Features
Features
- Affordable Entry-Level Wetsuits For Growing Kids Who Enjoy the Beach and Surf
- More family time at the beach, keeping kids warm and safe; Protection from Sun, wind and coldwater.
- Easy online ordering, price includes free delivery and free collection for exchanges or returns for hassle-free fitting at home.
- YKK zipper in the back and ankles for easy access, Adjustable velcro collar and smooth-skin neck for comfort
- Seams are flatlocked to keep the water out and strategically placed in less friction areas for comfort and wear
- Our Neoprene is 3mm thick double bonded with nylon, designed for water temperatures of 15°C – 19°C.
To view average sea temperatures in Cape Town click: http://www.seatemperature.org/africa/south-africa/cape-town-january.htm
How to Fit Your Wetsuit
Our wetsuits are not designed to keep the water out but rather to trap a small amount of water into the suit. This trapped water is heated by the body, which in-turn keeps the body warm. Ideally our wetsuit should fit like a second-skin, whereby the neck, cuffs and ankles fit snugly enough to stop a “flush” of cold water through the body of the suit. However the wearer should have enough room to be able to squat down and raise his arms freely above his head to ensure sufficient mobility.
When fitting a suit please note that the fit around the torso is most crucial measurement as this affects mobility, comfort and effectiveness of the suit. The girth (fit around the trunk) must be snug but not tight. The length (neck to crotch) should have some slack in the length to enable the wearer to raise his arms without pulling on the crotch, this will also allow for some wearer-growth.
Parents often choose a larger suit to allow for growth. Please note that a suit that is too big will allow water “flush-through” and thus be less effective in keeping the wearer warm. A larger suit may become too heavy (when filled with water) and affect buoyancy. In addition movement of the neoprene material against the skin may cause uncomfortable friction-rashes and chaffing.
Please note that a suit that is too small/ tight will be difficult to get on and off and may hamper movement, the seams will be strained which may cause the suit to split.
Younger children may opt for a bigger baggier suit especially if they are tactile sensitive or spend most of their beach time squatting and playing in the sand (the 3mm neoprene will still provide sufficient wind and sun protection). A bigger suit will also be easier to get on and off little kids.
Our sizes are banded in age, however this is only a guide as kids vary so much (look at any classroom).
(click on size chart to enlarge)
Watch How to Fit a Wetsuit here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxTQpv_744A
How to put on your Wetsuit
A wetsuit is designed to fit like a body glove, putting it on may take some effort. Please remember not to pull the wetsuit on at the seams as it may tear or split.
To be effective the wrists and ankles of the wetsuit are narrow. Kids (particularly older kids) have large feet and relatively skinny legs/ ankles and may need assistance in putting on and taking off the wetsuit especially if they are already hot, wet, sandy or tired. Our wetsuits have ankle zips to help.
Sometimes placing a plastic bag (like a shopping packet) on the foot may reduce the friction and help slide the foot through. Once the suit is on you can remove the bag via the unzipped foot hole.
The neck of the wetsuit is designed to provide a snug “seal” against the skin, most kids are intolerent of fitted necks. Our necks are lined with “smooth skin” to reduce the irritation however we recommend wearing a sunsuit or rash vest with a crew neck collar underneath the wetsuit and pulling the sunsuit/ rash vest collar up between skin and wetsuit collar.
If the wearer experiences any friction rashes or chaffing we recommend applying vaseline or baby-bum cream on the affected area before putting the suit on.
Watch how to put on your wetsuit here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_8SEDTIdU0
How to Care for Your Wetsuit
A wet wetsuit is heavy and carries a lot of water . On your way back from the beach a dripping wetsuit can leave your car smelly, it may be worth investing in a “dry” bag or bucket for the car to store your wetsuit on the way home.
Rinse your wetsuit in fresh cool water after every use, chlorine damages the neoprene so using pool water isn’t a good idea.
Hang your wetsuit up out of direct sunlight to dry thoroughly.
Store your wetsuit by hanging it up on a non-metallic hanger, folding or scrunching will damage the neoprene
Please note: Our wetsuits are designed as affordable entry-level wetsuits for growing kids who enjoy the beach or surf casually.
Our wetsuits are not hi-tech suits and are not recommended for extended wear or for use in commercial, professional, specialist sports or triathlons. Our suits are imported as-is, we do not have a local factory or repair shop to make suits to order or alter or repair existing suits.
Note, when you buy the suit it will feel stiff, with use the material will soften and become easier to get on and off. When the suit is wet and full of water it will feel heavier, baggier and looser.
Returns and Privacy Policy
Returns Policy: Our stock is available to buy on the Takealot site and the price includes free nationwide delivery for hassle-free fitting at home and free collection for exchanges and returns (please see Takealots T’s & C’s).
If you order directly from Coolwave Gear and are unhappy with your purchase, feel free to return your un-worn suit to us with the original packaging in a saleable condition within 14 days. Please contact us for delivery arrangements.
Privacy Policy: This privacy policy (“policy”) will help you understand how Coolwave Gear (“us”, “we”, “our”) uses and protects the data you provide to us when you visit and use www.coolwavegear.co.za (“website”, “service”). We reserve the right to change this policy at any given time. If you want to make sure that you are up to date with the latest changes, we advise you to frequently visit this page.
When you visit our website, we may collect your IP and contact details and information related to your interests and online behaviour on our website. We are collecting your data to better understand your needs to improve our services and products. Coolwave Gear is committed to securing your data and keeping it confidential and has done all in its power to prevent data theft, unauthorized access and disclosure, by implementing the latest technologies and software to safeguard all the information we collect online. Coolwave Gear will not lease, sell or distribute your personal information to any third parties unless law forces us to do so. We may use your personal information to send you promotional material. Our website contains links that lead to other third party websites (eg. Takealot or Payfast), this privacy policy agreement does not govern information obtained or held by third party websites.