Hi

I am new to the sport only being doing it since last July.



I can't stand not being able to go out in the winter due to only having a 3mm steamer. I am thinking of splashing out big time and purchasing the Spartan 3D suit. I have been on their website and it sounds as though this suit will keep me warm on the coldest of winter days. Has anyone any experience of these suits who can give advice as its a lot of dosh (370.00!!!) and I don't want to make a big mistake!



All I want is to be able to go out in winter no matter what the weather is like and be WARM! or is this an impossibility???!



Any advice would be most welcome.



Regards

Clive J

Oldham Nr Manchester

Hi Clive...



Spartan suits are good, but expensive. For something along the same lines, just as warm but half the price look around for the Sola Semi Dry suits(They used to be called concept, but may have a new name now).



Al.

Hey I started about the same time as you this windsurfing lark last June I think, got my kit and 3mm wetsuit and I was off all summer having a great time until the skies darkened, the clock went forward and it got cold. Then I thought, blow this, I ain't waiting six months before I get on my board again so off I went in hunt for winter gear. I was not let down.



Got myself the O'Niell Evo single lined neoprene wetsuit in then end. Can't fault it, have been out in it about 7 times and not felt cold once. The head gets a bit cold though so I now have an underlying hood/vest which keeps me even warmer. I also got some 5mm I'Niell boots which are great and some open-palmed gloves. The price of th Evo wetsuit was 199 which seemed a lot but I have used it ad got more than value for money out of it just in the fun I've had on the water, and I've been in reservoirs, not the sea, and reservoirs are meant to be colder than the sea. The only bits that do get cold are the hands but I don't think there is much you can do about that, they soon warm up in the cold water anyway.

There has been a lot written recently about the benefits of this or that suit, ultimately it must be a good fit. That said, I bought a spartan xtr dry last year and I have never been cold, although I know a lot of people who say that whilst stood there with arms crossed, shivvering; but i mean it.

With the benefit of hindsight I should have bought the 3D, as it is has an inner shorty for use abroad, and you can wear the outer suit without the inner one in warmer weather ( it gets too warm to wear mine really around june ish)

Being a portly shorty chap I got a ' medium, short' which is like a special size you pay a bit more for and it's very easy to move about in, although the neck was too tight and made me dizzy, I cut a 1cm section off the top of the neck and since then it has been perfect!

At the end of the day you pays your money etc, and I'm sure sola/pryde or whoever else also make excellent suits but I haven't heard anyone complain about a spartan.

(And If anyone from spartan is reading this you can email me to find out where to mail my free 3d suit!!!)

After wussing out of winter sailing I had my first attempt at winter sailing on Sunday (I was the poor sod overpowered and spent an hour or so in the water trying to swim my board back to the car park) and I can vouch that a winter wetsuit 5/3 with titanium vest and shorts under it had me warm and toasty. (boots a must) I had forgotten how much ice cream heads hurt though so recommend a hood / beanie.



must buy a smaller sail

Think its going to be the Spartan 3D then... I can't go another winter without getting afloat!



Clive J