Surfing is a popular water sport during the summer season. But did you know that you can also surf comfortably when the temperature is cold? In fact, the sea provides the best waves during the winter season. Fortunately, there are a lot of winter wetsuits available on the market. These products will not only protect your body but will also help keep you warm while you enjoy the waves. To help narrow your search, here is our list of the 15 best winter wetsuits for surfing.
Quiksilver 4/3 mm Highline Plus
Aside from flexibility, the Quicksilver Highline Plus also focuses on providing warmth by sealing its seams with the lightest and extremely flexible external seam seal known as Hydrolock. Besides that, this product also has a Thermal Smoothie located on the back and chest panels to block the wind and retain heat.
Furthermore, this lightweight suit also has a WarmFlight® Far Infrared x2 thermal lining and WarmFlight® thermal fleece lining to keep your body heat in and the water out. So, you’ll definitely have shiver-free surfing sessions with the Quicksilver Highline Plus. An added bonus is that this wetsuit dries fast; you’re guaranteed to wear a dry wetsuit even when you’re surfing every day.
With all these great features, it is not surprising that the Quicksilver Highline Plus is among the finest winter wetsuits you can purchase, especially for water temperature of 49°F to 55°F. The best part is that you can get this product at a reasonable price – under $350.
You may also be interested in some of the best surf watches from our list. Check them out.
O’Neill Psycho-Freak ZEN zip 4/3 mm SSW Wetsuit
With its advanced materials, this O’Neill Psycho-Freak can definitely provide warmth and comfort when you hit the waves. One reason is that this wetsuit has a TechnoButter Firewall jersey that retains heat. The O’Neill Psycho-Freak also uses the TechnoButter 3 with a featherlight ENVY foam rubber core – one of the driest and lightest types of neoprene on the market.
Aside from that, the suit also uses an anti-flush barrier and an external fluid seam seal weld that locks in your body heat and keeps the water out. Lastly, this product has a Z.E.N zip closure system (zipper on the back). With this design, you can easily wear or remove the suit. However, the zipper on the back may also limit your movements when paddling or rotating. Nonetheless, the O’Neill Psycho-Freak is one of the top choices for wetsuits if you’re looking for durability, flexibility, and optimum performance.
Need Essentials Fast Dry 4/3 mm Hooded Fullsuit
If you’re in search of a budget-friendly yet optimal wetsuit, the Need Essentials Fast Dry Hooded Fullsuit should be on your list. This product is designed to provide maximum warmth, durability, and flexibility. For one, it has 4-mm limestone-based neoprene located in the torso and upper leg for maximum warmth.
Aside from that, it has 3-mm mega stretch neoprene in the arms for optimum flexibility. It also features glued, blind-stitched, and taped seams for added strength and durability. Lastly, the Need Essential Fast Dry Hooded Fullsuit has a chest zipper that keeps the water out while preserving maximum flexibility. The best part is that you can get this wetsuit for less than $250.
Here are some of the top wakesurf boards on the market. Check them out.
Rip Curl Flash Bomb 5/4 mm Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit
A common problem for very thick wetsuits is that they may restrict your movements. But, the Rip Curl Flash Bomb can keep you warm without compromising flexibility. This wetsuit has an E5 Flash lining from the torso through your legs. E5 is one of the most elastic neoprene materials on the market. It also dries fast – as quickly as 15 minutes.
In addition, the Rip Curl Flash Bomb has a wind-resistant mesh smooth skin located on the back and chest, which does a great job of generating heat in your core. Lastly, this wetsuit has a lightweight internal tape and external seam weld over its stitching that keep the water out and lock in your body heat.
Overall, the Rip Curl Flash Bomb is among the best winter wetsuits you can purchase. However, this wetsuit is a bit expensive – more than $400. So, if you’re not going to use it often, picking a more budget-friendly wetsuit might be a better choice.
Billabong Furnace Carbon Ultra 5/4 mm
The Billabong Furnace Carbon Ultra is considered to be the pinnacle of wetsuits. This is not surprising because of the great features it offers. First, this wetsuit is made with an environment-friendly neoprene known as smart foam. Smart foam provides more warmth and flexibility compared to other brands. From there, the smart foam is layered with a no-soak external jersey that holds 30% less water and dries quickly. Inside the wetsuit is the carbon furnace lining, which traps your body heat. Finally, this wetsuit is topped with a Drymax entry system to keep the heat in and the water out.
