How to choose the right combination (Part 1)
The first criterion for choosing a wetsuit is water temperature.
Water temperature varies according to location and time of year.
Always check that the water temperature on your spot corresponds to the recommended temperature range:
Waters above 20°C.
Waters between 17 and 22°C.
Waters between 12 and 17°C.
Waters between 7 and 12°C.
Consult seatemperature.org for the temperature of your spot.
How to choose the right combination (Part 2)
The 2nd criterion to consider is the duration of your sessions. If your sessions last less than an hour, the 100 models are ideal. For up to 2 hours, choose a 500 model, and for up to 3 hours, a 900 model. Compared with 100 models, 500 models are warmer, less tiring (more freedom of movement) and less irritating. The same applies to 900 models compared to 500 models. NB: 900 models are easier to put on.
Choosing the right size
To get the most out of your wetsuit, you need to choose the right size. A wetsuit should fit snugly and there should be no visible creases. When dry, it's normal to feel too tight, but this discomfort disappears as soon as the wetsuit gets wet.
YOU ARE A CONFIRMED SURFER
You surf regularly. During your sessions, you paddle to the line up, pass the bar like a duck if you're on a shortboard, or like a turtle if you're on a longboard, then surf waves of less than a metre. You often fall and are used to being shaken underwater. Your swimsuit needs to meet the demands of your sport and stay in place with every movement. We've designed a range of swimsuits to suit your regular practice and your body type.
Closing
Our zips and fasteners are laboratory-tested to ensure optimum durability and resistance to salt water. We position the zipper at the back of the wetsuit for greater comfort when practicing board sports (lying down while rowing).
For every temperature range
When we're in the water, we lose more than half our body heat through our extremities (feet, hands, head). We therefore recommend the following accessories:
- in water > 17°C: neoprene socks.
- in water 12 to 17°C: high booties and gloves.
- in water 7 to 12°C: high booties, gloves, balaclava and balaclava top.
OLAIANTHE SURF BRAND FROM DECATHLON
Based in Hendaye, in the south-west of France, OLAIAN is the new surf and bodyboard brand from Decathlon. In our "feet in the water" offices, we can design a swimsuit or wetsuit in a single day, then test it directly in the sea to see how it holds up in the wave.
