These are some of the most important pieces of surfing gear that you will purchase. Being cold while surfing is the quickest way to stop having fun. In recent years, wetsuit technology has improved a lot and staying warm in Nova Scotia’s ocean is possible year round! With the proper gear, being cold won’t be a major issue.

 

Wetsuits are measured in mm (millimeters) of thickness. For example, the most popular summer wetsuit for Nova Scotia is a 4/3mm. This means that the wetsuit is 4 mm thick in the chest, back and upper thighs and 3 mm thick in the legs and arms. Adding booties, gloves and a hood can extend the season of a 4/3mm wetsuit. During the colder months, 5/4mm and 6/5mm wetsuits usually have attached hoods for hard-core winter surfing.

 

In wetsuits, you get what you pay for. Cheaper suits have weaker seams that will allow more water inside the suit. Cheaper suits also have less flexibility. The model that Halifax Surf School recommends as a starter 4/3mm wetsuit is the Hyperflex VYRL. Most of our summer rental wetsuit fleet consists of this model.

 

The following table is a general guide for suitable wetsuit combinations in Nova Scotia. Keep in mind that water temperature can change from day-to-day. If you’re like most surfers and want to surf in the warmer months, your best bet is a 4/3mm wetsuit, 5mm booties, 5mm gloves/mitts and a detached hood. This gear is suitable from late May through the end of September.

 

January: 6/5 or 5/4 hooded wetsuit with 7 mm booties, 5 mm mitts.

February: 6/5 or 5/4 hooded wetsuit with 7 mm booties, 5 mm mitts.

March: 6/5 or 5/4 hooded wetsuit with 7 mm booties, 5 mm mitts.

April: 6/5 or 5/4 hooded wetsuit with 7 mm booties, 5 mm mitts.

Early May: 5/4 hooded wetsuit with 7 mm booties, 5 mm mitts.

Late May: 5/4 or 4/3 hooded wetsuit with 5 mm booties, 5 mm mitts.

Early June: 4/3 hooded wetsuit with 5 mm booties, 3 mm mitts.

Late June: 4/3 wetsuit with 5 mm booties.

July: 4/3 wetsuit

August: 4/3 wetsuit

September: 4/3 wetsuit with 5 mm booties, 3 mm mitts.

October 5/4 or 4/3 wetsuit with 5 mm booties, 3 mm mitts.

November: 5/4 or 4/3 hooded wetsuit with 5 mm booties, 5 mm mitts.

December: 6/5 or 5/4 hooded wetsuit with 5 mm booties, 5 mm mitts.

 

 

A wetsuit sizing guide is available here: https://hyperflexusa.com/size-chart/

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