Getting kids into the surf is both one of life’s joys and challenges. One bad wipeout can unravel months of progress, and the tendency to avoid discomfort can dampen enthusiasm and delay progress.
As a parent, caregiver, or surf mentor, the best thing you can do to encourage the adoption of surfing as a child’s hobby is to ensure that the surfing experience is as enjoyable as possible. Don’t get me wrong; I’ve seen many kids dive in and endure the worst conditions, driven by pure delight. But some children are slow starters and need some coaxing to bypass the natural tendency towards comfort. This tendency is called homeostasis. When we’re cold we seek warmth, when we’re hot we seek cool. This thermoregulation can save our lives, but the emotions triggered when we feel imbalance can drive us out of the water. Think anger, sadness, anxiety, and so on. Long story short, give your kid the best shot at enjoying their surf session by equipping them with a good winter wetsuit.
The best winter wetsuit for kids must be comfortable, flexible, and warm. Getting little arms and legs into such a wetsuit may still present challenges. Make it a game, especially if the wettie is still wet from your last session (hint: get a wetsuit dryer). The perseverance will hopefully pay off. It did for us. See our not-so-little one doing some nice forehand bottom turns in this video. She’s wearing the Rip Curl Dawn Patrol 3/2 and surfing a Quiksilver Bat 5’6″. The hat is made by our friends at El Dingo.
Without further ado, here are the best wetsuits for kids in 2024. Enjoy and happy surfing.
Table of Contents
Patagonia R2 Yulex
The most sustainable option is made from Yulex rubber and recycled lining. It’s one of the warmest suits tested but is a bit stiffer and harder to get on/off, at least in the beginning. One issue with little wetsuits is that your kids won’t stay small for very long. So either buy a size too big or be prepared to sell the suit after a season or two.
Features:
- Available In: Sizes 6-14
- Material: Yulex rubber, recycled lining
- Seam Construction: All seams are triple-glued and blindstitched; 100% internally taped
- Zipper: Chest Zip
- Additional Features: Sustainable manufacturing, warm interior lining
Quiksilver Boys Prologue 4/3mm
These wetsuits are easy to get on and off, featuring leg zippers and a back zipper entry. They are known for their warmth, though they are not the most stretchy and don’t have an interior lining.
Features:
- Available In: Sizes 6-16
- Material: Standard neoprene
- Seam Construction: Triple glued and blind stitched (GBS) seams
- Zipper: Back zipper with leg zippers
- Additional Features: Smoothie rubber on the chest panel
Buy Quiksilver Boys Prologue 4/3mm ($179.95)
Roxy Girls Prologue 3/2mm
Just like the boys’ version, the Roxy Girls Prologue 3/2mm wetsuit makes getting ready for the beach a breeze. It’s super easy for your little girl to put on and take off by herself, which means more playtime and less struggle. Made with a snuggly blend of FREEMAX neoprene and HYPERSTRETCH 3.0, it’s lightweight yet warm, and with its snug neck closure and back zip, chilly water doesn’t stand a chance. Plus, the sturdy Supratex knee pads mean this cute wetsuit is ready for all the sea adventures she can dream of
Features:
- Available In: Sizes 2-16
- Material: Limestone-derivate eco-friendly neoprene made from scrap rubber tires and Bluesign® certified
- Seam Construction: Latlock stitched seams, water based glue used for lamination
- Zipper: Back zipper with leg zippers
- Additional Features: Supratex knee pads
Buy Roxy Girls Prologue 3/2mm ($119.95)
O’Neill Epic Boys and Girls 4/3mm
The O’Neill Epic Boys and Girls 4/3mm wetsuit is like a cozy secret weapon for young surfers. Sure, it might take a tad longer to peel off without those leg zippers, but it’s worth it. We’re big fans of O’Neill suits like the Hyperfreak and warmly recommend their kid options.
Features:
- Available In: Sizes 4-16
- Material: UltraFlex neoprene
- Seam Construction: GBS seams
- Zipper: Back zipper
- Additional Features: Durable, flexible
Buy O’Neill Epic Boys 4/3mm ($199.95)
Buy O’Neill Epic Girls 4/3mm ($199.95)
Rip Curl Dawn Patrol 4/3mm
The Rip Curl Dawn Patrol 4/3mm for kids stands out as an exceptional choice for young surf enthusiasts. Praised for its excellent value for money, this wetsuit combines the warmth and durability needed for extended sessions in the water. Made from soft and flexible E5 neoprene, it ensures comfort and ease of movement. Its Warm Flash lining adds to the suit’s warmth, making it ideal for cooler water temperatures.
Features:
- Available In: 6-16
- Material: E5 Neoprene
- Seam Construction: GBS seams
- Zipper: Chest Zip
- Additional Features: Stress Point Taping
Buy Rip Curl Dawn Patrol 4/3mm ($199.95)
Hurley Advantage 4/3mm
The Hurley Advantage 4/3mm for kids is more than just a wetsuit; it’s like a superhero suit for the sea! Made with super stretchy Neospan exterior material, it lets your little surfer twist, turn, and ride the waves without anything holding them back. This wetsuit is not just cozy but also an eco-friendly option, using recycled materials like carbon black from old tires and limestone-based neoprene. It features an easy-to-use chest zip and lightweight kneepads that don’t soak up water.
Features:
- Available In: 4-16
- Material: Superstrech Neospan Neoprene
- Seam Construction: Double glued and blind stitched and strategically placed spot tape adds durability where you need it most
- Zipper: Chest Zip
- Additional Features: Forearm panels for maximum propulsion, snug fit
Buy Hurley Advantage 4/3mm ($235)
Billabong Absolute 4/3mm
Made from durable PRO STRETCH with Superlight neoprene and silicon stretch graphene lining, this wetsuit is known for locking in heat and keeping flexibility. It’s a great choice for kids progressing to the next level and needing flex for radical manouvres.
Features:
- Available In: 6-16
- Material: PRO STRETCH with Superlight neoprene and silicon stretch graphene lining
- Seam Construction: GBS
- Zipper: Chest zip
- Additional Features: Durable, flexible
Buy Billabong Youth Absolute 5/4 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit ($349.99)
7 Seas Boys 4/3mm
The 7 Seas Boys 4/3mm wetsuit, made of super stretch Japanese limestone-based neoprene, is not just warm, but also light, soft, and super easy for your kiddo to wiggle into. The Thermal Fever Fiber lining keeps them toasty and dries super fast. Plus, it’s eco-friendly and soft on their skin. The tailored fit is like a second skin, allowing for all kinds of underwater acrobatics without any hold-back. And it’s sturdy too, with a chest-zip that keeps water out, durable seams, and a comfy neck seal.
- Available In: 6-16
- Material: Limestone Neoprene
- Seam Construction: Triple glued and blind stitched seams
- Zipper: Chest zip
- Additional Features: Chest and back smoothie skin panels
Buy Vissla Youth Seven Seas Wetsuit ($229.95)
Conclusion
So, there you have it – our top picks for kids’ wetsuits in 2024! We’ve found some real gems that are perfect for everything from surfing to just playing in the sea.
We recommend finding a good fit, so you might want to head to your local surf shop for a few hours of trying on the various models. Bribe them with tales of your favorite barrel (or ice-cream) and get through the ordeal as quickly as possible.
Buying a quality wetsuit for your child is a big investment but totally worthwhile if you want to have a surfing family.