Coastal wetsuit advice.

hobbsla · Since 28 Jan 2006 389 Posts Obsessed

I'll be in Lincoln City next week and besides bringing my landkite gear I was thinking I'd like to do some bodysurfing. I talked to someone at Oregon surf shop and asked if I'd be ok in my 3/2 fullsuit and booties (which is all I have) and he said I'd be freezing and would need at least a 4/3. I am taking his advice to heart and thinking about renting a 4/3 from them but I also know tolerance for the cold water varies from person to person so I'd like to know if anyone out there gets in the water this time of year in a 3/2 and how that works for you. I also have a rashie to put on under my suit (maybe that'll help a little?) Thanks for any kind of advice you may have!

Jeremy

sjobeek · Since 09 Aug 2012 22 Posts

I've been out there in my 3:2 with booties and was OK surfing for a couple hours. The water temperature can vary a lot from week to week, but a 3:2 can work if you're tough and/or lucky with the water temps.

chrissmack · Since 08 Jun 2005 526 Posts portland Addicted

it starts off with body surfing, but then the wind picks up and suddenly you are kiting in a 3/2 shorty Smile

i wouldn't want anything less than a 5/4 full when kiting and something goes wrong on the outside.

jeremy · Since 18 Aug 2006 276 Posts Manzo & HR Obsessed

Water is unusually warm right now. I kited today with my 4/3 and it was too much. Usually a 4/3 is just right most of the summer, and when it gets colder (air/water) I use a 5/3. There were lots of people playing in the water without wetsuits today, so I think a 3/2 will work the next few days, but as soon as we get some strong wind, the water temps will drop fast and a 3/2 won't be enough.

forrest · Tue Aug 21, 12 8:49 pm

You'll be fine, just stay in close that way if anything goes wrong it's a short wade out of the water.

hobbsla · Since 28 Jan 2006 389 Posts Obsessed

Thanks for the advice! I am super stoked!!! Have not been in the ocean for far to long.

Oregon Surf Shop Tim · Since 04 Feb 2008 70 Posts Lincoln City Oregon

You Gotta watch those guys at Oregon Surf, All they want to do is get you in the right gear. Smile

Not sure who you talked to at the shop but they were steering you in the right direction. 99% of the time it is to cold for a 3/2. Occasionally , usually when there has been no NW winds for a while, the water warms up and we get to surf in a 3/2 comfortably. That though is a once or twice a year sort of thing, the rest of the time 4/3s and 5/4s rule the day.
Stoked you are looking to get in some Pacific water time! See you out there.

ldhr · Since 21 Jul 2009 1490 Posts Hood River XTreme Poster

I'm 6'3 and weigh 180. I would never go into the Oregon coast waters in a 3 or 4 mil suit. I use at least a 5/3 with booties and hood depending on the weather.
I know at least 40 people who regularly surf and kite the OR coast and they all use 5 and 6 mil suits.
It won't kill you to try bodysurfing in a 3/2...... good luck.

caps · Since 23 Dec 2010 347 Posts Obsessed

Water temp peaks in mid August for Oregon Coast. Surfed yesterday in shorts for 30min just because. Kited Manzo last two days in 4/3 and was overheated. To each his own. 3/2 bodysurf sesh no problem. Know your limits. Cheers

kochease · Since 03 Jul 2008 760 Posts In Ft. Stevens, OR Opinionated

5/4/3 is usually pretty standard, i use a 4/3 year round but its a high end 4/3 that is crazy warm. Temps vary, on average its 52-55 in summer with occasional upper 50's on good days. winter is 46-50. Last week it was freakin chilly and I went out yesterday and i was cooking. crazy how much the currents vary the temps.

scottm · Since 12 Jun 2006 108 Posts Stoked

Water temps vary a lot at the coast, but are generally cold in the summer. Over the years I've seen low 40s (after several days of north winds) to upper 60s (after several warm windless or southerly days). There are a handful of days a year where a 3/2 would be enough, but you usually want a 5/4 or 4/3 hoodie for being in the water, and booties and usually gloves. I'd rent and be warm.

hobbsla · Since 28 Jan 2006 389 Posts Obsessed

I'm gonna give it a go in my suit but if I start suffering I will rent for sure!

Tim I sent you a PM Smile

Thanks

kiterbiker · Since 12 Jun 2010 65 Posts

I use 5/4 year round at the coast, and have yet to be too warm in it. If I do get too warm, I sit back in the water and pull open the neck a bit to get a dose of fresh cold water in there- but thats usually my technique for late spring in the Columbia when it starts getting just a little too warm for that suit but Im not quite ready to switch to the cooler option.

TWIN-FIN · Since 24 May 2006 805 Posts Portland, OR Hot Monkey

Water temp is very dependent upon wind direction.

When we have southerly winds the water is as warm as its going to get a 3/2 suit will get you about maybe an hour to 1.5 hours of kiting if you ride like I do.

When the wind blows from the North you got one day of warm water and then we get a flush of COLD WATER!!!! In my humble opinion you would last maybe 1/2hr before you swallow your pride and realized you weren't really having fun.

I always ride with a 6mil suite and can ride as long as its good.

Rent a suite and ask for the one that hasn't been pissed in. Kind of like a rental car....of corse your going to see if it will 100 mph.

OG · Since 07 Jun 2011 599 Posts Addicted

i'll bet you'll figure it out pretty quick when you get in there whether or not you got good advice. temp is relative to a person. My advice is that if you have a real problem renting or buying a wet suit that will definitely keep you warm enough, then start off in a place that you'll easily get out of the water from. In short, stay in the shallow end of the pool for a while.

Anthony · Since 07 Oct 2008 362 Posts Salem Obsessed **CGKA Member**

TWIN-FIN has it right! I have 20+ years experience on the Oregon coast. I never go in without a good 5mm+ suit!!! Shit does happen and you will be grateful you have it.

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

Was surfing three weeks ago in a 5/4/3 was 86 degrees on the beach with actual bikini girls (no flannel required) - the water was stupid icy - had to put my hands on my head to warm them up - gloves would have been the call that day

Early July my friend and his girl got a surf sess in boardshorts...