Wakeboarding is one of the popular water sports. In fact, many children and adults are deeply involved with this sport. They simply enjoy the fun and excitement that they encounter each time they begin wakeboarding. Now, if you are planning to try wakeboarding, too, you have to make sure that you have the necessary gear and one of these is the wetsuit.
You need to get the best wakeboard wetsuit if you want to achieve a great wakeboarding experience. However, when checking for the best wetsuit, you are the best person who could figure out the answer. You need to know the features that you need and consider other important factors. You can find many choices in the market. That is why you need to know how to trim down the selection until you finally find the one.
5 Best Wetsuit for Wakeboarding
To give you some idea, here are some of the best wakeboard wetsuit today:
O’Neill Youth Epic 3/2mm Back Zip Full Wetsuit
Star Rating: 4.7 out of 5
Best Value
Description
- Value-driven wetsuit
- Uses a premium material
- Superior feel
Features
- Strategic seam placement
- Back zip
- FluidFlex firewall
- UltraFlex
The O’Neill Youth Epic 3/2mm Back Zip Full Wetsuit is one of the most affordable wakeboard wetsuits in the market. For wakeboarders who are on a tight budget, this wetsuit is a reliable and amazingly flexible choice. Although it comes at an affordable price, you will love the fact that it is packed with many good features.
The O’Neill Youth Epic 3/2mm Back Zip Full Wetsuit exhibits the same features as the sophisticated wetsuits. Some of the highlights of this wetsuit include 100% UltraFlex neoprene, LSD or lumbar seamless design, re-designed covert blackout zip, and double seal neck closure. The intense style lines and neat graphics of this wetsuit had made it the best value in the market.
The UltraFlex neoprene in this wetsuit is tough and solid. It makes the suit feel durable and warm. Moreover, the LSD implies that the suit is designed with limited seams and the biggest probable panels of neoprene. You should realize by now that the seams are often the most common area where issues occur. But with bigger panels of neoprene, the wetsuit becomes more durable and flexible in the process. Additionally, lesser seams can feel more comfortable.
It will also be good to highlight the advantage of the O’Neill zippers in this wetsuit. The zippers could feel like they are particularly made to be used in wakeboarding in the ocean and endure any rough conditions.
Pros
- Affordable
- Comfortable
- Fewer seams
Cons
- Some customers find that the stomach and arms can be a bit loose
Quicksilver Men’s 4/3 Syncro Back Zip Wetsuit
Star Rating: 5 out of 5
Best Eco-Friendly Features
Description
- Maximum flexibility
- Offers quality features
- Eco-friendly suit
Features
- StretchFlight X2
- WarmFlight X2
- Supratex knee pads
The Quicksilver Men’s 4/3 Syncro Back Zip Wetsuit has numerous quality features. This wetsuit uses StretchFlight X2 Neoprene for its rubber. This material is known for being flexible, durable, and warm. If you will try to compare this rubber to other suits of similar price, you will be amazed to find out how this rubber could stretch better than the others. Furthermore, the StretchFlight X2 is built partially from reused car tires while the exterior jersey layer is dope-dyed. Thus, minimizing unimportant water waste during production.
The eco-friendly features are also seen in expensive wetsuits. However, you will find it impressive that Quicksilver managed to integrate them into Syncro at a lower price.
The Quicksilver Men’s 4/3 Syncro Back Zip Wetsuit also has WarmFlight X1 Thermal Lining panels. These panels do not only provide comfort but also adds extra warmth. Moreover, this material is quick-drying. You can find more of this liner that stretches over a seam behind the zipper fitting. This wetsuit has blindstitched and glued seams. This way of stitching allows lesser water penetration as compared to the flatlock seam. The Syncro is also fastened in some vital parts for more support.
Pros
- Durable
- Lower price
- Quick-drying
Cons
- A bit expensive
NRS 3.0 Farmer John Wetsuit
Star Rating: 5 out of 5
Best Sleeveless Design
Description
- Keeps you feel warmer
- Ideal for any style and experience
- Has useful features
Features
- Eco SupraTex fabric
- Generous armholes
- Titanium laminate adhesive
NRS 3.0 Farmer John Wetsuit is an incredibly flexible and prominent wetsuit that is ideal for wakeboarding, rafting, kayaking, and more. It is a common necessity for your gear bag regardless of your experience or style.
This wetsuit is packed with useful features. The mobility and comfort of a sleeveless style match well with the warmth provided by the 3mm neoprene. Moreover, the neoprene is created from reused tires and limestone, so you can say that it is environmentally friendly. It also has titanium laminate adhesive that throws back the heat to the body so you can feel warmer.
