When you’re rigging up on a gusty South Coast morning, the last thing you want to be thinking about is your gear. You want to be thinking about the swell window or that new trick you’re working on.
At Infinity Sport Kitesurfing, we’ve seen every type of kiter come through our doors at Greatstone. From the “winter warriors” who never miss a North Sea gale to the summer cruisers, everyone asks the same thing: “What suit should I actually buy?” Here is the honest, rider-to-rider breakdown on how to navigate the rack, including the critical decision on thickness.
The Thickness Debate: One Suit or Two?
In the UK, thickness is your “runtime.” If you’re cold, your session is over. For the South Coast, we generally see two strategies:
The “All-Season” Warrior (5/4mm)
If you only want to buy one suit, make it a 5/4mm.
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Why: You can kite from February through to November. In the height of summer, you might get a bit warm, but you can always “flush” the neck to cool down. You can’t make a thin suit thicker when the water is 9°C in April.
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The Pro Move: Pair a 5/4mm with a separate hood for the winter months.
The Pro Quiver (5/4mm + 3/2mm)
If you kite year-round and want maximum performance, go for two suits.
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The 5/4mm: Your engine for October to May.
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The 3/2mm: For those glorious days from June to September. A 3/2mm feels like wearing pajamas compared to a winter suit; the freedom of movement for jumping and freestyle is unmatched.
ION vs. Mystic: The Heavyweights
While ION is our team favorite, Mystic is the other major player you’ll see at local spots like Lancing or Camber.
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Mystic Majestic: A fantastic suit known for its Fox Fleece lining and durability. It has a slightly more “structured” fit which some riders love for the support, but it can feel a bit stiffer than the ION equivalent.
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ION Seek Amp: This is our top recommendation for the South Coast. The Max_Flex neoprene is incredibly stretchy, which is vital when you’re twisting for grabs. It also features Graphene_Plush, which is arguably the fastest-drying and warmest lining available today.
Practical Tips for South Coast Conditions
1. The Hood: Integrated vs. Separate?
On the South Coast, a hood is mandatory from December to April.
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Separate Hood: Our personal recommendation. It gives you more versatility. Pair a 2mm or 3mm separate hood with your suit, and when the sun comes out but the water is still biting, you can just tuck it into your bag.
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Pro Tip: Look for a hood with a long “neck skirt” and tuck it inside the wetsuit collar to prevent “ice-cube-down-the-back” flushes.
2. Sizing is 90% of the Battle
A premium suit that’s too big is colder than a budget suit that fits perfectly.
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The Gap Test: Check the small of your back. If there’s a pocket of air, the suit will fill with water and you’ll lose heat instantly.
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Front Zip is King: It creates a much better seal against the wind and water flushes compared to back zips.
Final Verdict: Why the ION Amp Wins
While the Mystic Majestic is a durable, high-quality contender, the ION Amp (the Seek Amp for men and Amaze Amp for women) takes the win for us.
The combination of Max_Flex stretch and the plasma-plush warmth means you don’t have to sacrifice movement to stay warm in the English Channel. It’s the suit our instructors wear when they’re standing in the water for six hours straight.
Ready to find your perfect fit? If you’re unsure about sizing or whether to go for the 5/4mm or 3/2mm, give us a shout or drop by the shop at Greatstone.
