A women’s shorty wetsuit is worn in warm weather conditions when you want a bit more protection than a swimsuit offers, but a fullsuit is simply too warm. In general, a women’s shorty is suitable for water temperatures of around 20 degrees Celsius and higher. Especially during spring and summer at warm kite spots, a shorty for women is a popular choice among female kitesurfers. However, it is important to look at all factors. Besides water temperature, wind, sun, the type of water you kite in, and the length of your session are all important indicators of whether a shorty is suitable.

Within the women’s shorty wetsuit category, several models are available. The classic shorty model has short sleeves and short legs and offers a nice combination of warmth and freedom of movement. This women’s summer wetsuit provides more insulation than shorter models. A V-back shorty has an open back for extra ventilation during warm days. There are also fashionable Hot Shorty or Sunset Shorty models, which often have a shorter bikini-style leg cut and are popular in tropical conditions. For a bit more protection, many women choose a Long Jane or Short Jane, where the arms remain free but the legs are slightly more covered. A Monoshorty is also a common model. This women’s shorty is designed like a tank top with short legs attached. This model keeps you cool while also preventing your harness from chafing and helping it stay in place.

Because a women’s shorty covers less of the body than a fullsuit, you want the neoprene to fit well around the waist, chest, hips, and shoulders. A good fit prevents chafing and ensures the wetsuit stays comfortable while kitesurfing, especially during crashes. Women’s shorty wetsuits are therefore specifically designed for the female body shape and usually fit better than unisex or men’s models. That way, your wetsuit will not suddenly end up backwards after a crash ;).

In general, women’s shorty wetsuits are often worn at warm kitesurf destinations with relatively warm water. Think of Dakhla in Morocco, various Greek islands, Zanzibar in Tanzania, the south of France in summer, Bali, and the Caribbean. In the Netherlands, you also see many female kitesurfers wearing a shorty on warm summer days, especially during the hottest days of the year in August. These wetsuits then offer just a little more comfort and protection.

You probably recognize it from holidays: you have had a great beach day, and after showering you suddenly realize you are as red as a lobster. Many beachgoers and watersports enthusiasts underestimate how quickly you can get sunburned. On the beach, UV radiation is often already strong, but on the water this effect is increased because sunlight reflects off the water surface. Especially when wearing a women’s shorty wetsuit, your arms and legs are largely exposed and receive hours of direct sunlight. That is why, in our opinion, good sun protection is just as important as choosing the right wetsuit.

At Kitemana, you will find everything you need to protect your skin during sunny sessions. Think of neoprene hats, watersports sunglasses, and most importantly, high-quality waterproof sunscreen. We stock sunscreen from brands such as Island Tribe, Riemann, Sex Wax, and Sun Bum. These products are specially developed for watersports enthusiasts and stay on better during long sessions on the water. This way, after a beautiful kite day, you step off the water with great memories, not sunburned skin!

View the complete collection of watersports sunscreen at Kitemana.