Best winter wetsuit BUYS!

As the cooler months approach, waterskiers and wakeboarders have two choices - gear up and stay warmer in the water, or pack up the boat and head off to the footy. For those Australians lucky enough to live in more tropical conditions, the onset of winter probably won't cramp your style too much. For those in the southern states, all too familiar with the discomfort of frozen limbs, extra body coverage is a necessity.

According to several retailers, many skiers and boarders trade in their short suits for a steamer - long sleeves, long legs - when the water cools down. Most steamers sold are 3mm thick and do not have built-in buoyancy. Thus a PFD (personal flotation device) is added to the equipment bag for those who wear buoyancy suits in summer.

Skiers want warmth, but not a lack of flexibility, according to Shane Schemioneck from Wayne Ritchie's Skiers Edge in Shepparton. "Skiers find it hard to move in anything thicker than a 3mm suit," he explained.

In Queensland's warmer climes, skiers aren't necessarily forced to rug up. "Most people would wear a long-sleeved, short-leg wetsuit up here in winter," said Sterling Arthur, proprietor of Brisbane's C&P Waterski. "It's still pretty warm right up until Easter, and although we have a bit of demand for steamers, we don't actually stock them."

While many shoppers enter a store looking for a budget choice, many invariably leave with a more expensive steamer with more options. "Most people will pay more for a suit that fits better," says Schemioneck. Steamers can range from as little as $100 up to $579 and $756 for a drysuit.

A few years back, dry suits for skiers and wakeboarders were all the rage. A casual cruise down your local waterway from May onwards would see a collection of bright orange and yellow figures carving, jumping and crashing. Dry suits allow the user to wear regular clothing underneath, then zip themselves into a waterproof bag suit with rubber seals at the neck, wrists and ankles.

But according to Waterskiers Warehouse owner Neil Harris, the dry suit trend has slowed somewhat. "Six to eight years ago we used to have over 100 on order," he claimed. "These days we would probably sell five to 10 a season. And wakeboarders won't wear them."

Wetsuit manufacturers are more than aware of the waterskier/wakeboarder distinction. Wakeboarders have their own style, their own fashions, and they resolutely refuse to wear anything that a waterskier would. Queensland company Waterline, manufacturer of the Moomba and Zee lines, has created a wakeboard-specific range of PFDs called Air. "Essentially, they are the same jackets as the Moomba range, but with different labelling," said product manager Nick Filer.

Another alternative to the steamer or drysuit is an added vest or rash shirt worn under an existing suit, or with a PFD and the trademark boardshorts for wakeboarders. The cost advantages of these heater vests worn with an existing short or spring suit are obvious.

We have put together an easy-to-use guide for choosing your winter wardrobe from budget to premium. All of the following manufacturers have a range of products across most price brackets, so check out their websites for a full listing. Happy shopping!

BUDGET: UNDER $200

Kiln Thermal Shirt, RRP: $99
Manufactured by Wing Wetsuits, the Kiln thermal shirts are designed for use under an existing short or long-sleeved wetsuit. The shirts are made in either 0.5 or 1mm thickness and are made from titanium-lined neoprene to trap the heat as well as provide flexibility for the wearer.

The shirts are unobtrusive and years of experience in the waterski industry have guaranteed comfort as well as warmth. Sizes include S, M, L, and XL, and the shirts can be custom-made to fit body and arm length. Prices for the Kiln start at $79, although the shirt pictured is the $99 model. For more information, visit www.wing.au.com.

Seasuits Body Heat Steamer, RRP: $100
Seasuits manufacture a range of shorty suits, accessories and scuba-diving suits from its Lonsdale, SA, premises. The Body Heat steamer is made from either 2mm flatlock-stitched neoprene or 3mm overlock stitch. The latter is the simplest method of stitching neoprene where the two edges are rolled together with a thread stitched tightly around them. The 2mm suit would be of more use in slightly warmer conditions than, say, 15°C water.

The 3mm Body Heat steamer is an overlock-stitched design that effectively creates a flat, comfortable seam. The Body Heat suits are available for men, women and juniors. It features a velcro zip tab and knee protection for hard landings and climbing back into the boat after a hard day on the water. Seasuits' range of Body Heat suits is complemented by the Hot Foot range of barefoot suits as well as lycra and polypropylene bodyliner suits for temperate or tropical waters, vests for surf, ski, and general wear.

For more information, call Seasuits, tel (08) 8384 1466. The company's website at www.seasuits.com.au is soon to be updated.