You will also love the incredible performance and ideal stretch as it uses recycled nylon for both its interior and exterior. Your seat and knees are also supported by the Eco SupraTex fabric. There are generous armholes, too, that give you the freedom to move. The blindstitched and durable glued seams minimize any chances of water entry and they feel comfortable and smooth against your skin. Also, the frontal YKK zippers give you an easy entry and exit.
Pros
- Easy entry and exit
- Comfortable
- Good for numerous water sports
Cons
- No ankle zippers
XCEL Men’s Axis Back Zip 4/3mm Fullsuit
Star Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Best Engineered Fit Technology
Description
- Ideal warmth and comfort
- 100% performance stretch
- Keeps warmth in and out
Features
- Back-zip entry
- Tape-fastened lower body
- Limestone neoprene
Enjoy the best experience in wakeboarding by wearing the XCEL Men’s Axis Back Zip 4/3mm Fullsuit. This suit offers warmth and comfort through its Plush Thermo Lite Chest along with a tape-fastened lower body to achieve maximum durability and strength.
Fit details including a Glide Skin collar, and an engineered fit technology that feels like a “second skin”, XCEL Men’s Axis Back Zip 4/3mm Fullsuit grants you excellent performance whether you are wakeboarding or paddling. The blindstitched and triple-glued seams are characterized as a water-tight seam structuring where the edges of the foam are glued many times before being blasted together developing a water/air-tight seal and then stitched through the foam to create the required strength.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Feels like a “second skin”
- Durable
Cons
- A bit expensive
AKONA Men’s 3mm Tropical Water Shorty Wetsuit
Star Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Best Shorty Wetsuit
Description
- Great for wakeboarding, kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, surfing, scuba diving, and triathlon
- Versatile wetsuit
- Best for warm water
Features
- Limestone-based neoprene
- Short sleeves
- Great thermal control
If you prefer wearing an environmental-friendly wetsuit, then AKONA Men’s 3mm Tropical Water Shorty Wetsuit should be one of your choices. It uses a limestone-based neoprene material. Other brands are employing petroleum-based neoprene which is not ideal for the environment. This wetsuit is also known for its versatility since you can also use it for other water sports aside from wakeboarding. You can wear this suit for triathlon, surfing, and more.
You might have seconds thought in this wetsuit since it comes in short sleeves, however, this suit will never disappoint you in terms of thermal control. You will further adore this wetsuit since it is great for warm water. It can handle temperatures over 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
AKONA Men’s 3mm Tropical Water Shorty Wetsuit is also available in various sizes. It is also ideal for users who prefer larger sizing. Regardless of size, its flatlock seam construction can handle whatever body structure without causing skin irritation. It also makes the wetsuit tougher, on top of the primary materials it uses.
Customers love the dual rubber strips that secure the opening of the zipper. It offers the best water-resistant closure to reduce drag while you get off the water. Moreover, the anatomical approach employed in this wetsuit gives easy access for users to swim.
Pros
- Fits on big body-sizes
- Available in various sizes
- Does not cause skin irritation
Cons
- Style may seem too plain
Buyer’s Guide
You have to be extra mindful when buying gear for your wakeboarding and that includes your wakeboard wetsuit. However, you might not find it very easy to buy the right wetsuit for you considering that there are lots of selections out there. You need some careful evaluation and comparison to finally learn which one to buy. To help you in deciding which item to get, here are some things to consider when looking for the best wakeboard wetsuit:
- Materials
The best wakeboard wetsuits are built from synthetic neoprene that works to insulate the whole body by securing a small layer of warmth between the skin and the material. Generally, pure neoprene is more rigid as compared to neoprene that is blended with lycra or nylon. Thus, if you like to have a flexible wetsuit that is easy to put on, then you must find the one that is built from ultra-flexible neoprene or perhaps a neoprene mix.
- Seam Construction
The seam construction can affect the warmth and comfort that you will get from wearing a wakeboard wetsuit. Seam construction comes in three types. It can either be flatlock, sealed, and sealed, and taped. Just to point it out, no one is actually better than the other. The best wakeboard wetsuit based on seam construction will still depend on your needs.
Sealed are stitched and glued seams. You might see it as a flatlock when viewed outside, however, it has an interior that is glued. A small volume of water can get inside. This type of seam is recommended for cold water, specifically with a temperature that is 55 degrees Fahrenheit and up.
The flatlock seam has an interior and exterior that look similar. This is the reason why many find it comfortable to use, although there is still water that can get in. This type of seam is recommended for warm weather, specifically with a temperature that is 52 degrees Fahrenheit and up.
