STOP WETSUIT WOES! DECATHLON AND SURFING ENGLAND RELEASE WETSUIT GUIDE FOR KIDS.
Decathlon and Surfing England’s top tips for wetsuits.
July 25, 2024
- Fit & Care guide from Decathlon and Surfing England will help millions of Brits get a proper fitting wetsuit and keep them warm in the water this summer.
- Yulex100 wetsuits at Decathlon are the first and only to be made with 100% natural rubber to help customers make a more sustainable purchase.
Decathlon and Surfing England are helping kids get beach ready this summer with their new wetsuit Fit & Care guide which intends to stop the impulse purchase of ill-fitting wetsuits which can make a fun day out more challenging.
Wetsuits are essential to keep warm and buoyant in the water and buying a suit that doesn’t fit will affect swimming, surfing or any activity. Importantly, a suit that is too loose will let cold water in, whilst a suit that is too small will be uncomfortable and restrict movement.
The Fit & Care guide is free and helps parents learn key lessons around the different types of wetsuits and when they should be worn. In the British summer time, a ‘shorty’ wetsuit can be the best choice as it is around 2mm thick to provide the warmth needed in the water but has short arms or legs to allow breathability on the hottest days.
New for summer 2024, Decathlon has developed a new kids’ shorty to ensure little ones have a fun, safe and warm experience in the water this summer. The surfing shorty is 1.5mm thick and made with Yulex100, it is the world’s first 100% natural rubber wetsuit - exclusively developed by Decathlon. Priced at just £20, the wetsuit provides a high-quality option that is good for the planet and customers’ pocket.
Taking correct chest, waist, and height measurements before shopping for a wetsuit is essential as they can then be matched with the manufacturer’s size chart. It’s easy to then order a product online but the Fit & Care guide recommends going in store for first time buyers to find what works best for your body shape.
Decathlon and Surfing England’s top tips for wetsuits:
- What to look for: get a wetsuit that is light and flexible but most importantly, warm. It should feel like a second skin and be snug around the armpits, neck and lower-back with a comfortable seal when fastened.
- Protecting the planet: many wetsuits are made from toxic, non-renewable resources such as neoprene. Where possible, you should choose a material like Yulex that is kinder for the planet whilst offering the same excellent performance.
- Caring for your wetsuit: After use, wash your wetsuit in fresh water using an eco-friendly detergent. Make sure to rinse away any salt or sand so that it is not uncomfortable for your next wear and leave to dry in the shade, as direct sun can cause damage to your wetsuit.. Do not wash or tumble dry your wetsuit.
- How it works: wetsuits trap a thin layer of water inside which is then warmed up through body heat. This ensures the wearer is warm when participating in water activities.
“Buying the correct wetsuit can be a challenging task as they are not a frequent purchase for most people. The Fit & Care guide with Surfing England gives a simple overview to help families make the right purchases to be beach ready. By making informed choices, we can extend the life of these items and reduce waste, and we have worked hard to develop the world’s first 100% natural rubber wetsuit with our Yulex100 material. Sustainability and innovation remains at the heart of all we do to provide the best products possible for our customers and the planet.” Chris Allen, Director of Sustainability at Decathlon UK
"We are hugely excited about Decathlon’s Yulex 100 products. It is fantastic to see the brand taking action to offer an alternative to Neoprene, and we hope to see more innovations to come. As a community of ocean lovers, sustainability and looking after the environment is so important to us. With advances like Yulex 100 we are only better protecting our future in the sport of surfing, and watersports as a whole!" Hannah Brand, Operations Manager at Surfing England
The full Fit & Care guide can be viewed on Decathlon’s Instagram and YouTube channels now and to shop the full range of wetsuits available from Decathlon, please visit: https://www.decathlon.co.uk.
Wetsuit size Guide
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/c/htc/wetsuit-size-guide_44cc8339-a1dd-4c04-ace4-e3c2595a8c24
Information on Yulex 100
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/c/lp/yulex-decathlon_2aca2e23-f4a1-4b07-b4a3-b875b8006440
Surf England: Go Surf!
https://www.surfingengland.org/go-surf/how-to-guides/choose-a-wetsuit/
About Decathlon
DECATHLON is the world’s largest sporting goods retailer, with over 1,700 stores and 105,000 teammates in more than 70 countries. With its integrated business model, DECATHLON specialises in the creation and production of innovative sporting goods designed to delight and move people through the wonders of sport all around the world.
About Surfing England
Surfing England is the National Governing Body for the sport of surfing in England. A not-for-profit membership organisation for all wave riders, from grassroots participation to the elite Team England. They exist to support and develop opportunities for anyone bodysurfing to SUP surfing, and all wave riding in between.
