Extensions & Bases

Everything You Need to Know About Wetsuits!

The Surfpirates Wetsuit Guide, so you can easily find your wetsuit online!

Hey Surfer! When it comes to surfing, good equipment is essential. And on top of the list is of course the wetsuit. Whether you're looking for a classic wetsuit, a special wetsuit for women, a short neoprene shorty for women or a high-end ION wetsuit - we at surfpirates.com have everything your water sports heart desires!

Help Guides

At What Temperature Should I Choose a Short Shorty Wetsuit?

Ah, the shorty! Ideal for warmer temperatures and super stylish at the same time. But when is the right time to change the long wetsuit for a neoprene shorty ladies or men?

When it comes to wetsuits, the thickness of the neoprene is a crucial factor to ensure the appropriate thermal insulation in different water temperatures. The thickness of neoprene is usually expressed in millimeters (mm), and two numbers are often used, such as 4/3mm. The first number refers to the thickness of the neoprene on the body and the second on the arms and legs. We have summarized the different thicknesses in a degree table:

20-25 degrees

3/2mm

A suit in this thickness you choose best at temperatures of 20-25 degrees. Especially in the summer months, this neoprene thickness is very comfortable and offers a lot of flex!
18-22 degrees

4/3mm

The 4/3 mm neoprene is especially in northern Germany and Denmark a suit that you can wear well from June to September. It is noticeably warmer than the 3/2mm and still has very comfortable flex. Temperatures from 18-22 degrees are ideal!
10-22 degrees

5/3mm

The wetsuit that everyone should have in their quiver! Probably the best-selling neoprene thickness for all who want to get out on the water at the first rays of sunshine! With the high quality 5/3mm suits you can get into the water at 10 degrees. Up to 22 degrees this thickness is your ideal companion!
0-10 degrees

Hooded

For you it's the season all year round? Then a suit with hood, so-called Neo Hoodies, may not be missing with you! Through an integrated hood comes significantly less water into the suit and a rinse cycle is much less unpleasant! Hooded wetsuits are available in 5/4mm and 6/5mm. With these suits you can from 0-15 degrees on the water!
From 25 degrees

Shorty

The shorty is intended for high summer, or regions where it is often over 25 degrees. As a rule, shortys are 2mm thick and thus offer extreme flex and a very comfortable feel.
From 27 degrees

Neoprenshirt

You follow the summer and choose your destination according to the best temperature? With the neoprene shirt you can from about 27 degrees on the water. On the bottom you just wear board shorts or bikini bottoms.

What size should my wetsuit for surfing?
Fit is everything in a wetsuit! An ill-fitting suit will leave you cold and can also cause chafing. Here are some tips for choosing the perfect size:
1. Not too loose, not too tight: Your wetsuit should fit snugly without feeling constricted. A well-fitting suit will keep out the cold and provide maximum mobility.
2. Watch out for wrinkles: Wrinkles in the neoprene are a sign that the suit is too big. A well-fitting suit will hug your body seamlessly.
3. If you're buying online: Be sure to use our sizing charts at surfpirates.com. Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. We will be happy to help you.
How should a wetsuit actually fit?

Like a second skin! Especially for newbies this feeling is a bit uncomfortable at the beginning, but your suit should really fit skin tight. What many do not know, the suits usually widen after 5-10 times and are then about half a size larger!
Why are the same neoprene thicknesses available for such different prices?

You want to buy your own wetsuit and click through the different models and prices online? This is due to the different neoprene qualities, linings or even taped seams.

For example, there are 5/3mm wetsuits for a little more than 200 €, but also for almost 500 €! The suits for 200 € are enough for everyone who rather wants to go on the water in good weather and also can not go out several times a week. 5/3s for 300-500 € are much more flexible than those for 200 €, offer a higher wearing comfort and offer a longer durability! The expensive suits often also have a warm lining, which dries very quickly again and taped seams, which let less water into the suit!
The brand world of wetsuits on Surfpirates

Our impressive range of brands offers you the crème de la crème of the surf world. From up-and-coming insiders to established industry giants, you'll find a variety as colorful and dynamic as the oceans themselves. Dive into our assortment and find the perfect wetsuit that not only protects your body, but also your style.

