There are few certainties in life; death, taxes, and the fact that winter wetsuits are an essential piece of hardware for many surfers.
Winter is always on the way for a group of surfers somewhere in the world. The question is: do we pack away the surf gear until Spring? Or do we seek out cutting-edge equipment to protect us from the winter elements?
For passionate surfers, it’s a no-brainer. Having suffered through extended summer flat spells, the prospect of consistent and powerful cold-water waves has us frothing.
However, a single lousy winter wetsuit experience can turn a dedicated surfer into a fair-weather warrior overnight.
There are generally two distinct complaints that we hear from those surfing in a winter wetsuit.
- I was absolutely freezing; this wetsuit offered no protection at all!
- I was plenty warm enough, but I could hardly move; this wetsuit is so stiff!
Both scenarios are no fun at all and can instantly ruin a session.
Table of Contents
Winter Wetsuits Back in the Day
A couple of decades ago, surfers accepted that performance levels were compromised, even negated during the winter. The transition from the free-flowing movements of boardshorts and spring suits to complete rubberized encapsulation meant that even taking off and bottom turning became a hardship. Performance surfboards would be shelved, with more voluminous boards accommodating the extra 8-10 kilos of neoprene.
Modern Winter Wetsuits
Coldwater surfing has become a genuine pursuit. Some of the best waves in the world are in areas that suffer the coldest conditions, only coming to life following the same winter storms that create freezing weather conditions.
Fortunately, there is an abundance of wetsuit manufacturers producing specialist equipment geared towards not only surviving icy cold ocean conditions but performing to levels we previously thought impossible.
What to Look For in a Winter Wetsuit.
Warmth
Okay, this might sound a bit obvious but hear me out. The wetsuit itself doesn’t create warmth; it insulates. Your body is the heat source. The job of the wetsuit is to trap that body heat. A thin layer of water between your skin and the wetsuit material is then warmed to a comfortable temperature.
Nowadays, manufacturers tend to rate their wetsuits according to water temperature. You must align the rating of your suit with the winter water temperatures you plan to surf.
This is important for two reasons. Firstly, there is no point in wearing a wetsuit rated for 53°F water if you are surfing 46°F water. Your session will be short and uncomfortable.
Equally, there is little benefit to wearing a wetsuit designed for icy 42°F conditions if your local break doesn’t drop below 53°F. You will find the extra thickness unnecessarily cumbersome. Trust me when I say that sweating in your winter suit is not a pleasant situation and may cause lethargy and dehydration.
Always look for optimum levels of warmth.
Comfort
Gone are the days when increased warmth resulted in decreased comfort. Modern winter wetsuits are incredibly comfortable. Surfers often report that a brand-new winter wetsuit is even more comfortable than a summer suit from a couple of years ago. That’s how quickly wetsuit technology develops.
Comfort is undoubtedly affected by the cut of the wetsuit and panel positioning. However, all the brands featured in this article have put years of research and development into designing their wetsuits. I would say that the most crucial factor in comfort for modern winter wetsuits is sizing.
Every manufacturer now has sizing charts. Please take the time to align your height, weight, chest, and waist size with the optimum size. Trying a wetsuit on is still the best way to ensure a comfortable fit. Manufacturer’s sizing can vary. Sometimes you must accept that you are an XL in one wetsuit and an LT in another.
Flexibility
This has been the buzzword for many years. Flexibility equals freedom of movement. Although the days of feeling like you are surfing in a suit of armor have gone, wetsuit flexibility still varies from brand to brand and across various price points.
Usually, the top-end, premium suits will have superior flex properties than the budget models.
However, most surfers (those with no concern for high-velocity air 360s and such) can find a mid-level winter wetsuit that performs perfectly well.
Durability
In the early 2000s it seemed that every wetsuit manufacturer was part of a race to release the latest materials and technology. This sometimes meant that wetsuits entered the market with little durability testing. These suits would often fall apart within a single season.
Nowadays, the testing processes are far more rigid. Most brands have a dedicated core of cold-water surfers performing rigorous testing for performance and durability.
The old standards still apply. Always rinse your winter wetsuit in clean cold water following each surf, hang from the waist out of direct sunlight, and avoid sharp edges at all costs. Look for a wetsuit with a comprehensive warranty, and definitely take the time to read up on other surfer’s experiences with the product.
Winter Wetsuit Features
Lining
While not every winter wetsuit has a lining, they are a prevalent feature.
Linings come in many forms but are generally a fleece-style material situated in the areas of the wetsuit that require the most warmth. Linings are renowned for slightly reducing flexibility, so they are common in the chest and back panels rather than arms and legs.
