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WATERSKI MagazineThe month of May is often deceptive in many regions of the country. Sure, the sun is shining and there's not a cloud in the sky, but the second you dive into the water it's apparent that summer's not quite taken hold yet – it's still wetsuit time.
O'Neill's Zen three-quarter zipperless-entry suit is a good one for those lakes and rivers that haven't warmed up enough to make “skinning it” possible, and has a few nice features for the slalom set. First, the 3-millimeter chest, back and lower portion provides an extra bit of warmth in the areas that remain stable during buoy runs. But the sleeves and collar are a millimeter thinner, providing more flexibility. Zens are made from top-of-the-line Japanese neoprene and have polypropylene jersey sewn in, which actually wicks water away and makes the interior warmer than other suits of the same thickness.
The Zen three-quarter does have a fairly tight entry through the neck; so you might want to check out sizes at your local shop before purchasing. (At 5'9″, 170 pounds, you'll need a large.) Call O'Neill's customer service department at 408-475-7500 for details. Retail price: $174.95.
