A wakeboarding -or- waterskiing wetsuit with a good fit and the right mix of features will allow you to hit the water year round (or at least comfortably extend your season.) Wetsuits will not keep you completely dry. The idea is to allow a small amount of water inside, your body heat will take care of the rest. We will attempt to take a step back from the technical stuff and present you with the 3 most important aspects of surf suit construction.

When it’s time to shop for a wetsuit, our listings give you a great snapshot of the suit’s construction. The example below will make sense when you are finished this FAQ:

#1 Wetsuit Thickness:
Wetsuit thickness is measured in millimeters and impacts warmth. For example: 2mm , 3/2mm, 4/3mm. The first number represents thickness in the torso area, the second number in the extremities. Less neoprene is used in the extremities to increase flexibility. As a rule of thumb, thickness increases warmth and decreases flexibility. Wakeboarders and Waterskiiers need the thinnest suit possible for the conditions in order to remain flexible. Click on the Water Temperature Guide below for recommendations based on your water temp. Keep in mind that a 3/2mm wetsuit is ideal if conditions permit.

*Click on Image for Full Version*

#2 Neoprene Type:
The type of neoprene used impacts flexibility, and there are 3 types of neoprene available for wetsuits. Standard Neoprene, Super Stretch Neoprene, and Super Stretch Water Repellant Neoprene. In order to offer wetsuits at different price levels, manufacturers use varying degrees of these neoprene types. To remain flexible, you need at least 30% Super Stretch Neoprene in your suit. Most skiers and riders prefer wetsuits with 60% or 100% Super Stretch Neoprene for the ultimate level of flexibility and that glove like fit.

30% equals the back, shoulders, and arms which is exactly where you need flexibility for paddling. The other 70% of the suit is made of Standard Neoprene.

60% extends down to the knees and covers all major flex points. These wetsuits are lighter and tend to fit better.

100% stretch wetsuits are ideal if they are within your price range. These wetsuits provide the ultimate combination of fit and flexibility while decreasing bulk.

#3 Seam Construction:
Seam construction impacts warmth and comfort. Riders in colder areas with water temps below 65 degrees need Sealed Seams to keep the warm water in and the cold water out. Below is a listing of the 3 types of seams available on wetsuits: