Can You Rent Wetsuits? What To Look Out For
Wes Severson November 20th, 2024 Posted In: Articles
Ocean sports like surfing, paddleboarding, and SCUBA diving are getting more popular every year, even in areas with the coldest water. If you’re doing these activities in cool to cold water temps, you are going to need a wetsuit to stay warm. A common question we get asked is can you rent wetsuits? The answer is yes, and there are options.
Wetsuits can get expensive and purchasing one doesn’t make sense for the millions of people who only surf, paddleboard, and SCUBA dive once, twice, or maybe three times per year. For those individuals, renting a wetsuit is probably more practical and affordable. Wetsuit rentals also make sense for people living in tight quarters without space to store a wetsuit.
This guide makes renting a wetsuit easier as we lay out exactly what to look out for so you can have the most comfortable experience possible!
Where to Rent Wetsuits
The best place to rent a wetsuit is at a local surf or dive shop. They will likely have a wide selection of sizes, thicknesses, and styles. The employees at these shops will likely have local knowledge that will help get you the exact wetsuit you need for the water temperature.
Can you rent wetsuits online? Definitely! Online shops have wetsuit rental services which could be a good option if you are traveling or you need the suit for an extended period of time. Companies like Synergy offer a 30-day rental program on their sites.
Some beach resorts and hotels may also offer wetsuit rentals. If you’re traveling and plan to stay at a hotel, it’s worth asking about it. Coastal hotels often partner with local surf shops to get you a better deal on wetsuit rentals.
What to Look Out for When Renting a Wetsuit
Below are some things to definitely be on the lookout for when it comes to renting a wetsuit!
Inspect the Wetsuit
Before you try on the wetsuit, you’ll want to look it over closely to inspect its condition. Look for any signs of damage, like rips, tears, holes, and worn-out seams. Also, make sure the zippers are working properly and don’t look too worn. Remember, if any part of the wetsuit is damaged it won’t work as well which could cause you to end your session early.
Choose The Right Thickness
The thicker a wetsuit is, the warmer it will keep you. If you don’t get one that is thick enough, you will get cold, and if it is too thick, you will get hot. I recommend opting for the side of heat. I would rather have a wetsuit be too thick and too warm, compared to too cold. For warmer water, you’ll want a 2mm or 3/2mm wetsuit. When the water gets into the upper 50s, you may want a 4/3mm. If the water is going to be even colder, you may consider a 5/4mm or thicker. Check out this wetsuit thickness guide to help figure out what thickness is right for you.
The Fit of the Wetsuit
When you are trying on the wetsuit you’re about to rent the most important thing to consider is how the wetsuit fits on all parts of your body. A wetsuit needs to fit snuggly to work its best, but it’s a balance. You don’t want the suit to be too tight, uncomfortable, or restrictive. However, you don’t want it too loose that it allows water to flush through because then you’ll be too cold.
To make sure the wetsuit fits properly check the collar. It must fit tightly to work effectively but it shouldn’t be choking you. Same thing with your ankles, wrists, and armpits. Make sure there are no big gaps or openings and that the suit is directly on your skin without being too tight or restrictive.
Always try on the wetsuit at the shop to make sure it fits right before you get into the water. If something about it feels off, tell the employees about it. If you’re renting online, it would be best to try on the suit right when you receive it so you can send it back quickly if it doesn’t fit.
Hygiene
Since rental wetsuits are shared by users, there must be an emphasis on hygiene and cleanliness. A wetsuit that wasn’t cleaned and rinsed properly may harbor bacteria. A clean, dry, properly disinfected wetsuit should not stink. If you’re concerned, ask the rental shop about their sanitation process and what type of disinfectant they use after each use.
Why Rent a Wetsuit?
Renting a wetsuit is the most cost-effective option when you’re only using your wetsuit once or twice a year. Wetsuit rental fees can run anywhere from $10 to $40 per day at shops. However, a good wetsuit will run you $100 to $500 to buy, making renting a viable option if it’s not going to get much use.
Convenience is another big factor. If you’re renting a wetsuit, you simply drop it off at the shop when you’re done and let them clean it out. When you buy your own wetsuit you will have to do the cleaning, rinsing, drying, and then store it in a closet somewhere.
If you’re considering buying a wetsuit but aren’t sure about the style, thickness, or brand that suits you best, renting provides the perfect opportunity to test different options.
Conclusion
So, can you rent wetsuits? Yes! And we also now know they are a great option for many reasons. So as we wrap this up, we will leave you with a quick wetsuit rental tip. If you’re planning to rent a wetsuit during peak season, it’s a good idea to see if the shop will let you reserve it in advance to make sure they’ll have one on the day you want it. We hope you’ll be getting suited up soon and hitting the water!
