What happened to full front zipper winter wetsuits ?!

by Scott Ridley
(Waterboro, Maine)

I have been surfing the cold waters of New England & the Northwest for over 37 years. To me, it not a wetsuit, but, a survial suit. I have had 2 full front zip suits & 2 back zip suits.

The front zip wetsuit is by far my favorite for ease of entry & exit. I have never had any problems with them at all, even in 35 degree water! My 2/3mm summer suit is a climb through the neck opening & since the material is thin, getting in & out is no ploblem.

The heavier 4/5/6mm suits where you climb into a tiny hole in the neck is fine if you are twenty something & very flexable. At 53 years old, trying to climb into that 4/5/6mm suit through the neck is a lot of work. I am pretty tired & have to rest before going out surfing. Getting out of the suit after your "surfed out" is impossible! I have to go get help to get my elbows out of that neck opening.

It seams like no one makes them any more & I'm not ready to quit winter surfing. The only company I have found so far that makes a full front zipper entry is the 5/4 Ultra Hot Combo from Hotline. Is there anyone else?