Colas Nahaboo personal site, with discussions about programming code, web and computing topics, surfing and SUPing, and various musings. Zola 2026-03-24T00:00:00+00:00 https://colas.nahaboo.net/tags/wetsuit/atom.xml 2026-03-24T00:00:00+00:00 2026-03-24T00:00:00+00:00 Unknown https://colas.nahaboo.net/surf/wetsuits-chest-zip-direction/ <p>I used to buy mostly Rip Curl wetsuit, and when they decided to reverse the chest zips, I was puzzled, but after the first session, I was convinced:</p> <p><strong>Chest zippers must open towards the inside</strong></p> <div class='snapshots snapshots-2'> <div class="snapshot-container"> <input type="checkbox" id="zoom-wetsuit-zipper-normal-jpg" class="zoom-check"> <label for="zoom-wetsuit-zipper-normal-jpg" class="snapshot-label"> <figure class="snapshot"> <img src="wetsuit-zipper-normal.jpg" alt="normal direction"> <figcaption>Normal direction: Bad!</figcaption> </figure> </label> </div> <div class="snapshot-container"> <input type="checkbox" id="zoom-wetsuit-zipper-reverse-jpg" class="zoom-check"> <label for="zoom-wetsuit-zipper-reverse-jpg" class="snapshot-label"> <figure class="snapshot"> <img src="wetsuit-zipper-reverse.jpg" alt="reverse direction"> <figcaption>Reverse direction: Good!</figcaption> </figure> </label> </div> </div> <p>Why?</p> <ul> <li><strong>Reduced stress:</strong> The natural tension on the wetsuit doesn't pull the zipper open. This eliminates the need for a cumbersome stopper or a snap button, as it cannot come undone on its own in the water.</li> <li><strong>Greater range of motion:</strong> The "inside" end of the zip is free from the bulk of the starting mechanism, allowing for a wider opening. This makes getting in and out of the suit noticeably easier.</li> <li><strong>Durability:</strong> The stress of entry and exit is concentrated at the "open" end of the zipper, where it is less likely to cause damage.</li> </ul> <p>The picture on the right is of my Feral wetsuit. It’s an excellent Yamamoto neoprene suit, but it is cut a bit smaller in the chest than other brands. Because of this, I actually blew out the zipper during only my second session—something that has never happened to me before.</p> <p>I had it reversed by a local repair shop (the excellent <a rel="noopener external" target="_blank" href="https://all-in-wetsuit-repair.com/">All-In repairs</a>), and the difference is staggering. The wetsuit feels noticeably looser and more comfortable in the chest!</p> <p>My advice:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Prioritize</strong> wetsuits with reverse zippers.</li> <li>Standard zippers can be <strong>reversed</strong> by your local wetsuit repair specialist.</li> </ul>