Wetsuits are used by water sports participants during swimming, surfing, and stand up paddle board sports. A wetsuit can protect you against tough weather conditions and water to keep you safer, warmer, and pretty comfortable.
Hence, you should buy an appropriate wetsuit as per the requirements. Read on to learn how to buy the right one.
How does a wetsuit work?
Always remember that the wetsuit is not meant to keep you fully dry.
Wetsuits are made of neoprene insulation material that could give protection and warmth. It works by entrapping a thin layer of water between the wetsuit and your body. And your body warms this thin water layer and stops you from losing more heat when you remain in the water. The reason is water molecules conduct heat quicker than air molecules by 25 to 40 times.
Furthermore, neoprene material consists of smaller, closed cells filled with air. By entrapping heat inside, this neoprene material can provide insulation against cold water. The thicker the neoprene, the warmer the wetsuit will be.
If you would like to know how wetsuits keep you warmer in detail, refer to the video:
Similarly, do research on the water temperature as well by keeping the varying seasons in mind. In case the temperature is cold, you can use gloves, boots, as well as hoods.
What are the varied types of wetsuits?
According to the length, there are various types of wetsuits as listed below:
- Full wetsuits
- Short wetsuits
- Long John wetsuits – similar to the full wetsuit but they are made up of thinner neoprene between 1.5 to 2mm.
- Wetsuit tops
- Wetsuit bottoms
- Rashguards – They are worn under a wetsuit to protect against sand and sun. It also prevents irritation.
According to the angle of water, wetsuit seams are classified into three types:
- Flatlock wetsuit stitching – recommended using in water above 62°
- Sealed wetsuit seams (blindstitched and glued) – recommended using in water ≥55°
- Sealed and taped wetsuit seams (100% taped, blindstitched, and glued) – recommended using in water ≤55°
According to the entry constructions, wetsuit seams are classified into three types:
- Back zip wetsuits
- Chest zip wetsuits
- Zipperless wetsuits
Is thickness the major criteria while selecting a wetsuit?
Yes. The thickness of the neoprene plays a vital role while considering wetsuit warmth. So, you must require a thicker wetsuit during cold weather conditions. The thickness of the neoprene is measured in millimeters where two or three numbers are separated by a slash.
The first given number stands for the thickness in the torso portion, the second number stands for the thickness in the extremities, and the third number stands for arm thickness.
The thickness will be more in the torso region (the first number) to maintain the core body heat and prevent hypothermia. Comparatively, the extremities will have a lesser thickness (the second/third numbers). As mentioned already, the thicker the neoprene, the more the warmth will be with less flexibility. Hence, the torso is thicker while the extremities portion remains thinner with more flexibility.
How to buy a wetsuit?
Purpose
First, question yourself: For what purpose will I use my wetsuit? Remember not to use the wetsuit meant for scuba diving for surfing activities. There is an ideal wetsuit design for every water activity like standup paddleboard sports, swimming, skiing, surfing, etc. Hence, figure out the purpose and buy the wetsuit accordingly.
Thickness/Temperature
The thickness of the wetsuit is an important aspect to consider while purchasing it. So, buy thicker wetsuits if you are in cold conditions with less water temperature. Varied wetsuits are meant for various seasons and geographical locations. Go through the description before buying from online shopping sites. In case you are purchasing from local shops, enquire them what they recommend for the local weather and water temperature.
