If you’re a cold-water surfer, there’s no need to suffer in the elements. There’s a wide range of wetsuits on the market that can offer a comfortable, warm experience no matter how cold it gets.
The best wetsuit for surfing in cold water will be both warm and flexible. A suit that is too thick will restrict your movement and inhibit your ability to catch waves, while one that is too thin may leave you exposed to harsh elements. For this reason, many surfers opt for full-body suits which provide maximum warmth while still allowing a full range of motion.
However, if you prefer to wear long sleeves with your wetsuit, then armholes can be an issue if they’re too small or too tight around the neckline. If this is an issue for you as well, check out our list of the best suits for cold weather surfing below.
Best Wetsuits for Surfing Cold Water
Finisterre Nieuwland Yulex 4mm
The Finisterre Nieuwland Wetsuit is the perfect wetsuit for cold water diving. The 4mm thickness provides warmth and protection from the elements, while still being flexible enough to be comfortable and not restrict movement.
Lightweight neoprene is used in the arms and legs of this wetsuit to provide insulation while also allowing freedom of movement. The spandex lining reduces water absorption and increases durability.
This wetsuit features a double glued and blind stitched neck seal, which prevents water from entering the neckline. There are also internal knee pads for added protection against abrasion when kneeling on rough surfaces or in rocky areas.
The 4mm thickness offers great thermal protection while being flexible enough to easily move around. The suit also features a high-performance flatlock seam construction that creates a smoother surface along with less bulk under your dive gear.
Finisterre’s unique blend of elastane and neoprene results in a wetsuit with better stretch, comfort, and durability than traditional wetsuits.
Body Glove 3/2mm Vapor Slant
If you’re looking for a wetsuit that will keep you warm in cold water and still allow you to perform at your peak, look no further than the Body Glove 3/2mm Vapor Slant Wetsuit. The Body Glove Vapor slant gives you full mobility for all types of water sports, but with the warmth of a 4/3mm wetsuit. The flat-lock seam construction makes this wetsuit super comfortable and easy to take on and off. This wetsuit has a super flexible neoprene material build that moves with you as you paddle, swim, or surf.
It also has reinforced knees and elbows so that they won’t wear out quickly when exposed to constant abrasion. It features a durable, abrasion-resistant outer layer that protects from the elements and an exclusive SuperStretch construction for unrestricted movement. The suit has a front zipper with a heavy-duty YKK zipper and a reinforced chest panel with double stitching.
The suit is equipped with an internal mesh lining that aids in thermoregulation while the innovative CRISP (Comfort, Response, Inherent, Stability, Performance) design enhances flexibility and range of motion while providing maximum freedom of movement and comfort.
Rip Curl E-Bomb Zip Free Steamer
The Rip Curl E-Bomb Zip Free Steamer Wetsuit is a versatile wetsuit that can be used in a variety of conditions. The E-Bomb has a durable, ultra-flexible 4/3mm neoprene with an easy-entry back to shoulder zip that allows for quick and easy removal.
A wetsuit is a great option for all types of water sports including surfing, kayaking, and kiteboarding. The suit features minimal seam construction to reduce drag and improve the range of motion. The suit also features a heat-welded chest panel that eliminates any seams across the chest area which increases comfort when paddling or pulling on ropes.
It has been designed for the serious surfer who wants a high-performance suit that will last. The suit features an extremely lightweight, stretchy material, offering excellent freedom of movement and comfort.
The Rip Curl E-Bomb is constructed with an internal knee pad which is soft and comfortable on your knees. The Rip Curl E-Bomb has been designed to fit like a second skin making it perfect for surfing in cold water conditions where you need to be able to move freely.
Rip Curl Flashbomb Heat Seeker E6 Chest Zip Steamer
The Rip Curl Flashbomb Heat Seeker has been designed for the ultimate performance and comfort. Featuring an E6 Skin fabric, this wetsuit is the perfect choice for cold water or warmer climates.
Rip Curl’s patterning features a 3-dimensional construction that provides increased flexibility and comfort. It utilizes Rip Curl’s exclusive flatlock seam construction process, eliminating any bulk or drag on your stroke.
The Flashbomb Heat Seeker features a full chest zip entry making it easy to put on and take off. The arms also feature a new low-profile design that provides added mobility when paddling and swimming.
The Heat Seeker has a quality outer shell with a soft inner lining, making it both comfortable and durable. The seams are glued and blindstitched to prevent water from getting in and creating cold spots while you’re surfing. There are also two front chest pockets on this wetsuit for storing your valuables like keys or wallets while you’re surfing.
The Rip Curl Flashbomb Heat Seeker is designed to keep you warm even in colder weather conditions, making it ideal for colder climates like New Zealand or Australia where the ocean temperature tends to stay below 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 C) during winter months.
Hurley Advantage Plus
Hurley’s Advantage Plus wetsuit is a performance-level suit designed to offer warmth and comfort in colder water temperatures. The Advantage Plus has been updated for years with an improved chest panel and new material.
The design features a full knee/thigh panel with a zipper, which allows you to get in and out of the suit quickly. The Hurley Advantage Plus also includes their signature “Hurley Knee Patch” for added protection on the water.
The Hurley Advantage Plus is one of the most popular cold-weather wetsuits on the market. The reason being is that it offers great warmth without feeling bulky or restricting movement in any way.
This is due to its construction using materials that are thicker than most other wetsuits on the market today. Although this makes it more durable, it can also make some people feel too hot at times because of how thick these suits tend to be made these days (especially if you’re not used to wearing them).
The Hurley Advantage Plus Wetsuit is available in sizes ranging from small to XXL, so no matter what your size is, there’s an option for you!
Billabong Furnace Comp Hooded Chest Zip Fullsuit
The Billabong Furnace Comp Hooded Chest Zip Fullsuit Wetsuit is a great choice for both beginner and intermediate surfers. The suit has a great design that will provide you with excellent comfort, as well as warmth when you’re in the water.
The Billabong Furnace Wetsuit comes with a hooded chest zip that covers your head, neck, and chest perfectly. This keeps the cold out and makes sure that your body is well protected from outside elements.
The wetsuit also has a collar that can be zipped up for extra protection against the cold. In addition to this, there are also cuffs on both arms and legs, which help keep water away from your hands and feet when surfing at high speeds.
It also comes with a fleece lining inside so that you don’t get too cold during winter months or if you are surfing during nighttime hours when it’s colder out on the water.
Lemorecn Shorty Wetsuits
The Lemorecn Shorty Wetsuit is a great value wetsuit for anyone who wants to get out on the water and enjoy the water without spending a lot of money. This shorty style wetsuit is made of 100% Super Thermoflex neoprene, which makes it very flexible and comfortable to wear. The Lemorecn Shorty is also warm with a 3mm thickness and features a YKK backzipperdesign so you can easily get in and out of it without having to put your suit on over your head.
The Lemorecn Shorty has an adjustable waistband which helps keep the suit from riding up when you’re in the water.This is a great wetsuit for the price, it does what it says on the tin. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a good quality wetsuit for a very reasonable price. The only thing I would say is that if you are going to be wearing your wetsuit for more than 3-4 hours then get a thicker model as this one can get quite stiff after a while.
How to Pick the Right Wetsuit
If you’re new to the world of wetsuits and surfing, you may be wondering what kind of wetsuit is best for you. Here’s a quick guide to help you pick one that fits your needs and budget.
The first step is to figure out how cold the water is where you’ll be surfing. When water temperatures are below 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 C), it’s time for a full-length suit. Anything warmer than that and you can get away with a shorty or spring suit.
If you’re a beginner surfer who just wants comfort and warmth, go with a 3/2mm full-length suit. If you want more mobility (which is important when learning) while still keeping warm, go with a 5/3mm shorty or spring suit.
This is where it gets personal — everyone has different body types and different needs. But generally speaking, if you’re over 6 feet tall or have broad shoulders, go with an X-large or XX-large size; if not, buy a large or medium size instead.
A wetsuit should fit snugly around your body without feeling restrictive or constricting — it should feel like part of your skin once in the water.
How to Choose the Right Thickness
When choosing a wetsuit, it’s important to consider three factors: the water temperature, your body type, and your activity level. You should always wear a wetsuit that’s appropriate for the water temperature you’ll be in — wearing a thin wetsuit in cold water won’t keep you warm enough, and wearing a thick wetsuit in warm waters will only cause overheating and discomfort. If you’re not sure which thickness is right for you, check out our guide below!
| Thickness | Temperature |
| 2mm | 19 – 22°C (66 – 71°F) |
| 3/2mm | 13 – 18°C (55 – 64°F) |
| 4/3mm or 4/3/2mm | 10 – 14°C (50 – 57°F) |
| 5/4mm or 5/4/3mm | 8 – 12°C (46 – 53°F) |
| 6/5mm or 6/5/4mm | 8°C (46°F) |
| 7/6mm or 7/6/5mm | 5°C(41°F) (or less) |
Final thoughts
When surfing in cold water, the wetsuit is your first line of defense against hypothermia. It’s important to choose a wetsuit that fits properly and has the features you need for your water temperature. A good fit is critical when choosing a wetsuit. If it’s too big or too small, you’ll lose heat quickly and will be at risk for hypothermia.
The best wetsuits have plenty of neoprene padding to insulate your body from the cold surface temperature of the water. They also have high-quality materials that won’t tear easily. Many suits also feature cuffs designed to keep water out (or in), so you won’t get wet while paddling out or riding waves back to shore.
With a little bit of research, finding the best wetsuit for cold water surfing can be quite easy. However, you have to have an idea of what you are looking for in a wetsuit. Do you want it to be a full suit or do you prefer single-piece wetsuits? As well as what material will suit your surfing conditions. Once you have answered these questions then finding the best wetsuit for cold water surfing shouldn’t be hard at all.
