Best place to buy wetsuit in/around SF?

Can anyone recommend a store?

I need to buy it in person rather than online: I'm an odd shape!

(The SF REI doesn't have wetsuits).

Steele's Dive Shop, 5987 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland.

They are REALLY nice (and competent) people.

I'm not a diver but I buy all my whitewater neoprene there and several years ago I bought a "Spare Air" tank to carry with me on solo class-5 trips.   Well, last month it developed a leak------and they fixed it free.

I recommend them.

Judd

No doubt about it, AQUAN in SAN CARLOS... ask for Mooch/Joel... they will take care of you... I've got some awsome deals there!

(The SF REI doesn't have wetsuits).

They don't EVER carry wetsuits or just not this time of year?  I know for their Saratoga store that it is just seasonal because of the size of their store.  With spring upon us soon, they might put them out soon.

Of course they carry them online but I know that you'll want to try it on first for sizing.

Michael

No doubt about it, AQUAN in SAN CARLOS... ask for Mooch/Joel... they will take care of you... I've got some awsome deals there!

Thanks for thinking of us (Aquan) first Back Country!

Aquan Sports
840 Brittan Ave
San Carlos, CA 94070

www.aquansports.com

Proud Sponsor of NCKA

Thanks all, I'll try and get myself to San Carlos......but as I work in Emeryville I might start with a long lunch at the dive shop in Oakland.

As I understand it the SF REI does not ever carry wetsuits, even tho' many other branches do.

Thanks all, I'll try and get myself to San Carlos......but as I work in Emeryville I might start with a long lunch at the dive shop in Oakland.

As I understand it the SF REI does not ever carry wetsuits, even tho' many other branches do.

FYI: you have a 10% discount at Aquan for simply being an NCKA member.


I used to work part time for REI for 5 years (San Carlos Branch) and we never sold wet suits. We only carried farmer johns for kayaking.

wise surfshop in s.f. along hwy1 has surfing style 3/3 - 5/3 and maybe beyond that.
if you are using for paddling/ocean (IMO) the surf designed ones (mfgr&$$ depending)
have thinner under-arm- areas for mo-better movement.

wise surfshop in s.f. along hwy1 has surfing style 3/3 - 5/3 and maybe beyond that.
if you are using for paddling/ocean (IMO) the surf designed ones (mfgr&$$ depending)
have thinner under-arm- areas for mo-better movement.

They have an insane selection. If you have any special sizes/preferences GO THERE!! After checking your local shop first. ie. visit Mooch first.

Z

They have an insane selection. If you have any special sizes/preferences GO THERE!! After checking your local shop first. ie. visit Mooch first.

Z

He knew that already Z! 
 i just forgot to tell him, on his way back from Moochs' place, if he couldn't find one, to stay on 101 and hit 280 to westlake exit up over the hill, onto scenic hwy 1 and follow it to the Great Hwy(ocean beach) almost to the end-cliff house.

goodLOOKINoutBRA'

Just another thumbs up for Wise. Also, if you are on a budget, ask if they have any 'blemish' models. I got a screaming deal a few years ago when he heard my price range, he went downstairs and brought up a wetsuit that I couldn't see anything wrong with that was perfect for me. At about half price.

I'm going to see Mooch tomorrow morning!

If I have no luck there then I'll head to Wise, thanks guys. I have to have something by Saturday, I don't fancy paddling in jeans all day again!

Are you sure you need a suit?  where are you planning to do most of your hunting at?
Sittin in a wetsuit on a lake is UN-comfortable(overkill)

even in the cold windy bay, wearing a wetsuit is overkill(imo) 

I wear the breathable waders and a good waterPROOF top on the lakes and in the bay

Ocean is where you need the suit for thermo/saftey.

Mooc will not sell you somethimg you don't need, I'm sure! 
He hasen't steered me wrong yet!......atleastnottomyknowledge

"neoprene----too hot on a lake----"

Yeah, in summer....
The STYLE of neoprene is important.
I've found the "Farmer John" to be allaroundbest.
That, plus a sweater (or equivalent) and a wind-jacket.

For fiercest-of-the-fierce, coldest-of-the cold, I have a very light zip-up neoprene short-sleever that I wear over my FarmerJohn.

So-------"layering"-------is still part of the formula.

And if you get too hot===what's wrong with just jumping overboard and swimming for awhile....???.....        ;

One of the absolute BEAUTIFUL things about SOTs is that (with a little practice) they are really easy to swim back aboard.    Combining paddling with swimming is the best of several worlds.     

((Can't say this without adding the boilerplate warning:  Never swim from your boat without the boat being either anchored, or tethered to some kind of "sea anchor" to keep it from blowing away from you if a breeze comes up))

I love my kayak
     I love my kayak.......ohhh man-oh-man......
           I love my kayak(s)....all three of them....no, make that four, counting my wife's SOT.

Judd

Are you sure you need a suit?  where are you planning to do most of your hunting at?
Sittin in a wetsuit on a lake is UN-comfortable(overkill)

even in the cold windy bay, wearing a wetsuit is overkill(imo) 

I wear the breathable waders and a good waterPROOF top on the lakes and in the bay

Ocean is where you need the suit for thermo/saftey.

Mooc will not sell you somethimg you don't need, I'm sure! 
He hasen't steered me wrong yet!......atleastnottomyknowledge

Thanks for the tips. I read all the old wetsuit/waders threads. Three things steered me toward a (Farmer John) wetsuit.

1. I'm going to need it eventually anyway
2. I have massive feet (sz14) and couldn't find waders to fit
3. My old Drifter takes in a lot of water (Tho' I have yet to experiment with scupper plugs)
4. No matter how much reassurance I read on here, I am still intimidated by the prospect of capsizing while wearing waders!

I'm sure I'll get waders eventually.