Surf Shop

How to Choose A Wetsuit

If you want to surf year round, a good wetsuit is a necessary thing to have. Wetsuits come in full suits, shorties, with and without hoods and there are many different styles of hoods, booties and gloves.

How does a wetsuit work? By trapping a thin layer of air between the suit and your skin. You body temperature warms the water, creating an insulative layer. You want your suit to fit snugly but not too tight. With technological advances in materials and construction, many wetsuits are thinner, providing the wearer more flexibility while providing the same amount of warmth.

When purchasing a wetsuit consider: what size you need and what kind you need. Check out sizing charts on wetsuit companies' websites to determine size, then think about the water temperature you'll normally be in. If possible, try a few on in a store to get a better idea of what you're looking for. Same goes for choosing accessories. Hoods, gloves and booties come in many thicknesses and styles. Keep in mind, quality wetsuits aren't cheap. Low end wetsuits don't insulate as well, may not flex as well and will usually break down much quicker than higher-end suits. Which means you'll be buying a new suit sooner than if you purchased the more expensive suit.

Now you know! Get that perfect suit and hit the waves!

Check out our Wetsuits, Hoods, Booties, Gloves and Rash Guards here.