Rip Curl Mens Dawn Patrol 3/2 Back Zip Wetsuit
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Rip Curl Mens Dawn Patrol 3/2 Back Zip Wetsuit
The Dawn Patrol is Rip Curl's mens 3/2 back zip wetsuit, named for the early morning sessions surfers paddle out for before the wind picks up. A 3/2 designation is the industry standard way of describing panel thickness, meaning more insulation through the torso and a thinner, more flexible panel through the arms and legs for paddling.
Built for the Water
As a back zip suit, entry and exit is straightforward, pulling the zipper down the spine to step in and out between sets or after a session. This is the entry style most surfers grew up with and still reach for when they want a suit that is simple to get on and off on the beach or at the dock.
Who This Wetsuit Is For
A 3/2 wetsuit like the Dawn Patrol fits the range of water temperatures South Florida sees through the cooler months, whether you are surfing at first light, riding a wakeboard behind the boat, or spending a longer day on the water where a rash guard alone will not cut it. It is built for men who want one suit that covers most of the local season without the bulk of a heavier winter suit.
Getting the Fit and Care Right
A wetsuit should fit snug against the skin with no loose water pooling inside; a suit that is too loose lets water flush in and out and cools you down faster than the neoprene should allow. After each use, rinse the suit in fresh water and hang it to dry away from direct sun, since UV and prolonged heat break down neoprene over time. Avoid folding a wet suit for storage, which can crease and weaken the material at the fold lines.
Rip Curl on the Water
Rip Curl builds wetsuits, boardshorts, apparel, and accessories around the same dawn patrol mentality the suit is named for, aiming to keep surfers comfortable through long waits for the next set. It is one of the surf industry's established wetsuit makers, with gear built specifically around time spent in and out of the water.
Why Buy It From Island Water Sports
Island Water Sports has been a family owned surf and water sports shop since 1978, and wetsuits are a category the store fits and sells every season. Buying here means picking up a suit from a shop that understands South Florida water temperatures and can help you land on the right size and thickness for how you actually use it.
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Specifications
- Brand
- Rip Curl
- Product
- Rip Curl Mens Dawn Patrol 3/2 Back Zip Wetsuit
- Gender
- Male
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does 3/2 mean on a wetsuit?
- 3/2 refers to the neoprene panel thickness in millimeters, typically a thicker 3mm panel through the torso for warmth and a thinner 2mm panel through the arms and legs for flexibility.
- Is a back zip wetsuit easy to put on?
- Yes, the Dawn Patrol's back zip design opens down the spine, which is a straightforward and familiar entry style for getting in and out of the suit.
- When should I wear a 3/2 wetsuit in South Florida?
- A 3/2 suit like this one suits the cooler stretches of the local water sports season, covering early morning sessions and cooler days without the bulk of a heavier suit.
- How do I take care of my wetsuit?
- Rinse it in fresh water after every use and hang it to dry out of direct sunlight, since heat and UV exposure break down neoprene over time.
- Is Rip Curl a reliable wetsuit brand?
- Rip Curl is an established surf brand that builds wetsuits, apparel, and accessories around time spent in and out of the water, including suits like the Dawn Patrol.