Surfing in a semi-dry

[Tom D]

Not at all diving related, except that I'm might be using some of my dive kit....

Has anyone ever tried surfing in a 5mm semi-dry? I'm going on holiday (yay) next week to Cornwall for some surfing and rather then renting a wee-suit (sorry, wet-suit ) I thought I might take my nice, clean, urine-free 5mm Oceanic Shadow.

Or do you think it might be too hot and bulky for above-water-antics?

Edit: Just in case it's not clear - it's surfing as in catching-a-wave, not wind-surfing. So I guess I'll be lying in the water for quite a while.

Thanks,
Tom (lover-of-all-watersports!)

[MJH]

I would say that it would be very hard to use a semi dry for surfing as you need a lot of flexiability.

Also is the zip at the back of the suit?

A front zip will cause you problems when you are lying on the board

[JasonP]

Originally Posted by Tom Davis

Has anyone ever tried surfing in a 5mm semi-dry? I'm going on holiday (yay) next week to Cornwall for some surfing and rather then renting a wee-suit (sorry, wet-suit ) I thought I might take my nice, clean, urine-free 5mm Oceanic Shadow.

Winter surfing wetsuits are normally 5mm torso, but only 3mm arms. Depending on how old it is, you might find the arms are a bit stiff. Doubt it will be too warm.

Jason

[Duncan Price]

Originally Posted by Tom Davis

Has anyone ever tried surfing in a 5mm semi-dry? I'm going on holiday (yay) next week to Cornwall for some surfing and rather then renting a wee-suit (sorry, wet-suit ) I thought I might take my nice, clean, urine-free 5mm Oceanic Shadow.

Or do you think it might be too hot and bulky for above-water-antics?

You'll boil in the Summer. I wore my non-sealed caving wetsuit last Summer when it was still in good nick and I was too warm. This season I went out and bought a £50 surfing suit. Speaking to the guys in the shop who surf all year around they only wear thick suits in the Winter.

Mobility might be a problem - my semi-dry suits aren't that flexible either.

[Digger]

I've surfed in a semi before, but only in winter. Based on plymouth temperatures you'd probably be better in a thinner suit (3-5mm without seals at wrists and ankles) - you do a lot more exercise surfing than you ever will on a dive.

Oh, and you'll look silly with a hood on.

Digs.

[Tom D]

Thanks for all the replies guys, I thought it might be a little thick, but wanted to check.

Maybe I'll shell out for a wetsuit.. will see what they have in the shops down there. Esp. if they're only ~£50, that's probably less than the 5 / 6 days hire.

Think I'll pack my mask, fins and snorkell. Anyone know if there's anything to see in Sennen?

Tom

[aclivity]

a friend picked up his wetsuit for about £40 from the wetsuit factory:

full suit

they are made in Cornwall, I think you get better prices if you buy them in local shops.