The characterization of thermal perception in recreational surfers wearing wetsuits

The purpose of this study was to characterize the perception of heat loss, comfort, and wetness in recreational surfers wearing wetsuits, to compare these data with changes in skin temperature reported in prior studies, and to examine the impact of wetsuit thickness, zipper location, and accessory use on thermal sensation and comfort. Following their surf session, nine-hundred and three male (n = 735) and female (n = 168) recreational surfers responded to a series of questions regarding thermal comfort/sensation, wetsuit characteristics, and surfing history. Average whole body thermal sensation rating was 0.8 ± 3.6 on a scale of -10 to +10 and average whole body thermal comfort rating was 1.5 ± 1.2, midway between "just comfortable" and "comfortable." Overall, surfers felt coldest in their feet, hands, and head. Under their wetsuits, surfers felt the coldest, wettest, and least comfortable in their chest, lower legs, lower arms, and upper back. Wetsuit accessory use had the greatest impact on regions identified as coldest, least comfortable, and wettest. These data suggest that wetsuit design should focus on optimizing water access points and improving accessories for the feet, hands, and head.

Surfing, Thermal comfort, Thermal perception, Thermal sensation, Wetsuit

10.1016/j.apergo.2023.104108

0003-6870

Warner, Mackenzie

104eb8c5-e02e-4baf-a858-48d93e850d0c

Nessler, Jeff A

99d1b7a7-7ad2-4b65-9056-2762f136c08a

Filingeri, Davide

42502a34-e7e6-4b49-b304-ce2ae0bf7b24

Newcomer, Sean C

08155823-195e-4e29-a68a-d9e04862b0e0

November 2023