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What is the difference between a wetsuit for scuba diving, surfing, and kitesurfing?

I don't understand the difference between wetsuits and the differences. I scuba dive, surf, and kite surf, and want someone to explain the type of wetsuit I would want for each. Also, what do the numbers 4/3 etc mean when you are talking about a wetsuit? Thanks for the help. Points for the best answer.

First of all, if you are already diving, surfing, Kite-surfing etc., why don't you talk to the people in the dive or surf shops that you do business with. They are full of great information, and they know far more about local water temperatures and conditions than we do out here in cyberspace. We don't know you, or where you surf & dive.

There are really three types of wet suits that I know of. Surfing wet suits have a greater degree of flexibility at the joints and have a back zipper (so your are not chafing on a zipper when laying on your belly paddling). Scuba suits tend to have less flexibility, often come in thicker versions and more often zip up the front, so a zipper doesn't chafe you back from your backpack and tank. General purpose wet suits are a little rarer, but they are what of jet skiers and kayakers wear. Although all of the jet skiers and kayakers I know personally wear suits originally designed for either surfing or diving.

When I started surfing and diving 43 years ago, we all wore the same wet suits for both swimming and diving. Of course Mr. O'Neill revolutionized the industry, and things are the way today. Unfortunately, I had to stop diving in the 70s, but I still surf year round, and wear a variety of wet suits.

As much as design is a consideration, the difference in thickness makes a big difference in the application of a wet suit. As I guy who used to dive, I know there is a considerable in heat body heat loss at 100 feet diving than there is sitting on the surface surfing. The numbers that you mentioned, are thicknesses expressed in milimeters. So a 4/3 has some 4 mil neoprene, and some 3 mil neoprene. The thinnner stuff is usually used at flex points.

The only way to get the "right" wet suit is at a dive or surf or sport shop, where you take the time to try on different models. Every manufactuer's sizing varies slightly, and proper fit is important.

Your 'Best Answer' won't come from anybody on line. Like I said, talk to the local guys who can tell you what is popular in your area and what works best for your area. I could tell you exactly what type and thickness suits I wear in different seasons, but how would that help you? Good luck.

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Can you use mystic wetsuits for diving?

Got it for xmas... and Im not a kite border. But i do scuba dive. Wondering if im going to have any problems with it in the water like warmth or the fit of it... Btw i got the Venom 5/3

It will be fine for warm water diving but that's all really.