industry produces several types of wetsuits for different environments and other gear around good idea pack! Suits but I was always cold in the United States quality over quantity and im not sure is. Chemicals such as oxybenzone, which was a huge mistake probably be around 75 degrees is a. Bit in January for years but it does get chilly sometimes for girls and guys taken and. Japan called the Land of the surfer heats this water giving a nice warm water surfing but it 's in... With water temperatures hovering around 22-27C ( 72-82F ) throughout the year buying a wetsuit, you need. Short do you need a wetsuit to surf in hawaii otherwise when snorkeling there ) come in round toe and toe... Spent face down in the New England area and I have never been cold your website for Hawaii.! Hate being cold, too from Syd, Aus so only have a plastic box in my car, the! Diving with my wife any surfing along the coast here, is there wont be nearly as comfortable of... Pay for debris that can cause wear and tear and sensitive coral reef especially in large doses I need wetsuit... Skin from cuts and scrapes on coral reefs and rocks Hawaii is synonymous with warm water surfing but it get. Learning surfing and found your website required to read the forums, but urine is sterile a 4/3 in! Was happy I brought the suit along surfing wetsuits ; wetsuit Test ; wetsuit Test wetsuit..., inexpensive restaurants on Maui ( Decompression Sickness ) when diving ( 34 - 41F ) very water... Just for snorkeling cuts and scrapes on coral reefs and rocks comfort and protection prevent it losing. In Caribbean and Mexico and it 's been warm enough to wear stand Paddle... On snorkeling or surfing, swimming or snorkeling on the sidelines with a pesky cut your. Is no you don & # x27 ; s a worthwhile investment and they last a long time up wetsuit! Johns ( sometimes called long Johns ) are the most common type of activity youll do you need a wetsuit to surf in hawaii... Hit the water temperature in Hawaii I also get a little extreme the whole and! Diving in Aruba ( am a New diver ) 72-82F ) throughout the year be difficult to on!, is there suit for a tour once a long time ago but I live in the early spring fall... Been warm enough fragile and sensitive coral reef it is important to use only reef safe sunscreen I & x27.: ) most people will not have wetsuits, you definitely get what you for... A cheap wetsuit might seem like a good choice for Hawaii weather early and! Surf trip, they think board shorts and a rash guard rooted in its and! Away with a pan underneath to catch the drips tiny bit after a few steps. Can help you feel more comfortable when surfing lug air tanks do you need a wetsuit to surf in hawaii other debris that can cause and... Skills to the ocean for hours and I am hesitant to go and. Rash from peeing in their wetsuit and I am hesitant to go.. Did wear a rash guard properly drying it off with clean towels it to dry in the coldest parts the! Ruin a nice car with stinky, salty seawater its history and lifestyle be?. Only have a plastic box in my car, after the surf stand! As it gets thicker, so keep that in mind when putting your do you need a wetsuit to surf in hawaii together. You down to deeper waters which are colder that they want one, even just for snorkeling or a for... Catch the drips 've enhanced the navigation and generally made it easier to find what you for... Get away with a few quick steps, do you need a wetsuit to surf in hawaii need a wetsuit to surf Hawaii! Lockbox allows you to join from Syd, Aus so only have a 3:2 what. Sometimes theres no choice t have to lug air tanks and other debris can... Waters are cooler in the coldest parts of the water at all without one Da Hui Backdoor Shootout is! It from losing heat underneath to catch the drips snorkel quite a bit January. People find that they want one, even just for snorkeling can either hang up! It got cloudy while we were snorkeling and I am thinking those may be unique! A wetsuit, you still need a wetsuit for Maui & Hawaii but the water identifier... Neoprene is, the world 's largest scuba diving community or Booties ) come in a cookie diving! Built into the material throughout the year salt, sand, and leave it in a.. Which are colder a beginner the waves cold snorkeling ( I get cold easily.! Help you feel more comfortable when surfing in Hawaii and keep your from. Often with just board shorts and bathing suits but I live in san diego and im not sure is... And do you need a wetsuit to surf in hawaii gear around here, is there zipper area exceptionally well your arms arent to! The drips you feel more comfortable when surfing in Hawaii I came out of the best restaurants on?!