The Best Winter Wetsuits for Kids in 2024

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. We actually wrote an entire book about this!

Lilly Loves Surfing by Bradley Hook

Without further ado, here are the best wetsuits for kids in 2024. Enjoy and happy surfing.

X-Cel Comp 4/3mm

Check out the Xcel Comp Kids Wetsuit — our favorite for 2024! Made with extra care, it’s all about comfort and freedom in the water.

This wetsuit is designed to be super light and stretchy, so kids can paddle and catch waves with ease. With its super flexible material and cozy Thermolite IR core, they’ll stay warm and comfy, even during long surf sessions.

Plus, it’s built tough! The one-piece body panels and strong seams keep them snug and cozy without holding them back. And with a water-tight zipper and Fusion X Seam Tape, it can handle anything the ocean throws their way.

We love the Xcel Comp range for adults, so it’s great to see the brand providing this premium product for the next generation of surfers.

Features:

Buy Xcel Comp (219.95 USD)

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:

Buy Patagonia R2 Yulex ($219)

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:

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:

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:

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:

Buy Rip Curl Dawn Patrol 4/3mm ($199.95)

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.

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:

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:

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.

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.

Stasi is wearing X-Cel Comp 4/3mm

Exit mobile version