Sydney winter wetsuit for warm blooded beginner

Hi there,

Lots of topics on wetsuits but none seem to answer my question, so apologies for starting a new topic.

I'm starting surfing with my daughter. I used to boogie board through winter in my spring wetsuit, but wetsuits are very different 25 years on. Both my daughter and I are taking up surfing and I'm going to get her a cheapy adrenalin 3/2 steamer. We're going to surf this winter and we live in Sydney. Having tried a few steamers on in the shops I find them incredibly uncomfortable and really hot. I usually handle cold water well and sweat a lot in my daily activities (not fat or anything, just seem to have that Pat rafter like ability to sweat heaps). I never wear thermals when skiing because I get way too hot. So is a 3/2 steamer really necessary? Will it be hot in the water? And the Adrenalin steamer I tried on was the most comfortable of those I tried, is it a bad idea to get one of these for myself? The Adrenalin suit is heaps cheaper than anything else. Not worried about spending more, but I felt I couldn't move in the others so I'd be choosing it because it was the most comfortable. I definitely don't like the chest zip or no zip suits.

My only experience of steamers was a snorkelling experience in New Zealand and I hated the feeling of being extremely hot in the thick wetsuit and feeling very cold water on my face. I would have much preferred something cooler to better match the water.

So does anyone use a spring wetsuit in winter for the same reasons as I would like to? Or is a sleeveless steamer a good idea perhaps? What about a 1mm steamer? Advice would be greatly appreciated.

Go for your first surf in your rashie and see how you go. If a tad cool, beg borrow or buy on gumbush a springy. If still too cool, you'll know what to do.