What is the best surf wetsuit in 2024?
The results are in, and Cleanline Surf’s undisputed best-seller for both men and women is the O’Neill Hyperfreak Wetsuit! The Hyperfreak lineup didn’t just win—it dominated across every single category, proving itself as the go-to choice for surfers who demand top-tier performance. This combination of innovative materials and design features makes O’Neill wetsuits a top choice for surfers seeking both performance and warmth.If you’re primarily in warmer waters, a 3mm suit should be sufficient, if you’re primarily in waters where temperatures hover around the mid-teens, a 4mm suit should be more than enough. But if you plan to tackle cold waters or winter waves, a 5mm wetsuit will keep you toasty and ready for anything.A 5mm neoprene thickness is ideal for water temperatures between 10°C and 15°C, offering warmth and a fair amount of flexibility for activities like surfing or diving. In warmer waters above 15°C, it may feel too warm, and a thinner wetsuit (3mm or 2mm) is a better choice.Wettie. A “wettie” is surf slang for a wetsuit. Wetsuits are made from neoprene, a flexible, insulating material that keeps surfers warm in colder water.Thicker wetsuits protect you from cold water by helping you retain body heat, but the thickest wetsuits can also lead to premature fatigue and loss of dexterity in the water. Finding the right wetsuit for your needs demands considerations for comfort, flexibility, and dexterity in addition to warmth.
How much is a good surfing wetsuit?
Recommended Budget for a Wetsuit The prices of decent fullsuits start at $100 for warm water surfing and over $300 for cold water surfing. But if you have extra money, spend it on suits that range from $200 to $350. Florence Marine X 4/3mm. John John and Florence Marine X make a surfing wetsuit that costs $800 and I’m sure it’s nice, even supple as they tell us on their site. We worked with a small crew in Japan to create a wetsuit from the most quality, supple, long-lasting neoprene available.Key Differences in Design and Functionality Surfing wetsuits prioritise warmth, especially when sitting on your board waiting for waves. This means they are generally thicker than Open Water Swimming Wetsuits. Wetsuits work by trapping water, which your body heats, creating an insulating layer.Customers find the wetsuit fits well and provides good value for money, keeping them warm in cold water and working well in the water. The quality receives mixed feedback, with some praising its construction while others report poor stitching.Swimwear We wouldn’t recommend boardshorts as your wetsuit is meant to be really tight and boardshorts are usually not. They tend to bunch up and could cause chafing and generally lead to discomfort. Women can wear a swimsuit or bikini, it’s just important to pick the right one.
Is there a difference between a swimming wetsuit and a surfing wetsuit?
Generally, a lower thickness is recommended for open water swimming. As swimming involves more constant movement, your body heat will be higher than when surfing, naturally keeping you warmer. Alongside the overall thickness, where that neoprene is placed also differs between swimming and surfing suits. Recommended Budget for a Wetsuit The prices of decent fullsuits start at $100 for warm water surfing and over $300 for cold water surfing. But if you have extra money, spend it on suits that range from $200 to $350.Typically, if you are surfing in water below 68°F (20°C), a wetsuit may be needed to help maintain your body heat and prevent hypothermia. Water temperatures above this can be more forgiving, allowing for more flexibility in your choice of surf attire.For different top and bottom sizes, we recommend opting for a larger alternative of up to two sizes. Women’s wetsuits can sometimes feel slightly constricted around the neck, but this will feel more comfortable once you’re in the water.Wetsuits A 6mm surfing wetsuit is designed for use during the coldest winter months. This thickness is one of the thickest offered by the well-known brands and these suits commonly include a hood for additional warmth.
Is a 5’4″ wetsuit too thick for surfing?
Wetsuits Ideal for winter surfing and cold water temperatures. Whatever you use your wetsuit for, the most important thing to get right is the fit. Your wetsuit should feel snug and tight all over. If there’s excess material in places like the neck and cuffs, it will let water in and negate all its insulating properties. Don’t be too taken aback by the tightness of a wetsuit.High-end 3/2 wetsuits feature premium neoprene, advanced seam sealing, and thermal liners designed for lightweight warmth and max flexibility. They’re also more durable and comfortable over long sessions. Are high-end wetsuits worth the price? If you surf often or demand high performance, yes.There are four key attributes to consider when selecting the right wetsuit: Warmth, Flexibility, Durability, and Fit. Balancing these four attributes makes the perfect wetsuit.Unlike wetsuits, which trap a thin layer of water and preserve body heat, dry suits are waterproof. When considering wetsuit vs drysuit, it’s important to note that dry suits offer significantly better waterproofing and thermal protection, making them ideal for colder conditions or extended use.
Why do surfers only wear black wetsuits?
Wetsuits are black for a couple of reasons. For one, it’s the color that keeps you the warmest by absorbing UV rays. Also, it’s dyed with carbon black, which strengthens the neoprene and makes the suit more durable. Scuba divers commonly wear black wetsuits for similar reasons as other water sports enthusiasts: black absorbs more heat, helping to maintain body temperature in cooler waters. Black also tends to be more durable and practical, as it hides stains and damage better than lighter colours.The color black helps retain body heat better than lighter colors, which is helpful for surfers, SCUBA divers, and swimmers who need to stay in the water longer and need optimum temperature regulation.