Williams Intensity Heater Shirt, RRP: $95-$115
Williams has seen the advantages of making thermal or heater shirts. They are making their way onto waterski retailers' shelves as a simple addition to a summer suit. Williams markets three different varieties of long-sleeved vests under the Intensity label: one with simple neoprene, another with fleecy lining, and the third with titanium metallic lining designed to maintain the body's temperature and warm any water trapped inside the shirt. Prices for the three are $95, $105 and $115. Sizes range from XXS to XXL. The company claims the shirts are very popular with wakeboarders who continue to wear regular boardshorts in winter, but swap thin rashies for thermal vests and PFDs for added warmth and buoyancy.

The heater shirts are made in either 0.5 or 1.5mm neoprene (for the same price) and utilise flatlock stitching. For more information, visit www.williamsaustralia.com.

KGB Long Sleeve Spring, RRP: $169.95
An alternative to those skiers who may not be completely comfortable in a long-legged wetsuit is the KGB Long Sleeve Spring Suit. Allowing manoeuvrability in the legs for carving it up on a slalom ski or for more tricky wakeboard jumps, grabs and inverts, this suit may also be more suited to those in warmer areas who may not get the full benefit of a steamer all year round.

The KGB suit features 2mm mesh superlight in the top shoulder area, 2mm mesh innospan for flexibility of movement and 2mm superlight neoprene for the body panels. Leg seals are 2mm mesh neoprene, and a lycra seal on the collar inhibits water entry. KGB also manufactures a long-sleeve 3/4 back zip vest for $89.95. This features a 2mm mesh superlight upper body, with 2mm superlight neoprene for the body panels.

Look out for these suits in your local ski retailer, or call manufacturers Sports Image, tel (03) 9870 8811.

Rubber Jungle 3x2mm Steamer, RRP: $200 Queensland-based Rubber Jungle wetsuits have a large range of summer suits as well as this 3mm steamer. Pictured is the men's design. It is 3/2-flatlock construction with Superstretch neoprene and the company's latest metalite Superstretch rubber is used extensively in all the right places for added movement and flexibility.

These suits can be custom-made for a charge of $20 and different neoprene types can be requested. All colours can also be chosen by the customer to coordinate with existing gear. The company manufactures a range of spring suits, buoyancy suits for barefooters as well as PFD vests. For more information, visit www.rubberjungle.com.au.

MID-RANGE: $200-$350

Williams 3mm Steamer, RRP: $215
Williams Wetsuits has been on the Australian scene for more than 50 years. The company's 3mm steamers are part of a large range of spring suits, neoprene shorts, barefoot buoyancy suits and PFDs. Its steamers are usually made from 3mm neoprene in the body panels and 2mm on the arms for better flexibility for skiers and boarders. Kevlar kneepads help to protect the knees.

In terms of colour, the company claims black tops the list. Customers are usually fashion conscious, especially wakeboarders. Williams make suits with yellow or orange panels and contrasting stitching. Generally, the suit will come in either black/blue or black/red combinations.

For more information, visit www.williamsaustralia.com.

Zee 3x2mm GBS Steamer, RRP: $349
The Zee and Moomba brands are made by Queensland manufacturer Waterline. The company uses a variety of neoprene in its suits. For winter, thicknesses are either a combination of 3mm and 2mm or 4mm and 3mm. Double-lined neoprene is generally used in the lower body panels for extra warmth, and added durability over the knees and posterior. Megastretch neoprene, the most flexible type, is utilised in the upper body panels along the arms and underneath to allow for freer movement. Mesh neoprene is used along the chest and back panels and is designed to stop wind chill and conserve body warmth.

Two types of stitching is available, flatlock and glued and blind stitched. The former is generally used for summer suits, the latter designed especially to limit water leakage into the suit through the seams. All seams are glued together and then blind stitched over the top and taped to the inners seams. A neoprene back wing is also used on the inner back zip, preventing water that comes in through the zip from touching the skin.

Zee's GBS steamer is the company's upmarket version of the flatlock-stitched steamer. It is made with megastretch neoprene for maximum flexibility for the skier or wakeboarder and comes with a lifetime warranty on workmanship and a 12-month warranty on materials. Mesh neoprene is used in the chest and back panels, the neoprene back wing and the enduro kneeguards. The steamer also sports enduro kneeguards. For more information, visit www.zeewetsuits.com.

Wing Zero Steamer, RRP: $339
Sydney-based Wing Wetsuits has a strong history in waterskiing. Proprietor Rob Wing and his brother Brett are former tournament ski champions and Rob's children Joel and Amber are elite tournament ski and wakeboard competitors.

The company's Zero steamer in 3 x 2mm features a mesh smoothie in the chest and back for greater flexibility and flatlock stitching and anti-rash lycra on the sleeves and legs. The strategically placed stretch panels boast 300% four-way superstretch neoprene and freedom of movement through seamless sleeves. The lockable adjusting sealing collar provides tolerance against the cold and the suits are available in either long or short-sleeve with full-length legs. Sizes for men include S, M, L, XL, XXL and for ladies 8, 10, 12, 14, 16. The company also has steamers in the lower price bracket starting from $229. For more information, visit www.wing.au.com.

