Recommended Wetsuits for Surfing

Wetsuits can keep you very warm in the coldest of waters when surfing. Wetsuits offer a multitude of options, including thickness, zipper styles and seam construction. With the plethora of options available, it can be an overwhelming decision to make, made more difficult by the high expense of wetsuits. Learn which wetsuit types are recommended for your style to make the most informed decision possible.

  1. Wetsuit Thickness

    • Know the water temperature you surf in regularly in order to find a suit with the right thickness. Wetsuit thickness is measured in millimeters, from 2 mm to 6 mm. Wetsuits have different thickness throughout the suit: a 5/4/3 mm wetsuit means that it has 5 mm thickness in the chest, 4 mm in the legs and 3 mm in the arms. The thicker the suit, the warmer the body. Between 60 and 65 degrees (Fahrenheit) requires a 3/2 suit. Between 56 and 60 requires a 4/3. Between 52 and 56 requires a 5/4/3, and anything below 52 requires a 6/5/4 suit.

    Neoprene Type

    • Neoprene type impacts flexibility and comfort in the water. There are three types of neoprene available for surfing wetsuits: standard neoprene, super-stretch neoprene and super-stretch water-repellent neoprene. For surfing you should have at least 30 percent super-stretch, as this material fits the movements involved in surfing. For high-performance or advanced surfers, you should have from 60 percent to 100 percent super-stretch neoprene.

    Seam Construction

    • Seams can let water in, and they play a large role in staying warm and comfortable. Surfers in colder areas, with water temps below 65, should use sealed seams to keep the warm water in and the cold water out.

    No-Zipper Wetsuits

    • Cold water surfers should wear no-zipper wetsuits. Zippers allow more water in than any other area of the wetsuit, and therefore increase coldness. Not having a zipper maximizes body warmth.