Here is a small guide to the fit of the various manufacturers - Mystic, Rip Curl - Here you can choose the suit well one size larger than normal! ION, Soöruz, XCEL, Prolimit - These manufacturers fall relatively normal and you can choose your size as usual with eg T-shirts!

In 5 steps to the right wetsuit - this way
Find the perfect wetsuit at surfpirates.com!

Whether you want to buy a wetsuit designed specifically for women, are looking for the ultimate wetsuit or the hottest ION wetsuit, we have the largest selection and the best prices. Don't forget our accessories and surf suit alternatives section. Jump into the adventure with the Surf Pirates and surf in style!

Help Guides

Windsurf Harness Guide

Are you looking for a new harness for windsurfing? Here at Surfpirates.de you'll definitely find the right model for you!

Here we summarize the most important points so that you are optimally equipped and satisfied with your equipment.

The harness is an important component of your equipment. If the harness is too small, it can put uncomfortable pressure on your ribs or hips and does not provide the necessary support for your lower back. If it is too big, it is very likely to ride up and quickly hang under your armpits. This happens very quickly, especially if you jump a lot when windsurfing!

How do I find the right size for me?

All manufacturers such as ION, Prolimit and Ride Engine offer a size chart to match their harnesses!

Here you can find an overview of our manufacturers with the size charts for the harnesses:

What are the differences between the harnesses?

The biggest difference is: seat or hip harness!

Who should choose a hip harness?

VThe seat harness offers advantages, especially for riders who are just starting out. Especially when kitesurfing, the lower seat of the harness gives you more depower and the pull from the kite is directed more towards the buttocks. The lower center of gravity gives you more control.

Even riders who often have back pain after a session can take a lot of weight off their back and stay on the water longer and without pain!

A seat harness is also ideal for windsurfers who want speed and the longest possible strokes.

Why are there so many different models of hip harnesses?

As every body is a little different, we naturally have to offer a wide range of harness shapes. Here at Surfpirates.de you will definitely find a model that suits your body. Starting in the hip area, there are different widths. So you can choose the perfect harness for your back. The back plate is also available with a narrower or higher cut. A narrower cut is an advantage if you are looking for as much freedom of movement as possible. Higher back plates distribute the pressure more over the entire back and therefore offer more comfort!

Hardshell vs. Softshell Trapez

A few years ago, brands such as Ride Engine and Mystic came onto the market with so-called hardshell harnesses. These harnesses have a fixed back plate made of either GRP or carbon. This back plate ensures that the harness deforms less and distributes the force exerted even more over the entire back. The harness with the fixed back plate is therefore a good way to combat back pain after a session.

Aber Achtung, es hat auch Nachteile:
If, for example, you are out in the waves with the kitewaveboard and often ride in the switch, the harness usually always rotates a little on your hips. This can cause the high part of the back plate to slide off the back and into the side of the ribs, restricting movement again!

What kind of hook plates are there?
The hook is not always the same either. The most noticeable difference here, for example, is in the kitesurfing and windsurfing harnesses!

The picture here clearly shows this:
- Kitesurfhook
- Windsurfhook
There are also sliders in the kite sector, which are often a rope made from Dynema and are particularly useful for foiling and wave kiting! The slider allows you to turn in even further and thus place the pull more to one side. This leads to a freer ride and even more fun! Please note: Dynema ropes should be checked more frequently and replaced once a season if necessary. You can find these ropes here: https://www.surfpirates.de/search/?qs=Dynema

The Freeride Hook from Mystic is exactly the right choice for all those who don't want to unhook themselves, ride in the waves, but also like to jump!
Important:

Many manufacturers now sell windsurf harnesses without a hook plate. This gives you as a customer the opportunity to choose exactly the right width and the right hook/slider to suit your needs. As soon as you have selected the size and color of the harness, you will be offered a selection of hooks if no hook is included with the harness!