The other seam which is sealed and taped is ideally used for freezing water with a temperature that is 55 degrees Fahrenheit and below. Its construction is the same as the sealed, however, it has extra tape to strengthen the durability and to guarantee that no water can penetrate inside.
- Neoprene Construction
There are two types for the neoprene construction of the wetsuit – the standard and the super stretch. Commonly, you can get wetsuits that are 30% super stretch. However, you can also find first-rate wetsuits that are 60 to 70% super stretch and these are the kind of wetsuits chosen by the professionals.
- Size
The size of the wetsuit is one of the most important things to consider. Your wetsuit should fit tightly in such a way that it would feel like a “second skin”. But you have to make sure that it is not too tight that it can cause you pinching or irritation. It shouldn’t be an issue if the sleeves and the legs come in the wrong length. What you have to have to check is the tight fit around your torso.
If the torso is drooping, the water can stay inside and it will make you feel cold. Also, if the opening of the neck is larger or smaller, it will be very easy for the water to flush in or you can have a rash. Hence, see to it that the wetsuit drench against your body, particularly at the neck, chest, armpits, and bottom without pinching or drooping.
- Thickness
Manufacturers measure wetsuits in millimeters. The thicker the wetsuit is, the more warmth it provides. This effect develops because of the utilization of the neoprene material. Nevertheless, you should also understand that the thickness of the wetsuit may also affect flexibility.
Usually, neoprene that is thinner than 3mm does not only exhibit more flexibility, it is also best for tropical and warmer waters. You can also maximize it as it also protects your body against the extreme heat of the sun and harsh wind. Wetsuits that are thicker than 4mm are ideal for cold waters.
- Extra Features
If money is not a problem, then it would be great if you buy a premium wakeboard wetsuit. Choose the one with reinforced knees that offer extra protection as well as stitched and glued seams to prevent the water from penetrating. Additionally, you may want to look for leg zippers, relief zippers, locking systems, and internal heaters.
FAQs
What kind of wakeboard wetsuit should I buy?
Your wakeboard wetsuit should provide you lots of flexibility. Wetsuits are made in various thicknesses. The thinner it is, the more flexibility you can get. However, it also offers minimal heat retention. You have to buy a wakeboard wetsuit that can bring together warmth and flexibility. If you have enough budget, then getting a 60% super stretch neoprene suit with a thickness of 3/2mm would be the most ideal choice.
Do I have to choose a branded wakeboard wetsuit?
Not necessarily. However, if you are not certain where to get your wetsuit or you want to make sure you will get a quality wetsuit, then it would be best if you get a branded wakeboard wetsuit. Purchasing branded wetsuits can give you confidence about their durability, fit, and quality since popular brands would normally want to protect their reputation. You may want to buy from a popular brand and make a good investment.
How does a standard neoprene differ from a super stretch neoprene?
Standard neoprene is ideal for recreational sports but it does not provide the extra flexibility needed for active water sports. Super stretch neoprene, on the other hand, gives users more freedom to move and it can be developed in different mixes.
My wetsuit has a rip, can I still fix it?
If the rip is only small, you can purchase a neoprene repair kit. Get a glue and fasten the rips together. However, you need to be extra careful the next time you use your wetsuit as it can be more susceptible to damage. In case the rip is severe, it would be best if you get a professional repair.
How can I avoid scrubbing the neck part of my wetsuit?
If you do excessive wakeboarding, then there is a good chance that you will suffer from scrubbing the key areas like the chest and neck collar. This may lead to an annoying burn on the skin. You can avoid this condition by wearing a rash vest beneath your wetsuit. This garment will not limit your movement and it can provide more barrier against the skin to avoid scrubbing.
Is it okay to choose shorty wetsuits?
Certainly, yes. This type of wetsuit offers lots of flexibility in your limb parts. However, you must realize that this wetsuit does not perform heat retention. Thus, it is only recommended to be used for warmer waters.
How can I clean my wetsuit?
You have to avoid using chemical cleaners when cleaning your wetsuit as they can potentially damage the material that is used in your wetsuit. If you like to clean your gear, simply get fresh water to wash it and then dry it somewhere that is not directly exposed to sunlight.
Conclusion
The best wakeboard wetsuits do not come in the same quality. Although its main role is to provide you warmth while you are wakeboarding, you should understand that some factors need to be considered when choosing the right wetsuit.
You can refer to the list above and check if there is one that could fit your needs. More brands that are featured above provide versatility and they can never disappoint you when it comes to comfort and performance. Some wetsuits concentrate on providing excellent body warmth over flexibility. However, whatever your option will be, you have to figure out what features you require.