How to Choose the Right Winter Wetsuit

November 28 2024
5 min reading time

Surf Longer, Stay Warmer

When it comes to winter surfing, kitesurfing, and wingfoiling, your wetsuit is your best friend. It’s not just about staying warm – a good wetsuit will keep you flexible, comfortable, and ready for action in the coldest conditions. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the right one? Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know to pick the perfect winter wetsuit, including the key features like seams, inner linings, and neoprene. So you can stay warm and enjoy the surf for longer this season.

How does a wetsuit work?

A wetsuit works by trapping a thin layer of water between your body and the suit. Your body generates heat, warming this water, and the wetsuit’s neoprene insulates it, keeping you warm even in cold conditions.

The key is keeping that thin layer of water from flushing out when you crash or dive under waves. Cold water flushing into your wetsuit can sap your energy as your body works to reheat that water. So, for maximum warmth and comfort, it’s essential to choose a wetsuit that fits well and has the right features to keep the cold out.

How to Choose the Right Winter Wetsuit: features to look for:

Choosing a winter wetsuit involves considering three main features: seams, inner linings, and the type of neoprene used. Let’s break these down so you know what to look for:

Seams: what are they and why do they matter?

Seams are where the wetsuit panels are stitched or bonded together. While seams are necessary for construction, they can also be a weak point where cold water can seep in. The way seams are sealed is crucial for warmth and durability.

Different Types of Seams:

GBS (Glued and Blind Stitched): GBS seams are sealed in two ways: first, the panels are glued together, and then they’re stitched halfway through the neoprene. This results in a 95% waterproof seam, which is ideal for winter wetsuits. It's highly durable and keeps most of the cold water out.
Glued Blind Stitched and Fully Taped: In addition to the GBS, the seams are equipped with a flexible taping on the inside of all the seams. This improves the sealing, makes the seams more durable, and it also improves the insulation.
Liquid Seams: Liquid seams are a high-end feature. After the panels are blind stitched, a strong liquid rubber is applied to the outside of the seam, creating an extra waterproof barrier. This method makes the wetsuit nearly 100% waterproof and helps improve the overall insulation. It's perfect for extreme conditions where you need the best protection against water flushing.

Inner Lining: what is it and why does it matter?

It’s not just about what’s on the outside of your wetsuit—what’s on the inside matters too. The inner lining plays a key role in keeping you warm. It adds extra insulation and helps your wetsuit dry faster. Depending on the wetsuit, the lining can range from basic insulation to advanced materials designed for maximum comfort and performance. Every brand has their own type of lining.

Types of Inner Lining:

Halo X2 (C-Skins): This lining dries quickly and is super comfortable on your body, providing great insulation while still feeling lightweight.
Flash Lining (Rip Curl): Known as one of the world’s fastest-drying linings, the “flash lining” is plush all over the wetsuit. It traps warmth and keeps you warmer for longer, even in cold conditions. Plus, it manages moisture well, helping your suit dry quickly after use.
Magma Fleece (Manera): Soft, warm, and insulating, Magma fleece keeps you comfortable during long sessions. It not only adds warmth but also helps your wetsuit dry faster, so you’re ready for the next wave.

The real difference with these linings comes into play when you're not moving—whether you’re chilling on the beach or waiting for the next wave. The extra insulation from the lining keeps you warmer and makes it easier to stay comfortable during those breaks.

Different Types of Neoprene: what’s the best for winter?

Neoprene is the core material in wetsuits, and not all neoprene is created equal. Some neoprene can take on a little bit of water, which is fine in warmer conditions but becomes an issue in colder weather. When the wind is cold, like in the north winds at 6°C, the water in the neoprene starts to cool down, and you’ll feel that chill on your body. It can really affect how warm you stay.

Single Lined Neoprene: Single Lined or Mesh neoprene has a single layer of smooth skin, which doesn’t absorb water. It’s often used on the outer layer of wetsuits to help block the wind and keep you warm. The big advantage of single-lined neoprene is that it prevents wind chill from getting to you. It’s especially useful for sports like kitesurfing or wingfoiling, where the wind can really sap your body heat.

What Comes Next?

Once you’ve selected your wetsuit based on key features like seams, inner lining, and neoprene, the next critical step is finding the right fit. A wetsuit is only as good as how it fits your body. For winter wetsuits, it’s especially important to ensure the suit fits snugly. A tight fit is key. No matter how thick or high-end your wetsuit might be, if it’s too big, cold water will flush in, and you’ll be shivering no matter how much neoprene is in there.

We’ll dive into the importance of fit in the next episode of our guide, where we’ll explain how to pick the right size and get the perfect fit for warmth and comfort.

What size do I need?