Shop kiteboarding wetsuits by Neil Pryde, NPX, Hyperflex, & Mystic...wetsuits and drysuits are designed specifically for the demands of kiteboarding!
Check out the new Assassin wetsuits with limestone neoprene and charcoal bamboo lining fron NPX! and new 2012 Mystc Star 5/4 D/L Steamer kiteboarding wetsuits by Mystic. They are newest and most feature rich kiteboarding wetsuit on the market. The best for winter kiteboarding! Check out the NPX WomensSeren Wetsuit 5/4/3! NOW ON WINTER CLEARANCE SALE!

Neoprene
This is the stuff we are mainly talking about that your suit is made of. It is a stretchy rubber made from melted-down petroleum chips which come from Limestone that has been 80,000,000 years in the making. This Synthetic rubber is filled with tiny nitrogen gas bubbles, which gives it the insulation and flexibility that we are looking for.  Thickness of material is from 3mm to 9mm. This foam type material has various degrees of water absorbsion and windproof abilities.  Mobility of the suit reduces as the thickness increases and is typically laminated with other materials depending on the desired function of the material. Many different companies have different types of neoprene, generally the stretchier and more comfy you get, the more expensive and shorter lasting the suit.

Thickness
Kiteboarders need a wetsuit with a good fit and the right mix of features. Wetsuits will not keep you completely dry, the idea is to allow a small amount of water inside, your body heat will take care of the rest. Wetsuit thickness is measured in millimeters and impacts warmth. For example: 2mm , 3/2mm, 4/3mm. The first number represents thickness in the torso area, the second number in the extremities. Less neoprene is used in the extremities to increase flexibility. As a rule of thumb, thickness increases warmth and decreases flexibility.

Water temp    Thickness recommended
75-85F        1/16" (1.6mm) neoprene, lycra, polartec
70-85F        1/8" (3mm) neoprene
65-75F        3/16" (5mm) neoprene
50-75F        1⁄4" (6.5mm) neoprene
35-65F        3/8" (9.5mm) neoprene, drysuit

Thermal Linings
Bamboo Charcoal: Is found in many Neil Pryde and NPX wetsuits. Bamboo Charcoal is known for its inherent antimicrobial and anti-odor properties. This natural fiber is woven into the lining of many Neil Pryde wetsuits to provide hygiene benefits.  Bamboo Charcoal prevents soiling and growth of odor causing bacteria in your wetsuit caused by body oils, sweat, and saltwater. Bamboo Charcoal absorbs far infrared light from the sun and emits it to the body. It is not visible to the eye, but you feel it as heat penetrating into your skin, warming your body and improving blood circulation.

Heatlock: an ultra-lightweight inner lining comprised of a series of tubular, hollow yarns. The heat-lock effectively traps and stores body heat within the cavity of the yarn, keeping you warmer and drier. An insulating hollow fiber lining that traps and reflects body heat

Hotcell Insulation: Lightweight, quick drying polypropylene insulation. The cellular structure traps an insulating layer of warm water next to the skin, keeping the core temperature up.

Seams
Seam construction impacts warmth and comfort. Below is a listing of the types of seams available on wetsuits:

Overlock is recommended for warm water. 65F and up. (In a full suit)The seams are stitched on the inside. From the out side you will not see any stitching. On the inside you may recognize this construction from clothing. It is commonly used on sweat shirt and T-shirt seams. Some water may seep in through these seams.

Flatstitch or Flatlock is recommended for warm water too, 62F and up.(In a full Suit) You can recognize this seam from the out side. This stitch looks like railroad tracks. The interior and exterior seams look about the same. The interior seam construction is flat and is more comfortable against the body then the overlock stitch. Some water may seep in through these seams too.

Blindstitch (A.K.K. GBL or Glued and Blind Stitched) It's construction is best for cold water because the seams are glued and then stitched. This seam construction looks similar to the Flatstitch. Narrower in the width than the flatstitch seam. The seams are glued and bonded together, seams are then stitched. The thread and needle holes penetrate only the top area of the surface. Some seams are only stitched on one side. Very little water if any will seep through these seams.

Blindstitched with seam taping (Fluid Seal) is recommended for extremely cold water usually 50F and below. The seam construction is the same as above accept the inner seams are reinforced or covered with tape. Very little water if any will seep through these seams.

P-Skin:P-Skin is a seam sealant used in many Neil Pryde Wetsuits, it is stretchier and thinner than any other seam sealant on the market. The smooth texture is more comfortable next to the skin and more visually appealing. P-Skin is thinner and stretchier than other common sealants while providing a waterproof seam.

What makes a Wetsuit Kite-Specific?
These suits are kiteboarding specific. The outer layers is a smooth skin neoprene that allows water to run off the suit as soon as you are up and riding again. This allows for less heat loss from wind-chill on a wet wetsuit. These are super comfortable, but not as durable. The harness area may be beefed up to withstand the harness contact. If you take care of your gear and don't want to surf, these suits are excellent values.

Layering
Polyolefin: This moisture wicking fabric is lightweight, washable and provides a high degree of insulation...polyolefin provides insulation without adding excess bulk underneath your wetsuit or drysuit.

If you haven't purchased a new wetsuit in a few years, be prepared for some AMAZING advancements in technology! The newest 2011 wetsuits have super stretch, new warmth retaining technology, and more comfort than ever before!