Do you still have questions about your windsurf harness, or are you not quite sure what you need?

Feel free to contact us!

Overview of windsurf harness manufacturers:
1. ION - https://www.surfpirates.de/ION_2
2. Core - https://www.surfpirates.de/Trapeze__Core
3. Prolimit - https://www.surfpirates.de/Prolimit_2
4. Ride Engine - https://www.surfpirates.de/Trapeze__Ride-Engine
5. Mystic - https://www.surfpirates.de/Trapeze__Mystic_5
6. Neil Pryde - https://www.surfpirates.de/Neil-Pryde

Help Guides

Kite Harness Guide

Are you looking for a new harness for kitesurfing? You're guaranteed to find the perfect model for you at Surfpirates.de!

We have compiled the most important information for you here so that you are optimally equipped and satisfied with your equipment.

The harness, also known as a "harness", plays a crucial role in your equipment. If the harness is too small, it can press uncomfortably on your ribs or hips and not provide the necessary support for your lower back. If it is too big, there is a risk that it will slide up and quickly slide under your armpits. This can happen a lot, especially when kitesurfing if you do a lot of jumps!

How do I choose the right size?

All manufacturers such as ION, Prolimit and Ride Engine offer size charts for their kitesurf harnesses!

Here you can find an overview of our manufacturers with size charts for kitesurf harnesses:

What are the differences between kitesurf harnesses?

The biggest difference is between seat and hip harnesses!

When is a hip harness the best choice?

A hip harness offers advantages, especially for kitesurfing beginners. The lower seat of the harness enables better depower and directs the pull from the kite more strongly onto the buttocks. The lower center of gravity gives you more control and can reduce back pain after sessions, allowing you to surf longer and pain-free. A hip harness is also a good choice for windsurfers who focus on speed and long strokes.

Why are there so many different models of hip harnesses?

As every body is unique, we offer a variety of shapes and cuts for kite harnesses. At Surfpirates.de you are sure to find a model that fits your body shape perfectly. The variations range from different hip widths to different back plates, which can be cut narrower or higher. A narrower cut allows more freedom of movement, while higher back plates distribute the pressure more evenly over the entire back and therefore offer more comfort.

Hardshell vs. softshell harness

A few years ago, brands such as Ride Engine and Mystic came onto the market with so-called hardshell kitesurf harnesses. These harnesses have a fixed back plate made of either GRP or carbon. This back plate ensures less deformation of the harness and a more even distribution of the forces acting on the entire back. Hardshell harnesses can help to reduce back pain after surfing. However, it is important to note that they can also have disadvantages. For example, if you are kitesurfing in waves and frequently change direction, the harness can rotate on your hips. This can cause the upper part of the back plate to slide off your back onto your rib side and restrict your movement!

What types of hook plates are there?
The type of hook plates can also vary, especially between kitesurf and windsurf harnesses!

The picture here clearly shows this:
- Kitesurfhook
- Windsurfhook
In the kite sector, there are also sliders, which are often made of Dynema rope and are particularly advantageous for foiling and wave kiting. The slider enables a further turn and shifts the pull more to the side, which leads to more fun and freedom when surfing. However, please note that Dynema ropes should be checked regularly and replaced once a season if necessary. You can find these ropes here: https://www.surfpirates.de/search/?qs=Dynema

The Freeride Hook from Mystic is the ideal choice for those who don't want to unhook themselves and want to ride waves as well as jump!
Important:

Many manufacturers now offer kitesurf harnesses without hook plates. This allows you as a customer to choose the right width and the right hook or slider for your needs. Once you have selected the size and color of the harness from us, you will be offered various hook options if the harness is supplied without hooks!