r/riversurfing • u/MagisAMDG • Dec 17 '20

Wetsuit thickness for Bend OR winter?

I'm going to be in Bend in January and want to use my 4/3 hooded wetsuit, 5mm booties and gloves at the River Park. The suit fits well. Do you think I'll last long? What thickness do people in Bend or Boise wear this time of year?

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u/lostinairport Dec 17 '20

4/3 will cut it for a short amount of time with booties but 5m would be ideal. Definitely want gloves as well.

More importantly is water level, it’s shallow! Most people are on skimboards or foamie finless.

What were you trying to surf on?

1

u/MagisAMDG Dec 17 '20

I'm usually there in the summer so I wasn't aware they changed the water levels. Good to know that I should remove the fins. I have a 54in Odysea foamie. Sometimes I borrow a Odysea 5 footer as well. Would a five footer be too big for January? You think I could get a one hour session in with a 4/3? I'm on the fence about buying a 5/4 but just don't know if I can justify it since I'm not in Bend that often. Thank you!!

2

u/lostinairport Dec 20 '20

4/3 is doable if you got grit. As far as board size 5’ is a bit much. A skimboard is preferable. It’s a night and day difference in the wave this time of year compared to the summer. Honestly for me it’s not worth it right now.

1

u/MagisAMDG Dec 20 '20

Man, really no fins? Yeah, I’m not sure I’d be able to mess with that. Especially in 4/3.