Best Wetsuit for Bodyboarding in 2021 – 2021 Product Reviews

Are you looking for the best wetsuit for bodyboarding? Well, you are lucky to reach this article. Bodyboarders who love adventure get to experience colder water at a certain season. During this time, they will need the appropriate bodyboarding gear to ensure their safety, comfort, and warmth the moment they stay in the water. Moreover, wearing a wetsuit can intensify the aerodynamic properties as you do bodyboarding, minimizing drag and offering better maneuver while wet.

When in cold water, wearing a wetsuit can provide the body added warmth. The functionality of wetsuits is that once the water penetrates the clothes and then eventually leaves a little amount of water in the body, the body manages to create heat through continuous movement – heating and giving the body a warm feeling. Likewise, when in open water, you can prevent injuries when wearing a wetsuit. It is needless to say that the best wetsuit can give you great protection.

Best Wetsuit for Bodyboarding

To help you compare the best options on the market, we have gathered some of the best wetsuits for bodyboarding. Here is a list that you can review:

O’Neill Youth Reactor-2 Short Sleeve Spring Wetsuit

Star Rating: 4.8 out of 5

Best Blend of Durability and Stretch

Description

  • Value-driven wetsuit
  • Perfect for bodyboarding and surfing
  • Elevates performance

Features

  • Smoothskin Fluid Foam neck
  • YKK back zip system
  • Hidden key pocket

A crash of essential features and basic needs, the O’Neill Youth Reactor-2 Short Sleeve Spring Wetsuit offers abiding function and low cost. This model is the upgraded version of the Reactor line. Moreover, Reactor-2 is designed for performance with an excellent blend of durability and stretch. 

Designed with breathable flatlock stitching and durable UltraFlex DS Neoprene, this wetsuit is suitable for kids and teens.

It features wind-blocking sleek skin panels positioned in the chest and the back portion to keep your body essentially warm. Furthermore, it also has a convenient back zip entry that guarantees fast and easy changing. With a vibrant color selection, its notable price and performance technology delivers a great summer experience.

More benefits of O’Neill Youth Reactor-2 include the completely adjustable single super seal collar, YKK back zip system, smooth skin Fluid foam neck, hidden key pocket, ergonomic knee protection, and strategic seamless paddle zones. Made from 70% fluid foam and 30% FluidFlex that secures you from cold water, UV rays, and wind, you can have a more enjoyable moment in the water if you are wearing this kind of wetsuit.

Pros

  • Breathable
  • Durable
  • Easy changing

Cons

  • May run small

Hevto 3mm Neoprene Wetsuits

Star Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Best for any Water Sports

Description

  • Best for swimmers
  • Very comfortable
  • Great for any water sports

Features

  • Built from nylon and neoprene
  • Gives you warmth
  • Prevents you from hand injuries due to marine creatures

When you are bodyboarding in cold water, you will want to wear a wetsuit that is good enough in keeping you warm during your entire bodyboarding session. If that is the case, you might want to consider wearing the Hevto 3mm Neoprene Wetsuit. This wetsuit is designed not only to keep you a warm feeling but also protects you from hand injuries that can be done by marine creatures.

This wetsuit is particularly made for adult men divers, both seasoned and beginners. It is built from 3mm neoprene and nylon elastic fabric. Its material is recognized for being harmless, high-quality healthy, comfortable, soft, and skin-friendly.

Whether you are just new to diving or a seasoned diver, you must seriously consider picking this wetsuit as it can help you float comfortably and easily. Whatever water sports you are doing, Hevto 3mm Neoprene Wetsuit can be an ideal one as it can tolerate a water temperature that ranges from 50 to 67 degrees Fahrenheit.

You can wear this wetsuit whenever you are bodyboarding, kayaking, sailing, swimming, kiteboarding, paddleboarding, snorkeling, diving, surfing, and more. However, do not be annoyed if you feel contraction when wearing this wetsuit. It is a relevant manifestation as it indicates buoyancy and warmth. Give it time and you will eventually get used to it.

When you buy a new Hevto 3mm Neoprene Wetsuit, you might notice the pungent smell. Do not be discouraged by the smell as it is not detrimental. This wetsuit used safe glue as well as exhibit environmental protection.

Pros

  • Very comfortable
  • Skin-friendly material
  • Lifetime replacement guarantee

Cons

  • You might notice a pungent smell when opening a newly bought wetsuit

Mountain Warehouse Men’s Full Wetsuit

Star Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Best Sculpted Contour Design

Description

  • Best for bodyboarding and surfing
  • Sculpted style
  • Designed with various thickness

Features

  • Adjustable neck closure
  • Flat seams
  • Inner key pocket

The Mountain Warehouse Men’s Full Wetsuit can be best for your water sports adventure. It is made from neoprene fabric to achieve complete flexibility, while the close fit and flat seams offer added comfort for surfing, swimming, and more. Furthermore, the use of neoprene lightweight foam helps keep the body heat. The fabric quickly dries and gives liberty of movement.

This wetsuit uses a lighter material for the sleeves and thicker ones for the body to guarantee convenience in movement.

Pros

  • Easy-slip zip puller
  • Lightweight
  • Quick-drying

Cons

  • Cannot be worn for long-distance swimming

ZCCO 3mm Premium Neoprene Full Sleeve Dive Skin Wetsuits

Star Rating: 4.4 out of 5

Best Leather Design

Description

  • Amazing design
  • Ideal for different water sports
  • Full body protection

Features

  • 10% nylon and 90% CR neoprene
  • Heavy-duty YKK zipper
  • Adjustable fit

The ZCCO 3mm Premium Neoprene Full Sleeve Dive Skin Wetsuits are built from 10% nylon and 90% CR neoprene. With these combined materials, you can expect these wetsuits to be gentle to the skin as both are flexible and eco-friendly.

This wetsuit can give you the protection that is needed the moment you approach the water and it also protects you from the heat of the sun. Furthermore, it provides full-body protection by offering sufficient thermal protection. It features additional padding in the knee and chest. It also gives UV protection as well as a waterproof effect that assists in your floating.

It comes with durable suit details including a heavy-duty YKK zipper. It also has a hook-and-loop closure or zipper pull at the back. It also exhibits a unique design as it comes with an adjustable fit around your neck.

Once you reach underwater, you can also be exposed to certain injuries as you will likely encounter different marine creatures. This wetsuit is durable and easy to put on. The leather design of this wetsuit makes it one of the best wetsuits you can find in the market today. You can use this wetsuit for different water sports including bodyboarding, kayaking, sailing, diving, surfing, kiteboarding, paddleboarding, snorkeling, swimming, and more.

Pros

  • Durable
  • Eco-friendly
  • Easy to put on

Cons

  • Some customers find it a little tight around their shoulders

Nataly Osmann Camo Wetsuits

Star Rating: 4.3 out of 5

Best Split Two-Piece Design

Description

  • Camouflage diving suit
  • Great for any water sports
  • Very comfortable wetsuit

Features

  • Neoprene material
  • Split two-piece design
  • Quick-drying

Nataly Osmann is one of the prominent names when it comes to water sports products and their wetsuits have been evidence of their expertise. Nataly Osmann Camo Wetsuits is perfect for people who love sports such as bodyboarding, canoeing, snorkeling, swimming, scuba diving, sailing, and kayaking.

This wetsuit is quick-drying and breathable and it is specifically made to improve your skills in swimming while minimizing drag when in the water. It comes with a split two-piece design that includes vest pants with padded knee and chest and a hooded top. It uses a 3mm open cell neoprene rubber exhibiting a sport skin base covering that feels soft, warm, flexible, and comfortable. It offers a tight fit design that instinctively suits the structure of the body which gives you a fashionable swimming pattern.

The camouflage effect of this wetsuit uses a mixture of black and white tinge which looks great in the water. As for the size of this wetsuit, since it exists at 0.39 to 1.2 inches, it would be best if you get the next larger size to avoid body contraction.

When you go to the water, you can expect that you can move freely since this suit is very comfortable to wear. This suit can also protect you against sea lice and jellyfish. It can also protect you against the heat of the sun.

However, this wetsuit is only recommended for handwashing. Twisting is not advised when washing it.

Pros

  • Durable
  • Comfortable
  • Great for different water sports

Cons

  • Could feel cheap
  • Not recommended for washing machine

Buyer’s Guide

You can find a lot of wetsuits for bodyboarding in different brands in the market nowadays that it becomes a challenge to choose the right wetsuit for you. Because of the uniqueness of bodyboarding, your search for the best wetsuit, made particularly for this water sport, must be governed by the following things:

Proper Fit

Your top priority in finding the right wetsuit for you is something that gives a snug fit and at the same time allows you to move freely and keeps your range of movements. There are some important considerations when finding a wetsuit that properly fits you.

Most brands offer a detailed chart for sizing for their wetsuits based on the height, weight, neck, chest, waist, body length, and leg length. To make sure that your chosen wetsuit will work properly, you have to make sure that it gives a snug fit. Hence, you must see that the wetsuit will fit tightly; however, make sure that it will not block circulation or cause pain. Make sure that the fit is just enough so you can still do your movements freely.

You should also remember that any creases or air pockets attached to the fit will give entry to the water, thus reducing the ability of the wetsuit to give you a warm feeling. A common mix-up is a wetsuit that poorly fits around the small of its back. You should know that excessive space will cause the wetsuit to bloat out, loading with water. Once used in the water, wetsuits stretch.

Type

You will have to decide what type of wetsuit you will buy for your bodyboarding activity. When choosing the type of wetsuit, you have to consider the water temperatures as well as the weather conditions of the area you are planning to bodyboard. There are several types of wetsuits so you have to be familiar with their practicality.

There are wetsuits with long sleeves and long legs. These wetsuits are commonly thicker and therefore offer the most warmth. You can also find wetsuits with long sleeves and short legs. This type of wetsuit offers more flexibility and comfort. It is commonly built with thinner fabric, which makes it suitable for calmer conditions.

Short sleeves and long legs are other types of wetsuits. This wetsuit offers maximum flexibility and comfort with enough thermal protection. Some wetsuits come in short sleeves and short legs. These wetsuits also give maximum flexibility and comfort while offering a certain protection level that is appropriate for cooler waters and weather conditions.

Deciding for the type of your wetsuit will always depend on the water temperature you plan to bodyboard in, the extent of motion and flexibility you want, and the coverage you think you will require.

Thermal Protection

Thermal protection is an important feature of a wetsuit. However, you should know that there are three elements of the quality of thermal protection a wetsuit can give.

One element is the thickness. Wetsuits are available in different thicknesses and their thickness are quantified in millimeters. The thicker the wetsuit, the greater thermal protection it gives. However, it also means that it can be more confining and less comfortable. Full-body wetsuits have two measurements in terms of their thickness, where the torso and the legs are thicker compared to the arm areas.

Stitching and seams can also affect the thermal protection of a wetsuit. The other element is the tolerance level of the user. Every person has a certain level of tolerance when it comes to cold water and condition. If you are the type of person who feels cold easily, then it would be best if you get a thicker wetsuit with good stitching and seams. However, if you can endure colder water, you can use a thinner wetsuit.

Design

Wetsuits are commonly available in three designs for closures and entry placement. Some wetsuits have a back zipper. This wetsuit is easy to wear and is more affordable compared to the zipperless or front-zipper wetsuit. It is recommended for warmer conditions and calmer water. The front-zipper wetsuit can keep you feel warm by restricting the entry of water. It also assures flexibility. Unlike the back-zipper, this wetsuit is quite difficult to move in and out the wetsuit.

There is a zipperless wetsuit, too. This design is meant for performance as this wetsuit offers maximum flexibility. As the outcome of the material and design to make a zipperless entry, the cost is rampantly higher compared to the other two designs.

FAQs

Is there a particular temperature for wearing a wetsuit?

If you are referring to the temperature of the water, then you must begin wearing a shorty wetsuit if the temperature is 72 degrees Fahrenheit. However, when the temperature drops below 68 degrees Fahrenheit, then you must have a full 3/2. However, this will also depend on some factors. Wind, weather, and air temperature can also contribute to your coldness and you need to wear a wetsuit sooner than expected.

I’m a bigger-frame person, is there a wetsuit that could fit me?

Yes. Manufacturers commonly make wetsuits for bigger people, too. Big wetsuits can be as wide as 4XL. A wetsuit with 4XL size would be suitable for someone with a chest size of 50 to 51-inch and a waist size of 43 to 44-inch. But just to manage your expectation, it may take time to find a wetsuit of such size.

Is the sizing for the wetsuit the same as clothing?

No. You will like your wetsuit to provide a snug fit. With your clothing, you will normally get a bigger size if you are a tall person. However, when it comes to wetsuits, considering that you are tall and skinny, choosing a bigger size will have more room for the entry of the water.

How much can a wetsuit stretch?

The best stretchy materials that are employed in wetsuits can stretch five to six times the original length. Wetsuits that use cheaper materials can stretch three to four times.

Conclusion

If you are looking for the best wetsuit for bodyboarding, then you should refer to the list above so you can compare them and see if there is any in them that could match your needs. You should also consider checking the buyer’s guide so you will know what to consider when buying your wetsuit. You should see the importance of wetsuits by now. If you want to have the best bodyboarding experience, you should wear the right wetsuit.