So what are the essentials when looking for the best Surfing Wetsuit for YOU?

Is it Cost? Is it Warmth? Is it Flexibility? Is it Sizing?

It's most likely going to be a balance between all of these. But the exact balance is going to be different for everyone.

Depending on your water temps, wave conditions, strength, budget, size, and preferences, the ideal surfing wetsuit for you may be totally different than mine or any one of your surfing friends.

Surfing wetsuits are different from other wetsuits out there in that they have varying thicknesses through the suit to provide more flexibility in the torso but maintaining more warmth in the core.

They also have a more durable material in the chest and knees so that you dont rip through these areas while yoursurfing.

Surfing wetsuits have come a long way since being introduced in 1951. The material quality has increased greatly allowing more comfort, flexibility, and warmth. Wetsuit rash is almost unheard of now if you've got a new suit, which is GREAT.

They also have specific surfing wetsuits for women, and have increased the range of shapeand size options allowing for a more custom fit.

When looking to buy a new wetsuit one of the most important things to pay attention to is the fit. You can buy the best surfing wetsuit on the market but if you get the wrong size it can render it almost useless. Which I unfortunately did one time.

If you go to big your going to soak up water like a balloon. And if you go to small your gonna suffocate yourself and either rip your suit or have zero flexibility. So make SURE it's snug.

You can typically find a better deal online on wetsuits but I would highly recommend trying them on in a store before if your not sure what size to get. Each wetsuitmanufacturer will have a sizing chart that you can look at to get an idea but the ranges can be a little big and you really want to make sure you get this part right.

Once you get your sizing it's time to go to the details of the wetsuit.

The things that are going to make the difference are the thickness, the seams, the closure, and the flexibility.

The most common thickness is going to be your basic 3/2 wetsuit. The 3/2 stands for 3mm in the torso and 2mm in the extremities. Everybody is going to be a little different on their selections here depending on how well they can handle the cold and the stitching, but a general guide is:

Springsuit for water temps between 70-75

3/2 for water temperatures between 60-70

4/3 for water temperatures between 50-60

5/4/3 for water temperatures between 45-50

6/4/3 for anything colder than 45

The type of stitching is also going to greatly affect the warmth of the suit. The 3 basic types in increasing warmth, but also cost, are going to be flatlock stitching, sealed, and sealed & taped.

The seams make a HUGE difference in warmth in that the more water that circulates through, the colder its going to be and the more your bodyheat is going to be drained in rewarming the circulating water.

There are all kinds of closures but the most common are going to be the simple back zipper, the short zipper, and the no zip overhead closure. The main benefit of the short zipper and no zip is going to be flexibility, but it also makes it a little more difficult getting into the suits.

The no zip overhead closure is also nice because the extra layer around your chest and neck provides more warmth while allowing alot less water in.

The final thing you are really going to want to pay attention to is the flexibility. As you go up in price, the amount of flex in the wetsuit is going to increase. The greater flexibility is not only going to make paddling and maneuvering much easier but is also going to provide a more custom, glove like fit. The flexibility is going to decrease as you go up in thicknesses but the quality of materials is amazing these days, so that even the thickest surfing wetsuits are still relatively flexible.

If you are just getting into surfing and just need something to get you started the introductory level suits are going to be fine, but if you have been surfing for a while and surf alot in cooler conditions I would highly recommend going for one of the top of the line suits. The difference is HUGE and not only will you be warmer, more flexible, and more comfortable, but you will add hours on top of hours of more surf time.

I am currently using a 3/2 Oneill Psycho 2 for everything from a cool autumn day to an icy SoCal winter morning. The double sealed stitchings on this thing are incredible and make any water conditions feel cozy.

I have also had great luck with life out of the few Oneill suits I have owned. I have tried other suits but am currently loving the Oneill line.

But like I said every wetsuit is going to fit and feel a little different to everyone. So take some time, try a few on, and find the wetsuit that fits your taste and budgetbest.

I guarantee you the extra time you spend getting the right one will more than pay off in the extra hours of comfortable surfing it will provide you through the years.

Once you have found the perfect surfing wetsuit, it is recommended that you rinse it in cold water and hang it up to dry after every session. I'll be honest, I dont always get around to this but I try to as much as possible. You will greatly increase the life of your wetsuit with just this little bit of upkeep after each session.

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