Moomba/Zee Combination, RRP: Wetsuit $239 Thermal Vest: $109
An alternative to a full-length steamer is a wetsuit/vest combination. The Zee Thermal Vest is 0.5mm in thickness and has similar wind-repelling qualities to the megastretch neoprene. They are also light and easy to wear under a spring suit.

Moomba is a name synonymous with tournament waterskiing. The Neo Buoyancy Suit is 3mm thick and contains its own PFD3 rated buoyancy, negating the need for an independent PFD vest. It is sleeveless with short legs, which may appeal to northern skiers who feel a full-length suit may not be suitable. It has a super seal flatlock stitch, lycra edge binding, reflective piping, 1mm O-ring leg seals and leg ties with camlock buckles to ensure a minimum amount of water can enter through the legs. Sizes are S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL and 4XL. For more information, visit www.zeewetsuits.com.

PREMIUM: Over $350

Rip Curl Core Raptor, RRP: $399.95
Rip Curl has a solid reputation as a surfing brand and has steadily gained popularity in waterskiing and wakeboarding circles. Although designed originally for surfers, the Rip Curl suits are more than just a grommit suit. The company's emphasis on flexibility and warmth for surfers stuck out in the water for extended periods of time has brought extra benefits to skiers and boarders. With the addition of a PFD3 vest, you are all set to hit the water in winter.

The Core range including the Raptor and Stinger suits has proved to be a popular seller. The Raptor uses 3mm neoprene, with Elastomax neoprene placed in the arm, underarm, shoulder and lower back panels for extra flexibility. A fully adjustable collar seals the neck area from water flushes and all seals are 100% flatlocked. The seams are strengthened against wear and tear through critical taping at each junction and Rip Curl's K-Tron kneepads are strong yet flexible. The suit's batwing flap on the inside of the suit provides a barrier against water leakage through the back zip. You can keep yourself even warmer with a detachable neoprene collar or hood. Colour combinations include black/charcoal, charcoal/red, charcoal/blue, charcoal/light grey, charcoal/yellow, charcoal/lime, blue metal/charcoal. For more information, visit www.ripcurl.com.

Quiksilver Cell suits, RRP: $499
Surfing brand Quiksilver has introduced a high-performance flex wetsuit designed for maximum flexibility for the skier, wakeboarder or surfer. The company claims the Cell suit has less than half the seams of its closest competitor and that this equals better function and a warmer suit. Quiksilver maintain that the Cell suit lives up to its name, providing less chance of water entry through its seams and seals to keep the wearer warmer during winter and during prolonged exposure to cold water. Fewer seams will lessen wear and tear, as well as the need for repair. Reduced wetsuit rash is also a reported benefit of the lesser number of seams. The suit comprises only four panels and is available in black and grey, a popular choice for those not keen on bright colours. Prices start at $499 up to $579. Quiksilver suits are sold in surfing stores across the country. Visit www.quiksilver.com/cell for more information.

Hot N Dry Drysuits, RRP: $660 to $756
Hot N Dry is Australia's only drysuit manufacturer and is based in Ulladalla on the NSW south coast. Drysuits are designed to do exactly what they suggest - keep you dry. A skier or boarder can wear regular clothes and simply step into a bag suit made from soft, flexible and strong nylon coated with waterproof polyurethane. The zipper is water and gas tight, which means water cannot penetrate and air cannot escape. Soft and stretchy latex seals, similar to the consistency of a balloon but much thicker, are placed at the neck and wrists and sometimes at the ankles to ensure water prevention.

Hot N Dry has two drysuits designed for waterskiing. The Rampage ($660) is most popular with general waterskiers and this season comes in a black and yellow colour combination. The Hydro-Slam ($756) suit is targeted at wakeboarders and barefooters. It has an extra polyurethane seal at the neck that holds the standard latex in place for better protection against huge falls. The Hydro-Slam is available in black and orange.

A drysuit can weigh as little as 400g, even when wet, as it is made from non-absorbent fabric. Simply dry off the suit with a towel so it doesn't wet the boat or the car. In a dry-suit, the user controls their body warmth by wearing less or more clothing according to their rate of activity.

Hot N Dry produce drysuits for many varied applications including waterski, barefoot, wakeboard, PWC, kite surfing, sailing, yachting, scuba diving, and cave and ice diving. The suits are also used in many commercial applications. Sizes include XS-XL as well as custom-made. Hot N Dry drysuits are sold in waterski retailers. For more information, visit www.hotndry.com.au, tel (02) 4454 0686.