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How to Buy a Surfing Wetsuit
Lauren Belt January 27th, 2016 Posted In: How-To Tags: Surfing
How to Buy a Surfing Wetsuit
How to buy a surfing wetsuit can be difficult or sometimes confusing. But a wetsuit for surfing with a good fit and the right mix of features will allow you to enjoy the waves year round (or at least comfortably extend your season.)
Whether you’re an advanced surfer or brand new to surfing, it always helps to know exactly what goes into and what you should be looking for when buying a wetsuit for surfing.
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.
Okay, back to how to buy a surfing wetsuit! We put together a guide of the four factors to look for in a surfing wetsuit. These four factors include wetsuit thickness, type of neoprene, wetsuit seam construction, and extras. Have any suggestions? Let us know in the comments what you look for in a surfing wetsuit!
#1: Wetsuit Thickness
You’ll see 2mm, 3/2mm, 4/3mm, etc. in front of a product name on our website. That mm is the wetsuit thickness measured in millimeters and it impacts the warmth of the wetsuit. Less neoprene is used in the extremities to increase flexibility. Basically, thickness increases warmth and decreases flexibility.
Check out this Water Temperature Guide:
Switch to Celsius
| 40°+ | 48°+ | 52°+ | 58°+ | 60°+ | 65°+ | 72°+ | 80°+ | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Watersports (Surf, Wake, Kite, Etc.) | 6/5/4mm Sealed | 5/4/3mm Sealed | 4/3mm Sealed & Taped | 4/3mm Sealed | 3/2mm Sealed | 3/2mm Flatlock |
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| SCUBA |
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| Triathlon & Lap Swimming | 5/3mm Full | 5/3mm John | Neoprene Vest | |||||||||||||||||||
| Kayak & Paddle | 5/4/3mm Sealed | 4/3mm Sealed | 3/2mm Sealed | 3/2mm Flatlock | Neoprene Top | Neoprene Vest | Rash Guard | |||||||||||||||
| General Watersports (Surf, Wake, Kite, Etc.) | SCUBA | Triathlon & Lap Swimming | Kayak & Paddle | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40°+ | 6/5/4mm Sealed |
| 5/3mm Full | 5/4/3mm Sealed | ||||
| 48°+ | 5/4/3mm Sealed | 4/3mm Sealed | ||||||
| 52°+ | 4/3mm Sealed & Taped |
| 3/2mm Sealed | |||||
| 58°+ | 4/3mm Sealed |
| 5/3mm John | 3/2mm Flatlock | ||||
| 60°+ | 3/2mm Sealed |
| Neoprene Top | |||||
| 65°+ | 3/2mm Flatlock |
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| 72°+ |
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| Neoprene Vest | |||||
| 80°+ |
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| Neoprene Vest | Rash Guard |
Want to know more about wetsuit thickness? Check out this video:
#2: Neoprene Type
Neoprene types impact flexibility and there are two types for surfing wetsuits: Standard and Super stretch.
Manufacturers use varying degrees of these neoprene types, so for surfing, you need at least 30% super stretch neoprene in your wetsuit. Seasoned surfers prefer wetsuits with 60% to 100% super stretch neoprene for the ultimate in flexibility and fit.
30% stretch: the back, shoulders, and arms have 30% super stretch neoprene while the other 70% of the suit is made with standard neoprene.
100% stretch: entire suit is made with super stretch neoprene for the ultimate in fit and flexibility.
The video below talks more about neoprene types:
#3: Seam Construction
What holds the suit together? Seams! Seam construction impacts the warmth and comfort of the wetsuit and can be broken down into three types.
Flatlock: Great for warmer water temps (62F & up), flatlock seams look like railroad tracks and the interior and exterior look the same. The interior is flat and is comfortable against the skin. Some water seeps in through this type of seam.
Sealed (Glued & Blindstitched): This type of seam works well in cold water (55F & up). The seam is constructed by being glued first and then stitched. The exterior is similar to flatlock seams, but the interior is glued. Very little water will seep through this type.
Sealed & Taped (Glued Blindstitched & 100% Taped): These seams work well for really cold water (55F & below). It has the same construction as Sealed, but has taping on the interior and exterior. This tape reinforces seams for added durability and prevents any water from seeping in.
Watch the video below for more information on seam types!
#4: Extras
Extra internal and external features will enhance the performance of your wetsuit.
Poly Fleece
Poly fleece and quick dry poly fleece are internal linings that provide a quick drying time and keep you warmer, longer. There’s even quick dry poly fleece for an even faster drying time! See the video below on poly fleece linings:
Zippers
Surfing wetsuits can come in a variety of zipper types and are offered as a back zip, front zip (or chest zip), or zip free.
Full-Zipper provides your standard entry. Short-Zipper increases flexibility and limits water entry though the zipper. A chest zipper increases your flexibility and is becoming more popular and prominent in the surfing wetsuit industry. Zipper barriers are great for flushing water out of the zipper area!
Learn more about zippers with the videos below:
Smoothskin/Wind Resistant Neoprene
Smoothskin neoprene a.k.a smoothy is a rubberized coating applied to the outside of neoprene that helps block wind, and resists water absorbtion into the wetsuit. Smoothy is typically found on the chest of a wetsuit. Specialized windsports wetsuits feature more smoothy for better windblock.