Seams
Seams are a critical element of a winter wetsuit. They directly influence warmth, flexibility, and durability.
The minimum standard for a winter wetsuit is glued and blind-stitched seams. Firstly, the rubber has been glued together, followed by a stitching process that does not fully penetrate the material. Water cannot pass through this type of seam, increasing the warmth, durability, and comfort.
The seams are often taped inside the wetsuit. Taping further reduces water ingress, enhancing warmth and durability. Premium wetsuits will usually have improved protection via liquid-sealed or welded seams.
Zips
The classic wetsuit configuration is the vertical back zip. There are now various options available to the discerning surfer in terms of zip position, length, and type of water seals. Chest zips and zip-free options have become increasingly popular. For me personally, the importance is the flexibility of the zip area and making sure water ingress is negligible.
Hoods
If the water temperature demands a winter wetsuit, chances are you also need a hood.
While a hood is a surfing accessory like boots and gloves, modern winter wetsuits often have built-in hoods.
Personally, I am a massive fan of hooded winter wetsuits. I find them comfortable and protective, and I experience less water flushing than external hoods. Hooded suits are really a matter of personal preference.
When our local water temperature dips, the air temperature also drops. A hood is a valuable addition as soon as a winter wetsuit is needed. However, when I visit Cape Town in South Africa, the icy waters are accompanied by hot sunshine. I tend to avoid the hooded suit because my head quickly overheats.
The 10 Best Wetsuits in 2023
Patagonia R4 Yulex Front Zip Hooded
Patagonia Says
Our all-new Yulex™ wetsuits are the only Fair Trade Certified™ suits. Each one has exclusive linings for increased stretch.
Brief History
During the early 1960s, Yvon Chouinard supported himself by selling homemade, recycled climbing gear from the back of his car. A lot has changed over the past six decades. His company, Patagonia, is now setting new standards in the outdoors and water sports industries with its technically advanced and environmentally sustainable products.
Key Features
The R4 (alongside all Patagonia wetsuits) is made with 85% Yulex Rubber, a natural alternative to traditional neoprene. The company utilizes recycled spandex and polyester made from discarded bottles for the wetsuit linings.
This 4mm wetsuit has an easy entry chest zip, and the construction ensures fantastic durability.
Sustainability Features
Quite simply industry leading. Along with Finisterre, Patagonia is setting new standards that other companies will have to catch up to. The R4 is FSC-certified by the Rainforest Alliance and is leading the way for sustainable winter wetsuits.
Xcel Drylock X 4/3
Xcel Says
The Drylock X offers water-tight construction with unparalleled warmth.
Brief History
Xcel wetsuits are renowned for exceptional quality. The company prides itself on unwavering dedication to research, development, and design.
At first glance, it may surprise some that a Hawaiian-based company builds some of the best winter wetsuits available. However, Xcel founder Ed D’Ascoli was no stranger to cold water surfing, growing up on the New Jersey Coastline. When he started the company in 1982, Ed had a passion for producing groundbreaking wetsuits.
Xcel holds the prestigious honor of winning the SIMA Wetsuit of the Year award four times, most recently in 2020.
Key Features
Xcel has once again upped its game with the limestone neoprene Drylock X. Features include an improved easy entry system, 100% waterproof zipper with magnetic closure, triple glued and blind stitched seams, and Nexskin ankle seals. The Drylock X provides maximum flexibility and durability, minimum water ingress, and a fit that feels as close as an off-the-shelf wetsuit can get to a custom-made product.
Sustainability Features
Xcel has placed a significant focus on sustainability and eco-friendly practices. They were one of the first companies to shift over to a water-based wetsuit adhesive, eliminating the need for solvent-based glues. Recycled products are utilized in polyester linings, and the development of Eco Carbon Black from scrapped tires is an extremely positive step towards reducing the use of petrochemicals during wetsuit production.
Click here for more information.
Billabong 4/3 Furnace Natural Chest Zip
Billabong Says
Experience the limitless warmth of Graphene.
Brief History
Gordan and Rena Merchant founded Billabong in 1973. Billabong became one of the biggest surf brands in the world, its popularity only growing throughout the 80s and 90s.
How many other companies do you know that have a Heritage Collection, revisiting past models with slight modernization?
Key Features
The Furnace 4/3 is riddled with modern tech offering the highest possible thermal retention and lightweight stretch. Billabong has followed the philosophy “less seams = more stretch.” Graphene lining increases warmth remarkably, while machine-applied Superflex tape and 100% welded seams make sure cold water stays outside the wetsuit.
