I'm switching from snow/land to water. Right now I use a rock climbing harness, I'm guessing this won't cut it. I would like to get a very comfortable harness that I can use for water, but also on Snow without any issues. Looking for one that won't break the bank, budget is $100 or less, probably will be looking into the used market.

As far as the wetsuit, I'm 6ft, 170 - not much of any fat on me, mostly just slim and lean muscle. What size should I be looking for? Also, what style, I want it to be buyant enough that I don't need a life jacket when I'm on water. What else do I need to look for in a wet suit? As I said, I'm new to the sport. I'll be riding in Minnesota mostly, idk how big of a deal water temp will be. Ideally I won't fall (YEAH RIGHT) but I don't even really know what the water temp is. Eventually I hope to move out to Colorado or Lake Tahoe, so I'm guessing one that will help keep me warm/insulated is a good idea. On the really warm days I can just wear board shorts.

I just got an OR session harness brand new direct from ocean rodeo for $110. Very nice convertible waist/seat harness. It's the new old stock as they've come out with a refreshed version (but not many changes....)

I thought it was a super deal, awesome & comfortable harness. IMHO it's worth a look, especially with your budget (shipping was free) plus it includes a spreader bar, which not all harnesses do...

http://store.oceanrodeo.com/Harnesses/Session-Harness-System

I am about the same height as you are. I got a Quiksilver Syncro. Great wetsuit for a great price (got it at wetsuitwearhouse.com). I think you will do good on a size MT (medium tall) Fits me about 165lbs and 6' long.

About the harness. If there is a shop around you try one out before you going to buy one. Some people prefer waist some the seat.
At the moment I am having a Underwave Sultan harness, its a pretty new brand but designed by the same dude that did Mystic harnesses. If you decide to go for a waist, it is hard to tell which one will fit you comfortable. Each body is build on a different way, what will fit person A might not feel comfi for person B. A harness is something essential, like a mask in paintball (referring to your name). Running around with a JT mask for $15 is not the most comfortable thing to do either.

Good luck finding the right things for you

Hyperflex wetsuits has a detailed sizing chart on their website ...
You WILL fall and you'll probably enjoy it :D

Hyperflex's chart just showed me that Americans are FAT! That or else I'm skinny.

I'm 6ft, 170, with a 32-33 wait, probably should go with a Medium Long and just not worry about it being slightly small for length? Does this mean the crotch is going to be uncomfortable or just that the legs will be a big shorter?

The best size wetsuit is the one that fits you best. Like you noticed with the chart, it's classified Americans as fat and you as skinny - charts don't reflect real people and different body shapes. Unless you really have to buy online, it's always better to go to a shop and try on a wetsuit. That said, we don't have surf shops here so I had to buy my last wetsuit (an oneil psycho2) online. It's got a lot of stretch, so it fits fine - it's not perfect, but it's close enough that it doesn't ruins my outings and provided i don't keep getting fatter we'll be fine..... :piggy:

Also important is water temperature (and air/wind chill factor). If I were you I'd find out how cold the water gets year round, or better still what thickness other kiters use in your area. the colder it gets, the thicker the wetsuit needs to be, but you lose flexibilty as it gets thicker. I'd guess the water temp in my area ranges from about 4 - 14*C (40*F - 57*C) and I use a 5/3mm wetsuit (and booties) for windsurfing and kiting - in the summer it can be a bit warm (but you can always let more water in down the neck if you get hot) and in the winter, with additional gloves and a hood, I've lived to tell the tale.

As for buoyancy of your wetsuit, forget about it. choose your wetsuit for comfort/fit and warmth. they all give you a bit of extra buoyancy, and if you feel you need more, get a PFD.... or swimming lessons

I hope you find one that fits you and your budget

D

4/3 sound good? Here is what I found: http://www.amazon.com/Mens-Billabong-Foil-Steamer-Wetsuit/dp...

when deciding on a wetsuit, i would ask yourself how warm do you want to be?

what is your temp that you're riding in?

My favorite is the NP Semi Dry series, or the NPX Drysuit

If you're looking for a universal harness, the OR Harness would allow you to go from Waist to Seat and Vice Versa with ease.

I would say go buy a wetsuit online but I strongly suggest trying one locally first to determine size. Same goes with harnesses its very personal, and going by one persons recommendation doesn't mean anything because what fits and feels good on one body type may not be the same as another.

also some harness come with spreader pads and spreaders and some do not like Dakine.

I've found the only way to pick a wetsuit is to go try them on, go to every shop you can in person (they all have different brands) and find the one that fits the best as all manufacturers have subtle differences in fit.

As for harnesses I've had good luck with the Dakine Nitrous boardshort harness, though they run a little small so order one size up.

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Originally posted by Jacob7Jones How to select a best wetsuit?

Open a can of spam and read the fortune.

:moon: