Wearing the right kind of wetsuit keeps you protected from scratches and minor injuries that you may encounter while surfing in deep waters. Are you learning how to surf for the first time? Check out these best wetsuits for surfing that will make you look and feel like a pro!
Best Wetsuits for Surfing
There are so many different types of wetsuits for different water sports. Our top five best wetsuits are best for surfing because of their material, design, size availability, and overall features. We guarantee that you’ll find the surfboard wetsuit you’ve been looking for.
1. Hevto Wetsuits for Men and Women
Star Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Best Neoprene Full Surfing Long Sleeve Suit from Hevto
Description:
- Long sleeve suit for added protection from freezing temperatures.
- Made from tough material with very durable components.
- This is a stretchy fabric that’s flexible and resistant to water.
Features:
- Dimensions: 16.22 x 10.75 x 5.16 inches, 2.23 pounds
- Sizes: 21 different sizes from small to XXLT
- Thickness: 3/2 mm
- Material: neoprene suit, metal zipper
- Enhanced Features: zipper at the back, full suit, 3/2 mm thick, flexible, red
- Accessories: none
Hevto men’s wetsuits are come with 3mm neoprene and provide warmth in general water temperatures. It comes with three layers of fabrics: neoprene SBR and two layers of nylon, one for the suit’s lining and the other for the surface material. This wetsuit is designed with long sleeves and long legs with a back zipper. Thickness is 3/2 mm which provides the best performance, especially in cool waters.
This wetsuit is made from very stretchy material and thus, it’s easier to wear compared to other suits. It is also flexible and will fit any kind of body shape. But make sure to find the right size to ensure a snug fit. This won’t be a problem as this Hevto wetsuit is available in more than ten sizes.
This wetsuit is an upgrade as it comes with a more intense red color. The deep red matches the black color perfectly and will highlight your body when you’re in the water.
Pros
- With extra layers of material.
- Stretchy and thus, easier to wear.
- Flexible, lets you move naturally.
- Color is striking and helps highlight your curves.
Cons
- Available only for male surfers/users.
- It’s not so easy to find the size that fits.
2. Lemorecn Men’s Wetsuits
Star Rating: 4.3 out of 5
Best Men’s Neoprene Wetsuit Jumpsuit from Lemorecn
Description:
- This suit can be used for different water sports.
- Very durable, taped along with stress points.
- Made from high-quality neoprene
- Comes with a heavy-duty back zipper
Features:
- Dimensions: 15.5 x 9.25 x 3.75 inches, 2.6 pounds
- Sizes: 7 sizes, small to 2x Large
- Thickness: 3/2 mm, 2 mm on sleeves
- Material: neoprene
- Enhanced Features: spot taped stress points, with 3mm chest panel for improved warmth, 2mm sleeves, YKK back zipper, long leash
- Accessories: leash, chest panel
The Lemorecn wetsuit is made for men who want to surf, dive, or SCUBA. You can also use this for paddle boarding and kayaking, almost all types of watersports that will require you to submerge in cold waters.
This is a very durable wetsuit made from very thick layers of neoprene at 3/2 mm giving you warmth while the sleeves have 2 mm neoprene thickness. It is also spot taped along with the suit’s stress points and comes with flatlock seams to offer a smoother and exterior. You will feel comfortable as you stay warm and protected in the water.
The 3/2 mm neoprene provides enough warmth but will never make you too stiff. You can still swim and perform all kinds of tricks even when you’re wearing this suit for the first time. You’ll also get a long leash plus a very durable YKK zipper. You’ll surely find the right fit as it comes in seven different sizes.
Pros
- Can be used for all types of water sports.
- Very durable and is supported along with the stress points and seams.
- With thick neoprene material on the torso and sleeves.
- Comes with a long leash and durable back zipper.
Cons
- The zipper is at the back; complaints that water can easily enter from the back
- Only available for men.
3. Skyone Full Body Dive Wetsuit for Men and Women
Star Rating: 4 out of 5
Best Dive Wetsuit Rash Guard for Unisex Use from Skyone
Description:
- Made from spandex and nylon material.
- With improved breathability and weight.
- Will fit snugly and tightly, dries fast.
Features:
- Dimensions: 7.52 x 7.2 x 1.89 inches, 8.96 ounces
- Sizes: 6 sizes, from small to 3x-large
- Material: spandex and nylon
- Enhanced Features: long sleeves, lightweight, breathable, slip-on design, high stretch, ideal for all types of water sports
- Accessories: none
The Skyone wetsuit is designed for men and women. It is made of spandex and nylon and thus, not your ordinary wetsuit material. You can use this for surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, and kayaking. This wetsuit offers a very comfortable fit as the materials used are breathable and very lightweight.
The suit offers UV protection and strong defense from very cold temperatures and also from bites from jellyfishes and corals. It is easier to slip on because of its material and back zipper. The material stretches twice its size but has amazing recovery. Ripping is out of the question but doesn’t rub the suit over sharp rocks or corals.
Pros
- Very stretchable material but will retain its shape no matter how much it’s used.
- Easier to put on and remove.
- With a very durable back zipper
- Available in different sizes
- Designed for men and women.
Cons
- Not as warm and as thick as neoprene.
4. Scubadonkey Aqua Polo Surfing Full Wetsuit for Men
Star Rating: 4.3 out of 5
Best Surfing Full Wetsuit for Men from Scubadonkey
Description:
- A sharkskin chest panel will shield you from cold temperatures and the wind.
- Very stretchy and smooth, comfortable to wear.
- Enhances cutting and available in different sizes.
Features
- Dimensions: 17.4 x 13.27 x 3.15 inches, 2.02 pounds
- Sizes: 5 sizes from Small to XX-Large
- Thickness: 3 mm
- Material: Neoprene
- Enhanced Features: zippered closure, with sharkskin panel on the chest, abrasion-free, stretchy, smooth, and preserves warmth.
- Accessories: sharkskin chest panel
The Scubadonkey Wetsuit for Men is not just for surfing but also water polo, kayaking, scuba diving, and other water sports. It has a front zipper and a sharkskin chest panel that provides extra protection from extreme temperatures. This panel is made from microfleece that repels sweat and removes moisture, a middle lining that keeps you warm from extreme winds, and the outer layer is made from an abrasion-resistant material with added UV protection.
The surface of this wetsuit is smooth as it comes with additional neoprene gaskets especially along the wrist, neck, and ankles. You’ll preserve your body’s warmth, especially in very cold waters. Neoprene is also very comfortable and flexible plus the flatlock stitching enhances comfort especially when you’re performing tricks and difficult maneuvers.
Pros
- With easy front zipper closure.
- With a protective sharkskin chest panel and three layers of material
- With a very smooth surface, very comfortable to wear.
- Can be used for other watersports.
Cons
- Only available for men.
- Not enough sizes available.
5. Men and Women Wet Suit 3mm Neoprene Diving Wetsuit
Star Rating: 4.8 out of 5
Best Wetsuit for Diving, Surfing, and Scuba Cold Weather from ZCCO
Description:
- Made from comfortable but super-protective nylon and neoprene.
- Very durable front zipper at the front and small zippers for arms and feet.
- Enhanced cold water protection.
Features
- Dimensions: 17.7 x 13.8 x 2.4 inches, 2.36 pounds
- Sizes: 3 sizes, XS to L
- Thickness: 3 mm
- Material: neoprene and nylon
- Enhanced Features: main zipper at the front, additional zippers on the arms and feet, improved thermal protection, nylon knee pads, water stop seal
- Accessories: none
The ZCCO wet suit is for men and women. It is made from protective neoprene and nylon. The zipper is at the front so you can wear and remove it on your own. There are also extra short zippers on the arms and feet so removing the suit is easier.
This suit has very durable nylon knee pads plus smooth neoprene inners and along vital points so the suit sticks to you like a second skin. It provides good thermal protection from colder waters thanks to its thick 3 mm neoprene. This suit is available in three sizes, refer to this size guide closely to avoid sizing mistakes.
Pros
- Made from very thick 3 mm neoprene material.
- With a waterproof seal and a very durable knee pad.
- Offers enhanced thermal protection without sacrificing comfort.
Cons
- Available only in limited sizes.
- Only one color available.
How To Buy The Best Wetsuit for Surfing
Wetsuits are mostly made from neoprene with varying thicknesses. Neoprene is a type of material that can insulate the body and protect it from scratches and bumps. This material is made of very tiny pockets of air that retain heat and produce insulation. As you wear a neoprene wetsuit, a thin layer of water becomes trapped between the suit and your skin. The body warms this thin layer of water keeping heat retained and prevents your body’s temperature from plummeting very fast while you’re submerged in seawater and exposed to heavy winds.
There are many factors that you must consider when buying a surfing wetsuit. Here are the most important ones.
The type of material
Most wetsuits come in neoprene but you can also find suits made from nylon and spandex. When it comes to neoprene suits, there are three grades to choose from: 3/2 mm –thick neoprene which is good for mild to warm waters, 4/3 mm –thick suits made for mild to cold waters and 5/4 mm –thick suits which will keep you warm in cold to very cold waters. The number on top is the thickness of the neoprene material around the torso of the suit. The lower number is the thickness of the neoprene along the legs and the arms.
Take note that as the neoprene layer becomes thicker, the suit becomes warmer and less flexible. However, different wetsuit brands count the lining thickness and the neoprene. So the number on top may refer to a much smaller or wider section of the suit and not just the torso. This number may just be a measure of the chest panel and the lower number only measures the shoulders and the area behind the knees. These are areas that need more flexibility. Because of these, you must take time checking out every wetsuit brand before you make your choice. These numbers will make or break a wetsuit’s flexibility.
Wetsuits have a lining called a firewall that may also affect their insulation capabilities. Linings have different functions depending on the type of material used. Some thick lining material can repel water while some are capable of retaining heat. Some wetsuits don’t have a firewall while some have thick and protective linings.
Longevity
A good quality wetsuit usually lasts for 2 to 3 years. If you surf occasionally, expect your suit to last much longer. Suits that fit well will feel good and will be in their best form during the first few months of use. But as the suit becomes older, you will see some signs of tearing especially along the knees and elbows.
Meanwhile, a suit that’s kept for a long time in storage may lose its flexibility and won’t provide coverage after some time. This is common in rubber suits but less often in neoprene suits.
Wetsuit thickness and temperature
The wetsuit thickness and water temperature matter when selecting the best suit. If you swim and surf in warm waters or above 22 degrees Celsius then you may not need a wetsuit. You can wear a simple rash guard, a vest, or a swim top. If you surf in waters higher than 18 degrees then you may need a spring wetsuit that has 1 to 2/1 mm thickness with short sleeves and legs.
But if you surf in water that’s two degrees lower then your suit must be 2 to 3/2 mm thickness along with a pair of swim boots. For waters that are 11 degrees cold, a 4/3 to 5/4/3 mm suit is needed. This type of suit should be sealed with tape and paired with swim boots, hood, and gloves preferably made with the same material.
If you surf in waters with temperatures of 6 degrees, you need a taped and sealed wetsuit of 5/4 mm to 5/4/3 mm. You also need boots, a hood and gloves also made from the same material. Finally, water temperatures of 5.5 degrees and below need 6/5 to 6/5/4 mm thickness suits.
Aside from regular wetsuits, there are battery-powered suits that power personal heating components needed for very cold, close-to-freezing waters.
Wetsuit seals
Take note of wetsuit seals when you’re buying a wetsuit. Seals come in different forms with flatlock seals as the most common. Flatlock seals may be stitched, glued, or blindstitched and are used for mild to cool waters. Seals on suits used for colder waters are completely taped.
And aside from considering water temperature, you should also think about the following factors:
- The wind speed and air temperature on the day you want to surf.
- Your sensitivity to the cold (some people are more sensitive to cold temperatures than others).
- How you surf (do you surf vigorously or are you a beginner?)
Sizing or fit
Each surfer has a different body size and shape and despite wetsuits being very stretchy and fitting, these also come in different sizes. However, wetsuits come in different sizes that are not the same as sizes of regular clothes.
Your wetsuit must fit well to provide good insulation and mobility. You must remain warm and safe but at the same time able to perform various surfing tricks. The suit must be skin-tight but will still be comfortable and movable.
As you fit a wetsuit, check if there are areas that sag or areas that bunch up. Check areas like the arms, legs, back, and crotch. The neck area must fit well and snuggly around the skin. Some surfers prefer to wear extra clothing like a rashguard before they wear a wetsuit to add an extra layer of protection and insulation. A rashguard can also help avoid chaffing, especially along the crotch, underarm, and neck.
Also, shopping for a wetsuit online may not be a good idea as you won’t be able to personally wear the suit to check for the right fit. When personally buying a suit, wear it to check the fit and try to move, squat, stretch your arms, and move your legs. The suit must remain comfortable even when you move and perform tricks.
It is common for a dry wetsuit to be very hard to put on. But once you’re in the water, the suit becomes flexible, comfortable, and easy to move in. This is why buying a wetsuit should be done personally so you can check for the right fit and avoid costly errors.
Fasteners and zippers
The wetsuit zipper may be on the front or the back. Some wetsuit users prefer to use suits with back zippers as this is easier to put on compared to ones with zippers found on the chest area. Meanwhile, some users prefer the other way around as water can easily move inside the suit when the zipper is located at the back.
Accessories
Wetsuits come with accessories including boots, hoods, gloves or mittens, and many more. Boots are needed for colder waters and also in waters with sharp or jagged corals and rocks. Hoodies are needed to protect a surfer from the cold and avoid a condition called surfer’s ear. Finally, gloves are needed for very cold waters. Good quality gloves and mittens will insulate the hands very well against the cold.
FAQS
These are the most frequently asked questions about wetsuits for surfing
Do you need a wetsuit for surfing?
You don’t need a wetsuit for surfing as long as you’re in warm waters. You can wear your swimwear, rash guard, dry suit, or board shorts. But as the water becomes colder, you need a wetsuit to keep you warm.
What’s the warmest wetsuit made for surfing?
The warmest wetsuit so far is the Patagonia R4. It is the most preferred wetsuit by surfers from the East Coast, Great Lakes, and those who are surfing in frigid waters.
Why are wetsuits mostly black?
Wetsuits are mostly black as the color protects users from dangerous UV rays. There are also some wetsuits with a combination of black and red and black with other colors but black remains more prominent.
How tight must a wetsuit be?
A wetsuit should fit like a second skin. It should fit snugly but not very tight that your movements are affected. Long-sleeved wetsuits must have sleeves that fall over the wrist bone while the legs should be right above the ankles. The suit must be smooth, with no pockets of air, rolling material on any area of the body.
Can you wear nothing underneath a wetsuit?
Yes, you can be naked underneath the suit but some prefer to wear something underneath like a rashguard to avoid chaffing and itching.
Conclusion
When you’re looking for the best wetsuits for surfing, take time to get the best fit. From our list, the two top wetsuits are from Hevto and Lemorecn men’s surfing wetsuits. These suits are made from thick neoprene with special attention to the arms and legs. Both suits have back zippers for easy wear and removal. Also, both suits offer good protection against very cold waters, high winds, and scratches. If you’re looking for a good surfing wetsuit or other water sports, these two top suits should be your best choices.