Here is the wetsuit thickness and temperature guide for your better understanding:
| Water Temp Range (°F) | Water Temp Range (°C) | Wetsuit Thickness | Recommended Wetsuit Type | Seal Type |
| >72° | >22° | N/A | Rashguard | N/A |
| 65°- 75° | 18° – 24° | 0.5 mm – 2/1 mm | Top / Shorty | N/A |
| 62°- 68° | 16° – 20° | 2 mm – 3/2 mm | Springsuit / Full Suit | Flatlock |
| 58°- 63° | 14° – 17° | 3/2 mm – 4/3 mm | Full Suit + Boots | Sealed |
| 52°- 58° | 11° – 14° | 4/3 mm – 5/4/3 mm | Full Suit + Boots + Gloves + Hood | Sealed and Taped |
| 43°- 52° | 6° – 11° | 5/4 mm – 5/4/3 mm | Full Suit + Boots + Gloves + Hood | Sealed and Taped |
| 42° and below | 6° and below | 6/5 mm + | Full Suit + Boots + Gloves + Hood | Sealed and Taped |
Furthermore, consider the following factors before proceeding with the purchase:
- Wind speed
- Air temperature
- Activity level
- Your sensitivity to getting cold
Breathability
As mentioned already, buy a wetsuit that suits the weather condition. Breathability plays a major role where it refers to how well your wetsuit can manage sweat. Some wetsuits can help you to sweat less while others can push and filter out the sweat as you sweat. It is because sweat should not get entrapped on your body. Else, it may lead to hypothermia in extreme conditions.
Fitting
Keep in mind to buy a wetsuit that fits like a second skin. It should not sag in the back, legs, or arms. Wetsuits should remain tight as if a thin layer of water only remains between the suit and your body.
By mistake, if you purchase a loose wetsuit, more water will flush through which makes your suit less effective without keeping you warmer.
The wetsuit should tightly fit around your neck. You can even wear a rashguard under the wetsuit to prevent the occurrence of any neck rash. Females even wear a swimsuit under the wetsuit for additional support and protection.
Better consult a brand-specific size chart to find the appropriate wetsuit that fits properly.
Once you wear the wetsuit, lift your arms above the head and stretch out the shoulders. These movements can be slightly restricting. Still, if you experience more pressure during these movements, you will have to exchange the wetsuit as it is too small. You should also be able to squat down as well as move your arms effortlessly. Remember that wetsuits more than 5/4mm could be essentially restrictive.
Wetsuit fitting measurements
If you are unaware of what sizes to try out, refer to the below size chart. Knowing the measurements of chest, waist, height, and weight can help you find the right fit.
Special features
In case you are ready to pay extra, you can have special features in your wetsuits such as quick-drying fabric, reflective taping, emergency whistles, D-rings, pockets, or other attachment points.
Price
Although price is the final factor in this list, it is probably the most important factor to be considered. It is a real challenge to strike the right balance between what you spend and what you get back. Many retailers offer financing options up to 0% for nearly 18 months for certain brands. There are warranty and return policies to justify their higher price. Remember that saving money is not the only criteria. But you should also pay attention to warranty coverage as well. So, try to maintain a balance between cost and quality.
We have anyway listed around 9 wetsuits that could be worth a reference!
Recommended 9 Wetsuits for Paddleboarders
Billabong wetsuits
Pros：
-You can create your own customized wetsuit.
-More varieties based on size, temperature, and zip type.
-Available types: Full suit, springsuit, surf jacket, rashguards, and wake vests.
-Price range for fullsuit: $95.95-$439.95
-Undershort has nearly 10 color variations (price starts from $22.95)
Cons:
-Only black color available in full suit.
-Not many wetsuits available for women.
Henderson wetsuits
Pros：
-Size chart is available.
-Available for men, women, and youth.
-Available in multiple sizes with more warranty.
-Deals with greenprene types. 100% neoprene free.
-Tested and approved by USDA (United States Department of Agriculture).
-Greenprene types formulated from deproteinized natural rubber with sugarcane, oyster shells, and
plant oils. Hence, these bio-based materials are ultra-soft, lightweight, durable, and stretchy.
-Thermoprene types are available which are abrasion resistant
Cons:
-Not much color variation. Mostly, all wetsuits are in black color.
-You need to contact the dealer to know the price.
-Mostly, they deal with fullsuits.
