I came across a recent article on taking care of your wetsuit - you can read all about it here. It gives some useful advice on when to try to repair your wetsuit yourself and when to use a specialist.

If you're a kiteboarder you probably already know about this site anyway - you can read the magazine online, which is cool, though not as cool as holding it in your hands, like many things in life. And no I won't be rushing to get an iPad, a kindle or whatever new shiny object is doing the rounds. I will eventually of course, and then gripe about it, but that's getting off topic.

Anyway, it got me thinking about when we buy wetsuits and led to my excitingly titled "The Top 6 reasons we finally decide to buy a new wetsuit".

1) OK perhaps the most obvious - your current wetsuit just got trashed and you need a new one fast.

2) You've been hiring for a while and are getting tired of wearing someone else's wetsuit.

3) You enjoy your sport and need a new wetsuit for the changing seasons.

4) You're on vacation, are enjoying surfing, bodyboarding, windsailing etc but are getting cold, scratched and want to get a wetsuit quick.

5) You are rich and want to hang out at the beach pretending to surf but feel more secure in that neoprene layer.

6) Your crash diet worked and you've completely changed your body shape and size. (OK that's less likely)

OK 6 reasons to buy a new wetsuit seems a bit pathetic. If you have any to suggest feel free and let me know! This topic may return when my brain's working a bit better or if I get some good replies, funny or true.

Until next time good luck with your search for the perfect wetsuit, hopefully our selection of wetsuits for sale will help.

Today's post follows on in some ways from previous posts about the 'controversy' about when to wear a a wetsuit, and when you're not allowed to. I came across a story about Bruckner Chase who just became the second person to swim across Monterey Bay, California, which is 23 miles - yep count em' and weep.

He started off without a wetsuit, since this is preferred by open swimmers but had to use a wetsuit due to the high numbers of jellyfish. He completed the swim in 14 hours and is probably aching today in places he didn't know he had. Anyway, amazing stuff - personally I do not understand how anyone can swim for 14 hours in such cold water, so muchos respect.

Its also a reminder of other reasons why wetsuits are so useful. My article Wetsuits 101 – Types of Wetsuits mentions protection from jellyfish and scrapes as being a benefit of wetsuits, so you may want to check that out. Failing that you may just want to check out our selection of wetsuits for sale by looking at our wetsuit auctions or our wetsuits store.

For the full scoop on Bruckner Chase's amazing achievement go here.

The final tally looks worse now (see below) - very sad - still trying to focus on the positive aspect of people caring and working to save as many as possible.

• 'Emotional' whale burial in NZ (heraldsun.com.au)

Hope you don't mind the off topicness of this post - I do think sometimes its good to focus on some of the positive uses of wetsuits rather than get tied up in the latest model names etc.

Came across a recent article I found quite interesting which got me thinking (I swear to God I keep hearing myself as Sarah Jessica Parker when I type now, and I'm male, own about 2 pairs of shoes and don't live in fictional Manhattan) - yes I know Manhattan exists, I've even been there, but not in the sipping cocktails, whiny way.

Anyway - back to wetsuits, if you feel like it check out the following article on wetsuit design

It got me thinking about wetsuit design - what is more important, style, substance, price. Now I'm no fashionista (?) - though I obviously want to look as cool as possible in my wetsuit, though I know my limits. I do however prefer fairly plain wetsuits and will not be sporting a luminous pink wetsuit anytime soon. Does fashion matter to you - do you want the latest look? Do you long for the dayglo days to return?

If you feel like sharing then add a comment - it could affect the types of wetsuit I feature here. For now if you just to want to find a quality wetsuit at the lowest possible price then I'd recommend looking at our wetsuit sales. You also might want to check out our wetsuits auctions, which in case you forget, include lots of new, discounted wetsuits.

WetsuitWearhouse.com

As ever, because I'm a visual kind of guy I'll also include a nice picture you can click on as well - honestly, these savings could allow you to upgrade your triathlon wetsuit surprisingly cheaply.

Once you get to the next page scroll down a little bit and you'll see the Triathlon Wetsuit Sale under the featured items. What are you still reading this for check out WetsuitWearhouse.com now.

If you're not looking for a triathlon wetsuit then I'm slightly confused why you are still reading but you may want to check out wetsuit warehouse (links above) anyway as they've got some good closeout deals just now.

How quickly could you get into your wetsuit if your life (or someone else's) depended on it?

To be honest I'm a bit clumsy so would probably take too long - hopefully the adrenaline would kick in and speed things up. Guess its not great to test this out too much as you may damage your wetsuit.

Anyway, no great insights, just good to see some positive surfer coverage. You can read more on this story at:

http://www.iol.co.za/?art_id=vn20100811043244274C766759

By the way, the guy mentions stripping off in the street to change into his wetsuit. I wouldn't recommend doing this unless you live in a very liberal area or someone needs rescuing, otherwise you may end up in hot water (legally). Oh dear.

To wear a wetsuit or not?

Today's piece of news/trivia again features the 'controversy' of whether to wear a wetsuit or not. Some sports/competitions have strict rules. Either way, hats (or hoods) off to Charles Wittmack who's just swum the English Channel as part of his World Triathlon. He did wear a wetsuit in case you're wondering - you can find out more at www.theworldtri.com. I feel exhausted just thinking about swimming for 12 hours so respect etc.