The Billabong Furnace Carbon Ultra is an excellent wetsuit that can provide flexibility and warmth. However, like other products on this list, the price of the Billabong Furnace Carbon Ultra is a bit high (more than $450). Even so, considering the product’s great features, you’ll definitely be getting your money’s worth.
Our guide to the best-selling surfboards for beginners features some amazing products for surfers. Don’t miss them.
Xcel Drylock TDC FullSuit 4/3
The Xcel Drylock TDC has a lot to offer to make your winter surfing experience warm and enjoyable. First, this wetsuit is made with 100% super stretch neoprene. Its exterior features a Quick Dry Fiber (QDF), which is hydrophobic, fast-drying, and holds less water for maximum warmth and minimum weight.
The interior of this wetsuit features a Thermo Dry Celliant (TDC) High Pile and Low Pile. These linings are lightweight, hydrophobic, and quick drying. Plus, the celliant can convert your body heat into infrared energy for optimum warmth and performance. The Xcel Drylock TDC has other features, like the Thermo Dry Seam Tape that helps keep the water out. It also has a Fusion weld stitch-free seam for flexibility and durability and a minimal seam design for more movement and comfort. Lastly, this wetsuit also has \wind-resistant back and chest panels, a Drylock chest zip (waterproof), DuraFlex knee pads, and Drylock wrist seals.
One downside of this product is its high price, which is more $500. However, this winter wetsuit is definitely worth it, considering the warmth it can provide.
O’Neill Psycho Tech 5/4 mm
Another noteworthy product on this list is the O’Neil Psycho Tech. Like the O’Neil Psycho Freak, this wetsuit is made with TechnoButter3 neoprene – one of the lightest, most flexible, and quickest drying neoprene formulas on the market. This suit also has a TB3 Firewall jersey, which contributes to the suit’s warmth and flexibility. It also has an external fluid seam weld that keeps the water out.
The difference between the O’Neil Psycho Freak and the Psycho Tech is the zipper. The O’Neil Psycho Tech has a Front Upper Zip Entry (F.U.S.E), which allows you to get in and out of the suit without restricting your movements. Plus, this wetsuit is thicker than the O’Neil Psycho Freak. But, thanks to the Envy Foam Rubber Core, the O’Neil Psycho Tech carries the warmth of a 5/4-mm wetsuit but has the weight of a 4/3-mm suit. So, if you’re looking for a thick yet lightweight suit, this wetsuit should definitely be a consideration.
Vissla High Seas 4/3 mm
With the Vissla High Seas, you’ll get a high-performance wetsuit. This is because this product is made with I-Foam neoprene, a limestone-based neoprene that is warm, light, and extremely flexible. In fact, this model is the most flexible wetsuit Vissla has to offer.
The Vissla High Seas has additional features, such as the fast-drying Thermal Brain Fuzz lining, which insulates heat. It also has a watertight zipperless entry for easy access, and liquid taped cuff seals that prevent flushing. Lastly, this product uses the Neo 2.0 super stretch tape, which allows maximum seam sealing while providing maximum comfort and unrestricted stretch. The best part is that you can get this high-performance suit for a rather affordable price – less than $300.
Patagonia R5 Yulex
Unlike other products on this list, the Patagonia R5 Yulex uses a neoprene-free material. Instead, the wetsuit is made with all natural and sustainable materials, which are 85% Yulex natural rubber and 15% chlorine-free synthetic rubber. But, this doesn’t mean that the Patagonia R5 Yulex is not a high-performance suit. In fact, this wetsuit can provide a high level of warmth and flexibility.
As an R5 suit, this product can keep you warm even when the water temperature is as low as 32° to 38° F. Furthermore, all its seams are triple-glued and internally taped, so you can expect no leaks and minimal flushing. Other notable features include a chest zip, an adjustable hood opening with cord lock, and Supratex kneepads and ankle cuffs for optimum durability.
Overall, the Patagonia R5 Yulex is an excellent product if you’re looking for a 6/5 mm wetsuit. The price of this suit is also fair (more than $500), considering it is made with eco-friendly materials.
Hotline Ultra Hot Combo 5/4 mm
Made with a super stretch neoprene, the Hotline Ultra Hot Combo features the extreme flexible that is similar to most high-end products. Aside from the nylon blend neoprene, the suit also has double-glued and blind-stitched seams and an internal tape that provide more warmth.
