Autumn is here. The air is getting fresher, the water is cooling down and your summer suit is starting to feel a little thin. But that doesn't mean the sessions have to stop. With the right wetsuit, the best rides of the year are still ahead. Here's everything you need to know.
A wetsuit works by trapping a thin layer of water between your body and the suit. Your body heats that water, and the neoprene keeps it warm, even in cold conditions. The key is stopping that layer from flushing out when you crash or wipe out. Cold water flushing in forces your body to reheat it constantly, which drains your energy fast. That's why fit, seams and material all matter more in winter than in summer.
The right wetsuit thickness depends on water temperature. Here's the breakdown, based on what our team rides and what the leading brands recommend:
Kitesurfer or wingfoiler? You're in the wind constantly, which makes you feel the cold harder than a surfer sitting in the water. Many riders at the Brouwersdam go one step thicker than the chart suggests, especially when that north wind is blowing. Not sure what's right for your sessions? Come by the shop and ask the team.
Seams are where cold water sneaks in. The better the seam, the warmer you stay.
The inside of your wetsuit matters as much as the outside. A good lining adds insulation, dries faster and keeps you comfortable during those moments when you're not moving — waiting for the next set, drifting upwind or taking a break on the beach.
Not all neoprene is the same, and in cold, windy conditions the difference is very noticeable.
Most riders know the difference between a back zip and a chest zip, but there's a newer option worth knowing about: the U-zip entry system.
A U-zip entry runs in a U-shape across the chest and shoulders, combining the easy entry of a back zip with the warmth and flexibility of a chest zip. Less water intrusion than a traditional back zip, easier to get in and out of than most chest zip systems.
A great example is the Patagonia MS Regulator 5/4 Hooded Full Suit: one of the warmest and most sustainable 5/4 suits on the market, built with a U-zip entry.
In summer, a small gap is annoying. In winter, it means cold water flushing straight in. Your winter wetsuit should feel like a second skin: snug around your neck, wrists and ankles, with no loose folds at your lower back or under your arms.
Since sizing varies across brands, always check the specific size chart or ask our team for help finding the right fit.
Your wetsuit is only half of your winter setup. The water temperature determines not just which suit you need, but which accessories make the difference between a good session and cutting it short.
From 12°C and below: boots
Cold feet end sessions fast. Winter boots are thicker and warmer than summer booties, keeping you comfortable and grounded on your board or foil. New in: the C-Skins Nuwave boots: a warm fit with great feel underfoot.
Shop winter boots →
From 10°C and below: gloves
Once the water drops below 10°C, cold hands affect your grip on your bar, boom or rails. Gloves keep your hands warm and your control sharp.
Shop gloves →
From 8°C and below: hood
You lose a significant amount of body heat through your head. At 8°C and below, a hood is no longer optional, it's what keeps you out there longer. Many 5/4 and 6mm suits come with an integrated hood; if yours doesn't, a separate hood makes a big difference.
Shop hoods →
All season: poncho
The coldest part of a winter session is often after you get out. Wind on wet skin cools you down fast. A poncho lets you change on the beach quickly and warm up straight away, a must-have at the Brouwersdam in autumn and winter.
Shop ponchos →
All season: wetsuit care
To keep your winter suit performing all season, rinse it after every session and use wetsuit shampoo regularly. A well-maintained suit lasts years longer.
Shop wetsuit care products →
The coldest part of a winter session is often after you get out. Wind on wet skin cools you down fast — throw your poncho on straight after, change quickly and warm up in minutes.
Even better: come warm up at the Dam. Drop by for a hot chocolate after your session. Keep an eye on our Instagram to see when we're open.
Give your summer wetsuit the care it deserves before storing it. Rinse it with wetsuit shampoo, check the seams and zippers and repair anything that needs attention. A clean, well-maintained suit is ready to go the moment summer comes back.
Check all Wetsuit Care & Repair essentials →
Not sure what you need? Come by the shop at Brouwersdam, we'll help you figure it out. 🤙
