I've only ever had wetsuits with back zips and they can be a difficult to close. Are wetsuits with chest zip closures better?

They are harder to get into, and if you have a shoulder complaint can be a bit of a nightmare.

Other than that they are a better fit and don't get a cold flush on your back.

How about getting a longer zipper leash?
An end with a loop that you can hook on somewhere?

I have a spring suit with a zip across the left shoulder. It seems to be pretty good and doesn't let in much water.

GasHazard said..
I've only ever had wetsuits with back zips and they can be a difficult to close. Are wetsuits with chest zip closures better?

I have O'Neil Psycho in 5.5/4 and 4/3, both with front zipper. I'd never go back to back zipper unless I'd sail in 25+ degrees weather.

I changed from back to front zip 3 years ago and would not go back

Front zips are a little harder to put on but much easier to zip up than back zips

I've just got a zipperless suit and it's awesome. Requires a little bit of flexibility to get into but complete freedom once on

I have 2 front zips, both are not difficult to get on. I tried several brands and found ONeil techno butter super stretchy. Ultimately I choose based on fit, with Patagonia for 4/3 and Manera for 2mm shorty. Not all front zippers are the same. The Patagonia zips from left shoulder to right. The Manera from right to left (and then snaps to hold in place), which I prefer.

For me it depends on the wetsuit thickness.

Chest zip suits are way more flexible to wear for wave sailing and often remain dryer inside due to less 'flush'. But they are way more difficult and time consuming to get on.

So I find I'm happy with a chest zip suit in the 3/2 or 4/3mm sizes, but in winter I prefer a back zip suit in the thicker 5/4mm size because it's so much easier and quicker to get on and off in a cold wind-swept car park.

Keeping warm is obviously important, but so is getting on the water fast, when maybe you have limited time.
On a cold day, if it takes a while to get yourself 'suited and booted' then that can put you off getting out there in the first place.

SurferKris said..
I'm the opposite, in winter time I really love my front zipped suit with integrated hoody. :)

In summer it doesn't matter so much.

That's so true If you need to use a hood in winter then a chest zip allows that, and some good winter suits have them attached, as being perfect for surfers needing to duck dive in cold water.
I personally won't use a hood to windsurf/wavesail in, because you just can't 'hear' where you are going.

In winter if it's that cold then I use a neoprene 'beanie' instead, or maybe a lightweight crash helmet which keeps the windchill off your head. Both of those headwear options work with a back zip.

When I had the chest zip winter suit with the hood attached, I found I was forever pushing it back off my head - to bring back the sound of the real world. But maybe that's just me - I'm not a fan of wearing boots either, because of the way they disconnect you from the board.
But if you need to wear neoprene gloves when windsurfing in winter, then you probably need some good headwear and some neoprene boots as well. Here in the UK that's thankfully only an issue from January to March.

re:front zip
I tried putting it on in a shop and after a long struggle decided it was too much trouble.

get a sailing wetsuit and you will notice how much better they are for windsurfing instantly.
so easy to get into and so flexible. they are also extremely warm when you get the 3mm ones.

Tried a front zip for a couple of years, much prefer the back zip. But I'm an old inflexible male.

Big Al said..
Severne wetsuit.....NO zip. Awesome x 10

I have a Severne without zip. It's a bit tight but it's a great suit. After a few outing it's loosened up and is a bit easier to in & out. No cold back and I can even put my neo vest over the top. It's Severne too.
I've dropped a few kegs and this winter looks to be great for using it LOL

My xcel 4.5x5.5 winter suit is awesome front zipped, easy to get on and after the first couple of sails easy to get off. Just make sure You have a couple of friends nearby to help you get out the first time