r/xxsurfing

I'm a 29f around 5'5 125 lbs and I just bought my first wetsuit, the O'Neill hyperfreak 4/3mm+ in a size 8. I wore it out in the ocean yesterday (just to swim, sadly no waves where I am) and I felt perfectly comfortable in 54F/12C water, but I did notice some bunching/pooling of water specifically around my lower back and in the crotch area. This has me worried for the moments where I'm actually surfing and just sitting there, potentially getting cold.

I tried on a size smaller today, and I could get the wetsuit on, but it felt VERY very snug (except in the lower back where I felt like I could still grab a bunch of fabric) - I could move my arms, squat, etc., but I just don't know how it would actually perform out in the water. I have never owned a wetsuit, only used crappy rentals that always fit poorly/have gaps in the back area specifically. Is this just my body type? Would the smaller size loosen up after I wear it a few times? I can return the size 8 if I want to, but I don't want to then get the 6 and regret it because it's too snug. Maybe this is just the wrong wetsuit design for me - if anyone has a good recc for a body that is thicker thighs/hips and shorter torso/narrower chest, I would appreciate it! Thank you for your wisdom, xxsurfing ❤️

Does anyone have recommendations for ocean-resilient jewelry? I understand that most pieces of jewelry will eventually corrode from the saltwater, but curious what seems to last the longest.

I’ve had a couple gold-filled and pearl necklaces where the chains or clasp eventually wore out over 2-3 years of 24/7 wear, but my solid gold earrings are still going strong 5 years later.