How to choose the right wetsuit (Part 1)
The first selection criterion when choosing a surfing wetsuit is the water temperature.
Water temperature varies according to the location and the time of the year.
Systematically make sure that the water temperature at your spot corresponds to the recommended temperature range:
Water above 20°C.
Water between 17 and 22°C.
Water between 12 and 17°C.
Water between 7 and 12°C.
Visit the site seatemperature.org to find out the temperature of your spot.
How to choose the right wetsuit (Part 2)
The 2nd criterion to take into account is the length of your sessions. If your sessions last less than an hour, the 100 models will be suitable. For up to 2 hours, opt for the 500 models and for up to 3 hours, the 900 models. Compared to the 100 models, the 500 models are more efficient at reducing fatigue (more freedom of movement) and irritation. The same is true for the 900 models compared with the 500 models.
NOTE: the 900 models are easier to put on.
Choose the right size
To make the most of the features of your wetsuit, it is necessary to choose the correct size. A surfing wetsuit should be a very tight fit and there should be no visible folds. When dry, it is perfectly normal to feel like it is too tight, this discomfort disappears as soon as the wetsuit gets wet. If you choose a suit that's too big, creases will form and irritation will appear.
Materials
This OLAIAN 500 shorty is made from neoprene for improved comfort during use.
The neoprene is lined with synthetic fabric for increased resistance to wear.
Neoprene thickness: 1.5 mm.
The neoprene is made from an elastomer foam with insulating properties.
We test and guarantee the quality of our neoprene materials.
Neck
The neck finish has been developed to limit irritations. According to the sensitivity of the wearer, a UV top can be worn under the wetsuit to reduce the risk of irritation. The application of grease (e.g. Vaseline) in friction areas (neck, underarms) is also recommended if wearing the diving suit for long periods. Make sure the flap is always inside the wetsuit to limit the risk of irritation with the zip and the neck.
Fastening
Our zips and fastenings are laboratory tested in order to ensure an optimal lifespan and good resistance to salt water. We have put the zip at the back of the wetsuit for more comfort during surf sports (when lying down to paddle).
Key pocket
There is a key pocket under the zip flap.
Anti-chafing design
We designed this product with seamless panels under the arms to limit irritation due to the repetitive paddling movements associated with surf sports.
Stay warm for longer thanks to our thermal accessories! Each temperature range has its own outfit...
When we are in the water, we lose more than half of our body heat through our extremities (feet, hands, head). Consequently, here are the recommended accessories:
- in water (>17°C) => low cut neoprene socks.
- in water(12 - 17°C): High booties (boots) and gloves.
- in water(7 - 12°C): High booties (boots), gloves, hood and hooded top.
Multi-water sports wetsuits
Our wetsuits are designed to meet the needs of the most demanding surfers. Our design choices also make them compatible with other watersports such as kitesurfing, windsurfing, wakeboarding, water skiing, sea wading or SUP (stand up paddle).
DO YOU HAVE A HOLE OR TEAR IN YOUR WETSUIT? DON'T THROW IT AWAY!
Decathlon is committed to ensuring that all neoprene wetsuits are repairable and in perfect condition after repair!
What is the OLAIAN brand?
OLAIAN, DECATHLON'S SURFING BRAND
Based in Hendaye, in South West France, OLAIAN is Decathlon's surfing brand. In our offices at the water's edge, we can design a shorty suit and then on the same day test it directly in real surfing conditions