Pros: wind resistance, better “cling” to a surfboard, blocks some water from entering the suit. Cons: adds a little extra weight to the suit, smoothy is delicate and shows nicks/cuts easily. Below is a quick video on smoothskin:
Key Pockets
Key pockets or key loops are added as a convenience to most wetsuits. See the brief video below to learn more!
Ready to shop for your surfing wetsuit? Shop our entire selection of surfing wetsuits.
Lauren Belt
Merchandiser at Wetsuit Wearhouse
Lauren (LoLo) has been picking out the latest and greatest wetsuits and being the social media queen for Wetsuit Wearhouse since 2014. She learned to surf for the first time ever in Costa Rica but she gravitates more towards SUP. When she's not scouring the web for travel deals, you can find her either hiking, running, practicing yoga, studying holistic nutrition or reading a good book outside on a beautiful day.
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Hi I want to ride my jet ski earlier this year and the water temps in Lake Erie will be in the mid 30’s when the ice is gone. What thickness would you recommend? Also at what water temp would you go to something lighter?
Hey Jake,
Thanks for reaching out. Honestly, it depends a lot on the air temperatures too. If the air is equally cold, I would recommend a hooded fullsuit either in the 5/4mm or 6/5mm thickness. Here’s our selection of those: https://www.wetsuitwearhouse.com/wetsuits/category/mens-fullsuits-hooded.html
If the air is warmish, say around 50 degrees F and up, you should take a look at some 5/4/3 non-hooded (https://www.wetsuitwearhouse.com/wetsuits/category/mens-fullsuits-5.html) or 4/3mm wetsuits(https://www.wetsuitwearhouse.com/wetsuits/category/mens-fullsuits-43.html). I would also recommend that you consider boots and gloves (if you don’t have any), especially if the air temps are cold. Thanks and hope that helps! Let us know if you need additional assistance.
can you tell me if anyone makes a sealed seam 2/2 full suit?
Hey Derek,
2mm sealed fullsuits aren’t very common to come by. We have a 2.5mm sealed and taped fullsuit from Patagonia, but that’s it. We apologize! If interested, here’s the Patagonia suit (but it’s on closeout and the sizing is very, very limited): https://www.wetsuitwearhouse.com/PROD/88432.html. Thank you for reaching out about this!
Hi,
I’m interested in getting a full hooded wetsuit for surfing off the Oregon Coast. Could you send me some ideas of a good suit for this purpose?
Hey Jason,
We have a good selection of full hooded wetsuits for surfing! Check out this link which has our men’s hooded fullsuit selection: https://www.wetsuitwearhouse.com/wetsuits/category/mens-fullsuits-hooded.html. We have no complaints about any of these brands, so it’s up to you which one you decide to go with. They all have great tech features to keep you warm while performing on the water. It also depends on your price range. Feel free to contact our customer service team either via live chat, email (service@wetsuitwearhouse.com) or call 866-906-7848 if you have any more questions. Thank you!
Hi, I need another wetsuit.i believe I bought one from you 3-4 tears ago , it was stolen.could you please look it up?
It was a 4/3 ripcurl. Thanks Ben mccracken
Hey Ben,
Sorry, we can’t find you in our order history. However, here’s our 4/3mm Rip Curl fullsuit selection if you want to check it out: https://www.wetsuitwearhouse.com/wetsuits/category/rip-curl-wetsuits.html. Thank you!
Lauren,
In Pensacola, FL area. Looking for a versatile wet-suit (both SCUBA and surfing) for 17 year old son who seems to have near zero body fat (gets cold quick in water). Sure options can never be perfect when looking for versatility, but open to recommendations. I haven’t reviewed all your web page tutorials just yet, but thought I’d ask sooner then later.
I’m thinking the coldest temps he will be in the water will be above 66 F…….
R/ Mike
Hi Mike,
Sadly, there is no one wetsuit that will work for both SCUBA and surfing. You will need a much thicker wetsuit for SCUBA. If you don’t do well with cold water, you should try a 7mm fullsuit for diving: https://www.wetsuitwearhouse.com/wetsuits/category/mens-scuba-7mm.html. As far as a wetsuit for surfing goes, try a 3/2mm sealed fullsuit (here’s the selection for our 3/2mm fullsuits, but filter to the sealed seams): https://www.wetsuitwearhouse.com/wetsuits/category/mens-fullsuits-32.html. Again though, it is not possible to buy one wetsuit for SCUBA and surfing, they have to be separate. Thank you!
I’m 5″9′ and 205 lbs. I have a muscular chest and shoulders, I’m having a hard time finding a wetsuit that will fit. My height never matches the weight or chest size in the size charts. Any suggestions?
Hey Bryan,
Was there a particular wetsuit you were looking to get? The two most important measurements when deciding on a wetsuit size is your chest measurement and your height. Based off of your height also, maybe you should consider looking into a wetsuit that offers a Short size? Feel free to get back in touch here, or, you can always contact our customer service team via live chat, email (service@wetsuitwearhouse.com) or call 866-906-7848. Thank you!
Do you have a sleeveless vest?
Hi Jim,
Yes, we do! Check out our selection of wetsuit vests here: https://www.wetsuitwearhouse.com/wetsuits/category/mens-wetsuit-vests.html. Thank you!