The Right Wetsuit for Every Season: Stay Warm, Loose, and Ready to Paddle

Do you know a grave mistake some surfers make that’s affecting their performance? It’s “Assuming a surfboard wetsuit isn’t important for surfing.” Wetsuits act as a layer of protection between your body and the water, keeping you warm, providing comfort, and promoting mobility while surfing.

From freezing water in winter to warm sun in summer, surfers face challenges in choosing the right wetsuit for different seasons and water temperatures. And if that sounds like you, don’t worry; we’re here to make things easier!

In this blog, we’ll explore how to choose the right wetsuit at a wetsuit shop for each season to stay warm, comfortable, and ready to paddle. So, let’s dive deep and uncover what matters.

What Makes a Wetsuit Right for Your Season?

A surfboard wetsuit not only protects you from unstable water temperatures, but it is also important for your mobility when paddling or performing tricks while surfing. Here’s how wetsuits and their thickness work according to different seasons:

How Do Wetsuits Work?

A thin layer of water enters your wetsuit and is warmed by your body temperature. Then, "neoprene," a synthetic, flexible material used in wetsuits, functions as an insulator due to its tiny, air-filled cells. It keeps you warm in cold weather and prevents hypothermia. Wetsuits also protect you from sunburn and unnecessary water abrasions.

Thickness of Wetsuits by Season

From summer to winter, surfing in every season requires different thicknesses in wetsuits. Here’s how you can choose the right thickness based on weather conditions:

• Winter (5mm - 6mm wetsuits): For extremely cold water, these 5mm to 6mm wetsuits provide full coverage to keep maximum heat trapped inside. 
• Spring and Fall (3mm - 4mm wetsuits): This more moderate thickness is good for chilly water and provides enough warmth to surf in cooler months.
• Summer (2 mm- 3 mm wetsuits): Choose lighter wetsuits for warmer waters, ensuring comfort without overheating.

For more personalized advice and a hands-on fitting experience, visit a local surf and wetsuit shop and choose the right one as per the season's requirements.

How to Choose the Right Wetsuit for Cold Water (Winter and Fall)

Wearing the wrong wetsuit while surfing in chilly waters can put you at risk of hypothermia. That’s why it’s important to choose the right one, especially for winter and fall. Here’s what to look for before heading to a local shop.

What to Look for in a Cold Water Wetsuit

From thickness and coverage to zipper placement, a cold-water wetsuit needs to be perfect in every aspect. Consider features that minimize water entry as much as possible. 

• Look for at least 3/2mm or thicker wetsuits to provide an adequate amount of warmth.
• Consider full suit designs with long arms and legs, as full coverage minimizes heat loss.

• When it comes to the zipper placement: 

  • Chest zips and zip-free wetsuits provide enhanced insulation with a snug fit.
  • Back zips are great for ease of use, but may allow slightly more water in.

Additional Tips for Cold Water Comfort

The more water protection and heat insulation the wetsuit has, the better. That’s why we’ve got some additional tips to look at cold-water wetsuits:

• Wrist and ankle seals are crucial for comfort and maintaining warmth by sealing heat inside the body.
• Hooded wetsuits help prevent heat loss from the neck and head, increasing comfort and protecting your ears from cold water impact and abrasions.

You deserve the comforting and magical thrill of surfing even in cold waters, and only the right wetsuit is what makes that possible.

Wetsuits for Moderate to Warm Water (Spring and Summer)

There’s a misconception among surfers, especially beginners, that a surfboard wetsuit is not necessary during summer. But let us burst this myth: even though the air feels warm, water temperatures can still fluctuate and feel chilly even in hot weather conditions. But what features should you actually look for in a spring and summer wetsuit? Let’s get into it.

Wetsuit Thickness and Design for Warmer Waters

As for thickness and design, a summer wetsuit requires minimal heat protection, and that’s why you should choose:

• 2mm to 3mm wetsuits, typically enough to protect from cooler water and UV rays during spring and summer, and even in winter for places that don’t get below 55 degrees water temperature.
• Short-sleeve or sleeveless wetsuits for greater comfort in warmer conditions.
• For even lighter coverage in hot climates or for extra sun protection, many surfers also wear rash guards. They’re perfect for preventing skin irritation from your board or UV exposure. Learn more about rash guards for surfing.

Key Features for Warm Water Wetsuits

The thickness isn’t the only factor that makes the difference in cold water vs. warm water wetsuits. Other key factors include:

• Shorter legs and arms are always a better choice in summer, as they offer greater flexibility and unrestricted paddling.
• Lightweight and quick-drying materials that help prevent overheating and make transitions easier on the beach.

For suits designed specifically for warm conditions, visit a local wetsuit shop like Waterboyz, which provides regionally appropriate options for Pensacola and the surrounding coast.

While shopping for a surfboard wetsuit online is convenient, there’s no substitute for an in-person fitting at a local wetsuit shop. Expert guidance ensures you get a wetsuit that fits perfectly. A good fit is important for improving flexibility, warmth, and comfort on the water, and so is the right gear shop.

Waterboyz: A local Wetsuit Shop with the Best Selection

At Waterboyz, we offer a variety of wetsuits for different seasons, ensuring you find the perfect fit. Our expert team is dedicated to helping surfers choose the right thickness, material, and suit based on their surfing style and the local climate. 

We make sure that you get a wetsuit that’s snug, flexible, and seals out water with no uncomfortable gaps, so you can surf longer and paddle stronger.

If you’re surfing in Pensacola, visit Waterboyz to find one that fits just right and levels up your surf game. You can also join camps or events at Waterboyz to excel in surfing and skating.

Stay Ready for Every Season with the Right Wetsuit

Don't let different weather conditions stop you from enjoying epic surf sessions. Prioritize your safety and comfort. With the right wetsuit, you’ll stay warm in winter, comfortable in fall, and cool under the summer sun.

The right wetsuit makes all the difference. Shop from Waterboyz, your local wetsuit shop, to find a surfboard wetsuit that keeps you warm, loose, and ready to paddle in any season.