Now that summer has come to an end and the water temperature is dropping, surfers are trading in spring suits for something with a little more coverage. It’s the time of the year where we start to think about ways to keep warm in the water so we can continue to catch waves. Luckily, many different surf brands have provided plenty of fullsuit options so if you’re in the market for a new wetsuit for the upcoming months, you can find one that is tailored to fit your needs.
THE CLASSICS
MEN/WOMEN:
O’NEILL
O’neill wetsuits have history on their side. The founder Jack O’neill created the first surf shop in 1952 in San Francisco and the company has been a leading brand in the surf industry ever since. Their wetsuits reflect the O’neill legacy of “firsts” by being made of advanced materials that work to keep you warm in the water while also allowing for flexibility. These wetsuits are made of advanced insulative and hydrophobic neoprene which means they can stretch, offering awesome mobility. You can find these wetsuits in both men and women’s options on the O’neill website.
RIPCURL
You could say that Ripcurl has become an iconic brand in the surfing industry with performance at the top of its priorities. They have sponsored high performing athletes and created wetsuits that live up to their standards. Ripcurl has done this by building on a solid foundation. Instead of starting over and over, they have improved upon some of their iconic wetsuits like the Flashbomb, E-Bomb and Dawn Patrol to improve on what was already working to keep up with their high performance reputation. They offer durable and flexible wetsuits in both men’s and women’s styles.
TECH SAVVY
MEN/WOMEN:
BILLABONG
Billabong uses the Nobel Prize winning material, graphene, to create a warmer and more flexible wetsuit that is built to last. Graphene won a Nobel Prize for being the world’s thinnest, strongest, and most heat conductive material. It seems like it was almost made to be built into wetsuits to keep surfers warm and mobile even in the coldest conditions. Billabong has used this material to line their new wetsuits. This means that when you paddle out, you will warm up faster and when waiting for the next set, the graphene will retain heat to keep you warm while you wait. These wetsuits come in both men’s and women’s lines.
XCEL
Xcel has lived up to its name. It has been a reliable and leading wetsuit brand in the surf industry and often uses new technology to make stronger and warmer wetsuits. Their newest wetsuits are lined with smart fiber technology that is able to convert your body heat to infrared energy. This means that not only does the suit keep you warmer longer, but it also increases endurance and allows for a faster recovery.
FIND THE RIGHT FIT
MEN:
FERAL
The independent company FERAL is run by surfers who build the kinds of wetsuits they want to wear. This means that they have a nonrestrictive design that allows for optimal performance. They are also minimalistic, with no added seams or panels to ensure the best fit. These wetsuits sizes also range from small to double XL.
WOMEN:
SISTER EVOLUTION
This surf brand was made with women in mind. Sister Evolution wetsuits are made to keep women warm and mobile in the water. They have minimal seams that allow for flexibility and a structure that is tailored to fit women. They run from a size 2 to 14.
AKONA
AKONA makes wetsuits that are available in plus sizes. While this brand started as a dive company, they offer a wide range of durable suits that allow for flexibility in the water. Also, since AKONA’s target audience is divers, you can find thicker and warmer wetsuits with a wide range of sizes.
ON A BUDGET
MEN:
NEED ESSENTIALS
Needessentails is run on the concept that less is more. They have designed a wetsuit that gets the job done without adding any extra and unneeded resources and instead, focus on what is needed. By cutting the unnecessary resources, Needessentials has created a wetsuit that is cost effective and keeps you warm in the water. Both their 3/2 and 4/3 full suits start at $180.
WOMEN:
RIP CURL
Not only does Ripcurl offer a classic wetsuit that you can count on but, they also have some economic options. Starting at $149.99 the Ripcurl women’s back zip wetsuits offer premium quality while being reasonably priced. These wetsuits are also known to last so you don’t have to buy a new one every time the water temperature drops in the fall.
ETHICAL
MEN/WOMEN:
PATAGONIA
Patagonia prides itself on its principals of activism and ethics. This company has gone out of their way to make their wetsuits sustainable in every way they could think of. The wetsuits are made with natural rubber, natural glue, and solution-dyed with recycled polyester lining. They are also fair trade certified meaning that the workers who are providing resources to help make these suits are being paid a fair wage and are working in safe conditions.
SUSTAINABLE
The surfing culture has recently shifted to focus on sustainability in order to preserve the water that we love to spend our time in. Here is a list of wetsuits that are made of sustainable material. These brands are all mentioned above and have other benefits. With the companies below, you can feel good about buying a wetsuit that is made of sustainable and recycled materials while also finding one that fits to the category of your needs.
MEN:
Vissla
Billabong
Patagonia
Xcel
WOMEN:
Sister Revolution
Billabong womens eco line
Patagonia
Xcel
AKONA
While we have to say goodbye to the warm water there is still much to look forward to. Moving into the colder months, the waves will get bigger and now you can continue to enjoy the surf with a wetsuit that is just right for you!