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8 Best Wetsuits for Surfing

Written by Fernando Lopez
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Published on September 12, 2018
male surfer in full body wetsuit by the shore

Surfing is undeniably one of the most exciting water sports out there. However, if you’re a seasoned surfer, you’ll know that the only way that you can truly enjoy it is if you can last longer in the water—and this is not always possible with just a swimsuit.

To really make the best out of your time out on the water, you need a good-quality wetsuit that will keep you warm. This becomes essential when surfing in cold waters, which demands longer wetsuits that cover the arms and legs.

In this article, we’ve enumerated some of the best wetsuits for surfing during the summer in warm and cold waters.

Best Wetsuits for Surfing

three surfers in wetsuits facing the beach

Shopping for wetsuits can be really challenging for a beginner as it comes in various types (shorty, spring suit, full suit) and thicknesses. But when you’re surfing during the summer, you’ll find that the best all-around specification is 3/2mm (also known as 302 or three two) full-length wetsuit. This means you get just the right amount of neoprene thickness for your torso (3mm) and your arms and legs (2mm).

Depending on the wind and water temperatures of your chosen surf spots, we’re sure you’ll find a wetsuit that will provide you with the level of comfort and coverage that you need in the list below.

Men’s Surfing Suits

two male surfers in wetsuits carrying surfboards

O’Neill Epic 3/2mm Full Suit

O'Neill Epic 3/2mm best wetsuits for surfing

Coming from one of the most popular brands of wetsuits, the O’Neill Epic 3/2mm Men’s Full Wetsuit is the ideal outfit for your summer surfing adventures. It’s made of waterproof UltraFlex neoprene material that’s glued and blind-stitched together at the seams to maintain its durability while keeping water out.

The double-seal neck closure and Lumbar Seamless Design (LSD) also help reduce the amount of water that enters the suit, while the brand’s patented and ergonomically designed Krypto Knee Pads protect your knees from scrapes and abrasions.

Finally, the interlocking zipper is placed at the back and comes with a pull tab leash so you don’t have to ask for help when wearing and taking it off. If you’re looking for a reliable wetsuit for surfing in warm to cool water conditions, you can’t go wrong with the O’Neill Epic 3/2mm full suit.

Key Specifications:
  • 3/2mm UltraFlex Neoprene Full Suit
  • Glued and Blind-Stitched (GBS) Seams
  • Double-Seal Neck Closure
  • Lumbar Seamless Design (LSD)
  • Ergonomic Krypto Knee Padz
  • Rear Zipper Entry

O’Neill Reactor II 3/2mm Full Suit

O'Neill Reactor II 3/2mm best wetsuits for surfing

The upgraded Reactor II 3/2mm Men’s Full Suit is another high-rated wetsuit from O’Neill that offers a perfect combination of stretch and durability. Made of FluidFlex™ neoprene material up to the wrists and ankles, it’s designed to be both comfortable and hydrodynamic.

It features non-chafing, flat-lock stitched, and overlapping seams, as well as a double-seal neck closure that’s completely adjustable.

The seamless under-sleeve paddle zones and O’Neill’s Krypto Knee Padz make the Rector II 3/2mm full suit ideal for other water activities, such as kneeboard surfing and stand up paddle boarding in warm and cold water conditions. This rear zip wetsuit comes with the high-quality YKK® zipper and a pull tab leash, so you won’t have to worry about donning and doffing, or the zipper jamming.

Key Specifications:
  • 3/2mm FluidFlex™ Neoprene Full Suit
  • Non-Chafing, Flat-Locked Stitched, Overlapping Seams
  • Fully Adjustable Double-Seal Neck Closure
  • Seamless Under-Sleeve Paddle Zones
  • Ergonomic Krypto Knee Padz
  • Rear YKK® Zipper Entry with Pull Tab Leash

O’Neill Reactor II 2mm Shorty

O'Neill Reactor II 2mm Shorty best wetsuits for surfing

For those looking for an O’Neill wetsuit for warmer conditions, you may want to check out the 2mm shorty version of the Reactor II. It features shorter sleeves, ends at the thighs, and offers just the right amount of overall FluidFlex™ neoprene thickness to protect and provide ample warmth for summer surfing.

Like many of O’Neill’s wetsuits, it features a completely adjustable double neck seal, a rear YKK-zipper entry, and non-chafing, flat-lock stitched, and overlapping seams that are all designed to effectively keep the water out and ensure a snug fit. The seamless paddle zones also allow for unrestricted motion and help eliminate rash.

Key Specifications:
  • 2mm FluidFlex™ Neoprene Shorty
  • Non-Chafing, Flat-Lock Stitched, Overlapping Seams
  • Fully Adjustable Double-Seal Neck Closure
  • Seamless Under-Sleeve Paddle Zones
  • Rear YKK® Zipper Entry with Pull Tab Leash

Body Glove Voodoo Slant Zip 3/2mm Full Suit

Body Glove Voodoo Slant Zip 3/2mm best wetsuits for surfing
Photo by Body Glove

Another reliable brand of wetsuits is Body Glove, and their Voodoo Slant Zip 3/2mm full suit is a particularly popular option for those who want a slanted chest zip, an S-flex seam taping for a better seal, and blunt cut holes for the neck, wrists, and ankles.

