When it comes to surfing, few things can disrupt your ride more than the biting cold affecting your hands. That’s why having a reliable, high-performance pair of wetsuit gloves is a game-changer, enabling you to surf longer and tackle a broader range of water conditions.
In the past, wetsuit gloves were liable to leak or feel generally “glove-y,” prompting many surfers to go without and simply shorten their session. But if you want to improve your cold-water surfing or have more fun in frigid conditions, you’ll be interested in the products we have listed for you in this article.
We’ve rounded up five of the best wetsuit gloves in the market that provide not just warmth, but also comfort, flexibility, and grip. Each one is designed with the surfer in mind, ensuring that nothing comes between you and the perfect wave. So, whether you’re a seasoned pro, or just getting your feet wet, these gloves will enhance your surfing experience.
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Patagonia R3® Yulex® Gloves
We love the brand Patagonia, and these gloves are an excellent choice for environmentally conscious surfers who don’t want to compromise on warmth. Made from a blend of 85% Yulex® natural rubber and 15% synthetic rubber, they provide superb insulation in water temperatures of 48°–55° F. The external seam sealing ensures a tight seal against cold water, while the textured palm enhances your grip on the board. Best of all, these gloves are Fair Trade Certified™ sewn, confirming Patagonia’s commitment to ethical manufacturing.
Features:
- Made with Natural Rubber
- Solution-Dyed Recycled Polyester Linings
- Fully Seam-Sealed
- Silicone-ink 3D palm print for maximum grip
- Articulated panels conform to hand for a snug fit
- Microgasket at wrist prevents water entry
- Fair Trade Certified™ sewn, which means the people who made it earned a premium for their labor
Composition:
- Stretchy 85% Yulex® natural rubber/15% synthetic rubber by polymer content; the natural rubber is Forest Stewardship Council® certified by the Rainforest Alliance; the synthetic rubber is chlorine-free
- Solution-Dyed Recycled Polyester LiningsStretchy, solution-dyed linings; interior: 100% recycled polyester jersey; exterior: 88% recycled polyester/12% recycled spandex; lining and exterior fabrics laminated with solvent-free AquaA™ glue
Ideal Water Temp : 49˚ – 58˚ F
Buy Patagonia R3® Yulex® Gloves here
Xcel Men’s Drylock Texture Skin 5 Finger Glove 3mm
Xcel’s Drylock Gloves promise both warmth and sustainability. They feature Celliant Black and Quick Dry Fibers to keep your hands warmer and dryer for longer in water temperatures of 49˚ – 58˚ F. With Drylock Wrist Seals, water stays out, and you can focus on riding the waves. The gloves are engineered for a contoured fit, and the textured outer skin offers wind resistance, while the grip palms ensure you stay connected with your board.
Features:
- All New Celliant Black = Stay Warmer
- Quick Dry Fibers = Stays Dryer
- Engineered Design = Contoured Fit
- Textured Outer Skin = Wind-Resistant
- Taitex Outer Seam = Durability
- Grip Palms = Traction On Board
- Drylock Wrist Seals = Locks Water Out
Ideal Water Temp : 49˚ – 58˚ F
Buy Xcel Men’s Drylock Texture Skin 5 Finger Glove 3mm here
Vissla 7 Seas 3mm Wetsuit Glove
Vissla has designed these 7 Seas Wetsuit Gloves to deliver comfort, warmth, and sustainability. They are ideal for cold water temperatures between 49 – 58° F. The superfit gloves boast a wind-resistant Duramax exterior and a full thermal lining that insulates heat and dries quickly. For extra comfort, they have smooth-skin texture with water-tight cuffs. The silicon board grip palms with the Vissla logo add a touch of style, while the glued and blind stitched seams with taitex seal in warmth.
Features:
• Superfit gloves with wind resistant duramax exterior
• Full thermal lining insulates heat and dries fast
• Silicon board grip palms with Vissla logo
• Smooth skin gloves with water tight cuffs
• Glued and blind stitched with taitex sealed seams
Composition: 80% Limestone 20% Nylon
Ideal Water Temp : 49˚ – 58˚ F
Buy Vissla 7 Seas 3mm Wetsuit Glove here
Oneill Psycho Tech 3mm Wetsuit Glove
Oneill’s Psycho Tech Wetsuit Gloves are designed for surfers seeking durability and performance. They feature the innovative TB4 Firewall and Fluid Seam Weld to keep your hands warm in water temperatures between 49˚ – 58˚ F. The gloves include an O’Ring Seal for a snug fit and a Tacky Grip for perfect control on your board. Lightweight yet robust, these gloves offer a balanced combination of warmth, comfort, and grip.
Features:
- TB4 Firewall
- Fluid Seam Weld
- O’Ring Seal
- Tacky Grip
- Light & Durable
Ideal Water Temp : 49˚ – 58˚ F
Buy Oneill Psycho Tech 3mm Wetsuit Glove here
Quiksilver 3mm Marathon Sessions Neoprene Surf Gloves
Quiksilver’s Marathon Sessions Neoprene Surf Gloves offer an outstanding surfing experience in water temperatures of 49˚ – 58˚ F. They are made with STRETCHFlight neoprene and feature Liquide Flex Seal external seams and GBS (glued and blind stitched) seams for maximum flexibility and minimal water entry. The AQUA GLUE eco-friendly lamination confirms Quiksilver’s commitment to sustainability. With these gloves, you’re all set for your marathon surf sessions.
Features:
- Neoprene: STRETCHFlight neoprene
- Seams: Liquide Flex Seal external
- GBS (glued and blind stitched) seams for maximum flexibility and minimal water entry
- AQUA GLUE eco-friendly lamination
Composition: 100% Nylon/Polyamide
Ideal Water Temp : 49˚ – 58˚ F
Buy Quiksilver 3mm Marathon Sessions Neoprene Surf Gloves here
Choosing the Perfect Surf Gloves: Size, Fit and Thickness
For surfers braving chilly waters, wetsuit gloves are indispensable. They provide the needed warmth to keep your hands functional and responsive, crucial for maintaining your grip on the surfboard and efficiently paddling against the waves. But the key to reaping these benefits is choosing gloves of the right fit and thickness. Here’s how to go about it.
To get the correct fit for your surf gloves, check the measurement guide provided by the manufacturer. Measure around the broadest part of your hand, usually around your knuckles, excluding the thumb, with a cloth tape or a piece of string. Ensure your hand is flat and relaxed during measurement.
When trying on wetsuit gloves, remember that while they will stretch a bit when worn, they shouldn’t be excessively tight. If they are, your hands may go numb and feel uncomfortable. Conversely, gloves that are too loose will fill with water, undermining their insulating properties and weighing down your arms. This could tire you out more quickly when paddling or swimming.
Next, consider the thickness of the gloves. Wetsuit gloves typically come in thicknesses of 2mm, 3mm, and 5mm. The right thickness for you depends on the water temperature you’ll be surfing in. Gloves over 5mm are generally too thick for efficient movement and should only be used in extremely cold conditions.
For most water conditions, 3mm gloves strike a good balance between warmth and flexibility. However, if you’re surfing in water temperatures under 15 degrees Centigrade, 5mm gloves might be more appropriate to keep your hands warm.
Armed with these guidelines, you’re well-equipped to choose the perfect surf gloves that ensure both comfort and warmth, enhancing your surfing experience in colder waters. Happy cold water surfing!