Sustainability Features
Billabong is committed to producing wetsuit materials recycled from car tires and scraps of neoprene. The exterior stretch jersey is also 100% recycled. The Furnace Natural is made using only water-based, non-toxic glue, and the Graphene lining is infused with recycled fibers.
Made sustainably, the Furnace Natural, made with CICLO® fibers, reduces plastic microfiber pollution and plastic accumulation in landfills.
In my opinion, Billabong is leading the charge in terms of the “big four” most established wetsuit manufacturers (compared to Quiksilver, O’Neill, and Rip Curl). Their Furnace Natural is a big step in the same direction as Patagonia and Finisterre in terms of environmental sustainability.
Click here for more information from Billabong.
Finisterre Nieuwland 5mm Yulex Hooded
Finisterre Says
In our eyes this is gear that will be with you the longest; and the longer you have it, the more attached to it you become.
Brief History
Finisterre was started by founder Tommy Kay in 2003. From humble beginnings, the company has gone from strength to strength, never deviating from their “leave no trace” ethos.
Finisterre designs functional and sustainable products for those who share a love of the sea. They undertook a comprehensive testing program when designing their cold water wetsuits, inviting the feedback of all different types of surfers, from pros to beginners. As a result, Finisterre winter wetsuits are visible in many of the coldest lineups on Earth.
Key Features
The Nieuwland 5mm has a plethora of unique features that set it apart from other winter wetsuits. Finisterre has strategically positioned 6mm panels on the chest and in the lumbar region for increased warmth. 80% of this wetsuit has internal pile lining, making it one of the warmest on the market.
Finisterre has even developed a proprietary neck entry system, making life much easier when entering and exiting the wetsuit in hostile weather conditions.
Sustainability Features
Finisterre’s slogan is “Sustainability as standard.” Not only do they utilize as many sustainable materials as possible, but they also manufacture to exacting standards. The fact that a Finisterre wetsuit will last season upon season is a testament to this. Everyone involved with the company is driven by the clear and obvious need for the planet to come before profits and corporate success. Finisterre is focused on Tommy’s vision, staying true to their original design ethos of functionality and sustainability and remaining committed to the product, environment, and people.
Click here for more information.
Lunasurf All 4mm Hooded Slant Zip
Lunasurf Says
Probably the warmest wetsuit you will ever wear
Brief History
Founder, and professional surfer, Ian Battrick is a true cold-water surfing pioneer. Ian was surfing the frigid waters of Northern Europe, Canada, and Iceland decades before it became cool (no pun intended).
Battrick has poured his vast and invaluable experience into designing, arguably, the best cold-water winter wetsuits on the market.
Key Features
The Lunasurf 4mm is 100% made from premium Japanese Limestone neoprene. The quick-drying lining includes thermal protection on the chest, crotch, and throughout the built-in hood. Every seam is glued, blind stitched, and internally sealed with four-way stretch tape. This wetsuit has unique features honed from countless sessions in artic conditions, including a slanted chest zip and built-in lip warmer.
Lunasurf has developed a winter wetsuit that defies traditional logic. This 4mm suit is keeping numerous Icelandic and Scottish surfers as warm as toast throughout their brutal winter seasons.
Sustainability Features
Lunasurf has taken the positive step of committing to 100% limestone neoprene, a marked improvement from traditional petrochemical-based materials. What really impresses me about Lunasurf, however, is the “small batch” feel to the manufacture of the wetsuits and awareness of waste, storage, and shipping processes. One of the smaller companies on our list has a positive and proactive ethos that the more established brands could learn from.
Click here for more information.
Needessentials 5/4 Thermal Hooded Chest Zip
needessentials Says
It’s about not wasting resources on what is not important. The concept is to have less but to have what is well made, what is sourced responsibly, what is long lasting and useful at its core.
Brief History
needessentials was established in 2013 with a simple ethos; to ethically make the best possible wetsuits and surfing products at the best price. The team are all dedicated surfers who choose to live simple, humble surfing lives and remain connected to nature, travel, and community. needessentials are focused on minimizing their impact on the environment. The company doesn’t produce things you don’t need, like advertising materials, packaging, and single-use plastics.
Key Features
Rapid dry thermal lining, 360° stretch limestone neoprene, and 100% blind stitched, glued, and internally taped seams offer warmth, comfort, and durability. The attached hood considerably improves overall heat retention adding to the thermal capabilities of this wetsuit. needessentials design their winter wetsuit features with the rigors of cold water surfing in mind. Improved neck entry and extra durable knee pads are two such features.
Sustainability Features
needessentials wetsuits are committed to minimizing the impact on the environment. All needessentials Thermal wetsuits use more environmentally sound neoprene compared to traditional petroleum-based neoprene. This is combined with Carbon Black rubber derived from recycled car tires that helps to reduce energy consumption, Co2 emissions, and landfill waste. The wetsuit lamination glue is water-based and free from harmful chemicals, and the whole production process is also overseen by BLUESIGN, ensuring the trust and transparency of needessentials wetsuits.
Click here for more information.
Vissla 7 Seas 5/4 Hooded Chest Zip
Vissla Says
Based on the premise of less is more, we stripped away the irrelevant knick-knacks and designed a winter wetsuit that gives you what you need – warmth in the ocean.
Brief History
Vissla was founded in 2013 by Paul Naude, the former head of Billabong USA. Vissla’s philosophy is to minimize their environmental impact and protect the oceans while creating cutting-edge performance equipment and apparel.
Key Features
The 7 seas is made from 100% super stretch Japanese limestone neoprene. The suit is lighter, warmer, softer, stretchier, and easier to put on and take off compared to any of Vissla’s previous models. The full body Fever Fibre lining keeps the body warm while the legs are insulated via the Eco Fibre Stretch lining. The chest zip is designed for ease of access, and the triple glued and blind stitched seams ensure strength and durability.
Sustainability Features
Vissla is renowned as a company with a strong sustainability ethos. They continually adapt their practices in order to reduce impact. The 7 Seas winter wetsuit is no exception. Limestone Neoprene eliminates the use of petrochemicals. Eco Carbon Black is utilized throughout the manufacturing process, and Dope Dyed Yarn reduces water consumption extensively.
Vissla also has a partnership with The Surfrider Foundation.
Click here for more information.
Hurley Advantage Max 4/3+
Hurley Says
The Advantage Max 4/3+ Fullsuit is as sustainable as it is warm. With Ecoflex 2 material and performance patterned seams, it offers maximum mobility in the water.
Brief History
Hurley was founded in 1999 when Bob Hurley parted ways with Billabong. The company prides itself on continuous research and development. Hurley wetsuits have disrupted the market since their inception due to their impressive performance properties and unwavering quality.
Key Features
The new Ecoflex 2 material is the most flexible that Hurley has produced to date. The Infrared Interior reflects heat back towards your core. The seams are uniquely positioned to ensure your whole body moves freely throughout your session. Hurley has positioned proprietary smooth silicone skin panels on the chest and back to provide the extra protection afforded by the old-school material with new levels of performance.
Sustainability Features
Hurley is proud to announce the Advantage Max 4/3+ as sustainably sourced. This model is created using eco-friendly processes, including carbon black recycled from old tires, dope-dyed yarns, and limestone-based neoprene. This is a solid step in the right direction for Hurley.
Click here for more information.
Rip Curl Flashbomb 4/3 Chest Zip
Rip Curl Says
Flashbomb, the world’s fastest drying, ultimate warmth and comfort wetsuit.
Brief History
Rip Curl was founded in 1969 in Victoria, Australia, an area renowned for chilly water conditions. They began their production of wetsuits in 1970, transforming pre-existing diving technology into wetsuits suitable for surfing.
This model has been around for a decade and continues to feature as a flagship Rip Curl wetsuit.
Key Features
The Flashbomb is loaded with all the features you want in a high-performance wetsuit. Updated to be lightweight with minimal bulk and maximum stretch means ultimate comfort and freedom to spend longer in the line-up. The Flashbomb 4/3 is available in back zip or chest zip configuration.
Sustainability Features
Rip Curl regularly releases statements regarding their awareness of the impact of wetsuit manufacture. They use mainly limestone neoprene and provide reports pertaining to their supply chain. While this wetsuit is far from the most sustainable on the list and certainly can not be considered ‘green’, it is positive to see Rip Curl Planet driving new initiatives.
Click here for more information.
O’Neill Hyperfreak 5/4 Chest Zip with Hood
O’Neill Says
The Hyperfreak 5/4 is One Of The Most Flexible Hooded Wetsuits Ever
Brief History
O’Neill originates from the cool waters off Northern California. The company was founded in 1952 by Jack O’Neill and is heralded as being one of the very first surfing wetsuit companies. The company continues to base itself out of the cold water surf Mecca that is Santa Cruz.
Key Features
The Hyperfreak 5/4 benefits from upgraded tech throughout. The inclusion of Technobutter and 3X neoprene provides phenomenal warmth and unrivaled flexibility, while fully taped seams ensure durability is not an issue.
Sustainability Features
While O’Neill’s Ocean Mission presents promising projections for future apparel sustainability, the wetsuits are slightly falling behind from an eco perspective.
Click here for more information.