A unique feature of the Hotline Ultra Hot Combo is its extra-wide chest zip system. With this, you can easily get in and out of the suit. This feature is also great for surfers who are struggling to put on a chest zip suit because of a prior injury. Moreover, the Hotline Ultra Hot Combo is one of the most durable wetsuits on the market – lasting an average of 3 to 4 years. Lastly, this suit has a freeze-free inner panel that offers protection in icy waters with a temperature of 32° to 52°F. The best part is that you can get all these great features for less than $400.
Feral Hooded 654 mm
As a 6/5/4 mm suit, the Feral Hooded is one of the thickest wetsuits on this list. But, this doesn’t mean that this product will not perform well. In fact, this wetsuit can keep you warm without limiting your movements while you’re surfing on icy cold water. The reason is that the suit is made with 100% Yamamoto Japanese rubber to be light and flexible.
The wetsuit’s strategic seam design also enhances its flexibility. Some additional features are an ultra-smooth and low-water-absorption jersey, wrist and ankle seal silicone tape, chest zip entry, and critical seam taping. With all these great features, the Feral Hooded 654 mm should be one of your top choices, especially if you’re in search of a wetsuit that you can use for cold temperatures (36 to 50°F).
Isurus TI Shield 4.4
If you’re looking for a wetsuit that has the flexibility of a 3/2 mm wetsuit and the warmth of a 5/4 mm model, the Isurus TI Shield is the product for you. This suit is made with 100% #40 limestone neoprene and lined with a heat reproducing Titanium Z-fleece to provide optimum warmth. For flexibility, the suit has a seamless single back panel, which means fewer restrictions on your movements.
The Isurus TI Shield also has an “Arms Up” design, giving you your desired stretch while surfing. Aside from that, this wetsuit has other features, such as a bio-mechanical lat panel and an Oeko® and Bluesign® certified jersey.
Overall, for a price of less than $500, the Isurus TI Shield can provide for all your needs, especially when surfing in medium-temperature waters (48° to 58 °F).
Buell RB2 Beast 5/4 mm
At first glance, the Buell RB2 Beast may seem like a costume, with eyes painted on the hood. But, this wetsuit can certainly meet all your needs, especially if you’re looking for flexibility. The Buell RB2 Beast is made with a super soft “Ninja Neoprene” combined with an Ultra flex-fabric that provides stretch and flexibility.
Moreover, this wetsuit uses external triple-glued and blind-stitched seams with a “Soft Seal” interior seam tape that not only keeps the water out but keeps you warm as well. Lastly, the Buell RB2 Beast has no smooth skin on the chest. Nonetheless, this design makes the suit flexible, light, and affordable (less than $300).
Matuse Tumo Hooded 5/4 mm
The Matuse Tumo is named after the Buddhist meditation technique wherein the Monks dry out a wet blanket using their body heat on top of a snowfall. So, the suit’s intended purpose is quite obvious: it can keep you warm even when the water temperature is at 45°F to 53 °F. This effect is due to the suit’s material, known as geoprene, which is warmer, lighter, and more durable material than an oil-based neoprene.
Aside from that, this wetsuit has built-in air chambers that store heat from your body and improve the suit’s capability to slow down heat loss. Furthermore, this wetsuit also features Hydrasilk technology, which acts as a windbreaker. Lastly, the suit uses an SCS tape that provides added seam durability.
Overall, the Matuse Tumo is an excellent product that can provide for all your needs, especially when you’re surfing on cold waters. But, its price is high at around $600).
7TILL8 Custom Men’s Surf Hooded Fullsuit
Made with #40 Yamamoto neoprene, the 7TILL8 Custom Men’s Surf Hooded Fullsuit is built specifically for the coldest environment on the planet. Plus, it delivers ultimate stretch and maximum warmth to make your surfing experience a remarkable one. Aside from that, the suit has a slant zip entry, so you can get in and out of the suit with ease. Lastly, the seams of this wetsuit are hand-taped, double-glued, and blind-stitched.
What should you look for in a winter wetsuit?
When buying a wetsuit for the winter season, the first thing you need to check is the product’s thickness. For temperatures less than 58°F, you’ll need a suit with a thickness of 4/3 mm or thicker as the temperature goes down. Aside from that, you also need to look for features that enable the suit to retain or generate heat to keep you warm as you surf.
And aside from warmth, an ideal wetsuit should be lightweight and flexible, allowing you to move freely on your surfboard. So, you need to choose a product that is made of an elastic or highly stretchable material. Picking a fast-drying suit is also a plus, especially if you surf every day. Of course, you also need to take into consideration the product’s durability and price.
