Wet suit for ~65 degree water?

[amheckSUP]

Currently, Tampa Bay is 65 and the Gulf is 62.  As a new paddler,  I think I'm going to be falling a bit and need a little protection.  Will a 1.5mm long sleeve top be ok with board shorts?  Or should I look for something a little thicker?

[JimK]

The best all around suit for you is the SUPreme Blade 3/2 warm, stretchy, durable at a very reasonable price

For more detailed info PM or email me jim@extremewindsurfing.com

JimK
www.extremewindsurfing.com

[RATbeachrider]

1.5 long sleeve at 65* should be more than sufficient.  Up until mid/late December 2014 I was using the same in 60* water in Southern California and with shorts.  I'm currently using a 2mm long john with the 1.5mm long sleeve top for morning session when the sun is not yet out and air temp is in the high 50s.

[jumpfrom13k]

all that depends on air temp, wind speed, and how susceptible you are to the cold.

I wear 4/3 in the same condition as the guy above^

To the guy above, are you on the warm side with the springsuits or are you on the cold side?

I just don't get some people. I still see people in board shorts and spring top. Water temp is at 60 right now. I wear 4/3 and a hoodie when I go normal surf, I saw guy at Lower/Middle two days ago, wearing nothing but boardshorts and he kept surfing for good 45 min.

I like to start off on the hot side, and get cool through the sesh. I found no difference between surfing at middle of summer and now.

[supsurf-tw]

65?.......trunks

[RATbeachrider]

65?.......trunks

Board shorts and long sleeve rash guard.

[TallDude]

65?.......trunks

Board shorts and long sleeve rash guard.

+1
If it gets to the low 60's, I'll wear a vest under my rash guard. On a bigger day I might wear a 3/2 spring suit. I wore my 3/2 full suit once last winter.

[amheckSUP]

I'm trying to be honest with myself.  Ideally, I was really hoping just to do a top, but I'm not a fan of the cold water either.  So I'm thinking that 3/2 full might be nice, for warmth at least.

[hbsteve]

if you are only paddling and not surfing, you will be too hot in a wetsuit.
Quicksilver makes a couple of paddle jackets.  Xcel and Vicotry KoreDry make good long sleeve tops.  Get some wetsuit booties.  I used the O'Neill Reactor Reef Booties, for a few years.  Now, I use a wetuit sock.  They are easy to get on & off.  The best part is that you can turn them inside out to dry.
Have fun.

[Tom]

I have  a  sleeveless  shorty that I  can  wear  with  either  rashguard, a short  sleeve top, or a long  sleeve  top. This works  for me here in San Diego.

[SUP Sports ®]

At 65* water temps, I'd be concerned about overheating in a 3/2...YMMV...but, I'm an active surfer...you generate plenty of heat when you are constantly moving...

A 1-2mm top would be fine...I use one all of the time on warm, sunny days...but, my recommendation for dawn patrols and overcast days would be the SUPreme 1.5mm short sleeve/ long leg...

My legs always seem to get beat up in bigger surf...so, a little bit of lightweight coverage is nice...I like it for windsurfing, also...

You can find more pics of the SUPreme and Hyperflex wettie line in this lightbox feature...

http://blog.surfingsports.com/2014/09/schwag.html

[amheckSUP]

yes, just paddling, no surfing.  I guess I should have mentioned this, but I didn't think it mattered.

Although my wife said there were 2' waves on the beach yesterday and there were a couple SUP'er out.  Willing to give it a try!

[Bean]

If you're up early, in air temps below 60 and water temps in the low 60's, a 3/2 suit might make a lot of sense.

 

[surfcowboy]

Remember guys, new paddler, lots of falls and getting wet (most likely)

I wear 2mm in that weather myself, I'm a wimp. I'd venture that you won't regret owning a spring suit and they are cheaper too.

If you want something to wear long term as gear, a 3/2 is the "little black dress" of surfing. (Ask your wives.)

Easy to cool down, harder to warm up.

[Subber]

My general rule is 60 degrees and sunny, just trunks.

If it is overcast the 1.5mm top is fine for me.

Wind also plays a part in the decision. 
I love no wind!
 

It is kind of like jogging...after 10 minutes of paddling you will be pretty warmed up.
You can even take a walk to warm up a bit before you hit the water.
The thing is, if it is borderline warm, you don't want to fall in right away,
so take that into consideration.

Since you are a beginner, you might want to err on the warm side,
also, the extra float of a wetsuit maybe desirable.