Just wanted sharing my first water session with a new wetsuit I just recently bought

I was to buy a XCEL suit after reading many good reviews, but when I got to the shop, the owner (a long time surfer) made me change to buy a Neil Pryde Serie 5000 5/3 steamer, saying it blocks better wind chills.

So tried it yesterday as my first session on water in Quebec. Water temp was between 50-55, and about the same for outside.

So I put the suit, a thin thermal layer shirt underneat, 7mm boots, 5mm gloves, and a head hood

I spent about 1.5 hours in & out the water, with at least 20 minutes in the water as I had some luffs problems with the P3 (very gusty consition yesterday)

When I finished my session, I kept the suit on for about 30 minutes more and never had cold feelings.

Thumps up for Neil Pryde, very happy with my purchase.

BUZZ, That is cold! 50 degree water. 5mm suit,,, that is thick. is it floaty like a dry suit? the head&neck cover any restriction through the neck area? pull over? or flap opening?

it was probably 54F. my friend has mesured 12C 3-4 days ago.

yep this is cold water, but it's one lake that we could still snowkite one month ago.

5mm is thick, in addition I had a thermal layer so it's probably equivalent to I had a 6/4 which would be OK for winter time if you dont spent too much time in water

the 5000 serie is top of the line, and has very tight ankle, wrists and neck, so not much water go in. the joints are well done, and the back zipper has double sheet below

5mm of neoprone helps floating for sure, but I never tried a dry suit, so I dont know

wow sounds like nice gear i haven't been in my 2/3 since march. then i was roasting, i can't imagine a steamer like that