Other key features of the Voodoo Slant Zip 3/2mm full suit are its high-performance and stretchy Magnaflex material, Thermoplush fiber in the chest and back area, waterproof Fluidseal liquid tape, and Nano Tritec knee pads for that much needed durability, flexibility, protection, and warmth.

Key Specifications:
  • 3/2mm Magnaflex Full Suit
  • Front and Back Thermoplush Insulation
  • Fluidseal Liquid Tape Exterior
  • Blunt Cut Collar, Wrist, and Ankle Cuffs
  • Nano Tritec Knee Pads
  • Slant Chest Zipper Entry

Women’s Surfing Wetsuits

female surfer in wetsuit holding surfboard by the beach

O’Neill Epic 3/2mm Full Suit

O’Neill Epic 3/2mm best wetsuits for surfing
Photo by O’Neill

O’Neill also makes this Epic 3/2mm variant specifically to suit the woman’s physique. Female surfers can enjoy the same high-tech neoprene wetsuit with warm and flexible long sleeves, full leg coverage, double-seal neck closure, seamless paddle zones, Krypto Knee Padz, and a back zipper that allows the front of the suit to look ultra-sleek.

It even has a windproof FluidFlex™ Firewall exterior that makes the suit even warmer and more flexible than ever before. The Epic 3/2mm full suit for women is available in seven colors, including purple, baby blue, gray, and black.

Key Specifications:
  • 3/2mm UltraFlex Neoprene Full Suit
  • Light and Windproof FluidFlex™ Firewall Exterior
  • Glued and Blind-Stitched (GBS) Seams
  • Seamless Under-Sleeve Paddle Zones
  • Double Super Seal Neck Closure
  • Krypto Knee Padz
  • Rear Zipper Entry

O’Neill Reactor II 3/2mm Full Suit

O'Neill Reactor II 3/2mm best wetsuits for surfing

Just as there is an Epic 3/2mm full suit for men, O’Neill also makes a Reactor II 3/2mm full suit for women. It features the same super stretch, FluidFlex™ neoprene fabric with non-chafing, flat-lock stitched, and overlapping seams and fully-adjustable double neck seal for keeping water out.

Krypto Knee Padz keep the ladies’ knees protected, and the rear zip entry features a YYK® zipper with a long pull tab leash to enable quick changes in and out of the Reactor II 3/2mm full suit for women.

Key Specifications:
  • 3/2mm FluidFlex™ Neoprene Full Suit
  • Non-Chafing, Flat-Lock Stitched, Overlapping Seams
  • Seamless Under-Sleeve Paddle Zones
  • Fully Adjustable Double Super Neck Seal
  • Krypto Knee Padz
  • Rear YKK® Zipper Entry with Pull Tab Leash

Roxy 2mm Syncro Series FLT Spring Suit

Roxy 2mm Syncro Series Back Zip FLT best wetsuits for surfing
Photo by Roxy

This 2mm shorty from the famous Roxy is the perfect choice for surfing in warmer water temperatures between 21°C – 23°C. It has shorter sleeves and covers half of the thighs to allow a fuller range of motion. For flexibility, durability, and efficient waterproofing, it’s constructed with lightweight and warm F’N LITE neoprene material that’s flat-lock stitched at the seams and a completely adjustable Hydrowrap neck seal.

The YKK® zipper is also placed at the back to maintain the brand’s signature minimalist design in front.

Key Specifications:
  • 2mm F’N LITE Neoprene Spring Suit
  • Flat-Lock Stitched Seams
  • Fully Adjustable Hydrowrap Neck Closure
  • Rear YKK® Zipper Entry
  • Suitable for 21°C – 23°C Water Temperatures

Body Glove Stellar 3/2mm Back Zip Full Suit

Body Glove Stellar 3/2mm Back Zip Full Suit best wetsuits for surfing
Photo by Body Glove

Body Glove also boasts of their Stellar 3/2mm women’s full suit, which is not only glued and blind-stitched at the seams but also spot taped for maximum durability and wetness protection. It also features blunt cut holes for the neck, wrist, and cuffs, as well as an internal pullover floodgate for keeping water out of the body-hugging suit.

The brand’s ergonomic Nano Tritec kneepads help provide protection for the knees when getting up to balance on your board, while the zipper entry system is placed at the back for those who prefer to have a smoother, more waterproof front.

Key Specifications:
  • 3/2mm Magnaflex Full Suit
  • Glued and Blind-Stitched (GBS) and Spot Taped Seams
  • Blunt Cut Collar, Wrist, and Cuffs
  • Internal Pullover Floodgate
  • Nano Tritec Knee Pads
  • Rear Zipper Entry