– No customization
Hurley wetsuits
Pros：
-Size chart is available
-You can find more colors
-Sales ongoing
-Price range for a fullsuit starts from $198
-Available for men, women, and boys
Cons:
– Not much size variation
-Limited variation and availability
– No customization
-Men’s wetsuits have more size variation compared to females.
Roka wetsuits
Pros：
-Wetsuits available for men and women
-Price range $395-$975
-Patented 1:3:5 buoyancy for quickest possible body position
-SCS nano-coating available
– All wetsuits are zipper type, heat tape, glue, and thread
-Warranty and return policies available
-Size chart available
-More size variations available
Cons:
-Only black color is available
-Only full wetsuits are available
-No customization
-Not specifically available for youths or kids.
Orca wetsuits
Pros：
-Wetsuits available for men, women, and kids
-Wetsuits available for open water, free diving, swim run, and triathlon.
-Warranty and return policies available
-Wetsuits available for natural swimmers, total swimmers, and progressive swimmers.
-Sleeveless, tops, and bottoms are available
-Price range: $160-$449
Cons:
-Available only in black with other color combinations.
-Available only in limited sizes
– No customization
Buell wetsuits
Pros：
-Wetsuits available for men, women, juniors, and kids.
-Price range: $142-$280.95
-Many size variations are available
-Size chart available
-Warranty, repairs, returns, and exchanges are available
Cons:
-Available only in black and red color
-Color variation available only in kids’ wetsuits
– No customization
Feral wetsuits
Pros：
-Deals with 100% Yamamoto Japanese neoprene, the highest grade of rubber material
-Price range: $275-$415
-Warranty available
-Size chart available
-More size variations available
Cons:
– No customization
-Available only in black color
-Very limited wetsuits for females
Vissla wetsuits
Pros：
-Wetsuits available for boys and kids exclusively
-Size chart available
-Types of wetsuits: 7 seas, high seas, north seas, hooded,
premium Japanese, Spring, short John, and lycra
-Have color variations; but most of them are black in color
– Price range: $109.95-$699.95
-Available with multiple size variations
-One year warranty available on neoprene type and seams type
-Limestone-based neoprene type
Cons:
-No separate section for males and females
– No customization
Bare wetsuits
Pros：
-Available for men, women, and kids
-More color variations and comparatively stylish
– Price range: $174.95-$625.95
-Available with maximum size variations
-Most of the wetsuits have 2 years warranty
-Shipping and return policy are also available
-Size charts are available
-Dealers available
-OMNIRED technology for thermal warmth
-Various zipper types, glued, hood types are available
Cons:
– Customization possible only for drysuits and not for wetsuits
Major tips for SUP paddleboarders after wearing new wetsuits
- Many SUP paddlers think that they are good to go right away once they wear the new wetsuit. But it is not so. Once you purchase the wetsuit, make sure to follow the below-listed tips to make the most out of your new one.
- Practice wearing the wetsuit at home before proceeding with the water sports.
- Use your gear minimum once before you proceed with SUP paddling
- Be aware of the water tolerance limit and use the right gear accordingly.
- Remember to bring a PFD and a leash. Wetsuits may keep you away from locking up in case you fall in cold waters. If your paddleboard floats away, you may get swim back and go onboard. Hence, the leash is mandatory to avoid this issue, especially if you are in cold or swift-moving waters. At times, if your PFD does not fit well, consider a hybrid PFD or belt PFDs that are popular among the paddleboarders.
- You will surely get wet. So, be prepared and enjoy!
Conclusion
Wetsuits are the major gear for paddlers so that you can stay warmer while exploring cold waters. They are helpful in protecting you against hypothermia/hyperthermia. Having the right partner can take you out of the water and get you back on your paddleboard as well.
So, purchase the right fit wetsuits, wear them properly, follow the tips before getting into paddleboarding, accompany the right partner, and enjoy a safe and warm SUPing!
You can find the most popular wetsuit brands and our reviews as they hit the market. So, make sure to visit our site again to stay updated. In case you have any questions, please feel free to let us know your thoughts.