Wetsuits

NPX from local NP dealer over there. Top class, and not too expensive.

I was in the Sydney windsurf shop the other day, Wind Surf and Snow (site sponsor) and I think I saw a printout on the wall for wetsuits on sail. I can't recall how much they were selling for but they seemed to be quite reasonably priced. They had listed suits from brands like Neil Pryde and O'Neil. I'm pretty sure they were winter steamer type suits.

I have a 5/3 Ion (designed for windsports) that I took with me sydney and used at the end of june.

If your only sailing in the sea around Sydney I don't think you need to go that thick, further south, or on a lake I would think again

At that thickness get one designed for windsports, smoothskin and much more room around the arms. I don't really notice restriction to my movements, but you will tire quicker wearing all that rubber

West Suits! Australian, and the warranty is second to none.

I had a tiny split in a seam of a 3 y/o suit and it would have lasted for years longer but seeing as though the seam warranty is for a lifetime I rang and asked them - they took it, fixed it, washed it like new and posted it back to me for free.

Peace of mind...... and costs no more. And AUSSIE

I have a 3/2 NPX. Amazing value for the quality. Its comfy and the leg straps prevent michelin man events. I used it on Monday at Sandy Pt. It was definitely not 3/2 weather (hail and rain, wind chill in negative numbers) so I also wore a waterproof top to stop the wind. Sailed all day no probs.

I had a few rather expensive winter wetties in the past and have been lucky to get 3 winters out of them.

NPX assassin 4/3 as well - warmest most flexible wettie i have had in 30 years and they stay virtually dry - so don't pee in em!!!

I got a Billabong SG5 this year. It's only a 3/2 but they do a long or short sub-size in each size.
So, mine is a Large-Short, cos I'm not a kid, and a wee bit chunky. A normal large fit my body and shoulders well, but is too long on the arms and legs.
Just something to consider.
It's also very flexible and comfy, with a new-fangles neck gusset.
I passed on the neck zip, as I would need a tub of margarine and a Gimp to get me in and out of it.

Oneil Psyco II, Bought in USA for $170us on a holiday. 2/3mm.

DON'T GET ANY THICKER. I lived in north queensland all my life, hate the cold, can't stand it and this suit is verging too hot some days. It is practically a dry suit, I can go surfing in it, duck under a wave and no water will get in at all.

Wow now thats an epic! Afraid I would have whimped on even driving to get there..

I couldnt agree with you more regarding the support of local retailers, but not everyone can afford a $200 markup on weitsuits just because of the small market here in OZ.

I checked out the per unit cost price of a wetsuit 5/4/3 GBS, and you can buy them in china for between $20-$80. Thing is its a 1000 unit minimum and for a market as small as here the risk that you will have left over stock is greater so thats wy we pay a premium.

UK has a massive market, especially for the this steamers (bloody cold there!) so the odd of them being able to offload 1000 units are much better hence the prices are below what you get here.

Mixed bag really. If you can afford to pay an extra $200 and support you local retailer then there is no question that its the right thing to do. But if you rather spend the $200 on other stuff or you just cant afford it, then there are some cheaper options out there worth concidering.