Wetsuits for Paddle Boarding Helpful Buyers Guide

Wetsuits for Paddle Boarding Helpful Buyers Guide 1
Wetsuits for Paddle Boarding Helpful Buyers Guide 2

Complete Buying Guide:

Wetsuits for Paddle Boarding

Buying a cold water wetsuit for paddle boarding can be overwhelming. There are so many options. Wetsuits come in different types, thicknesses, entry systems and seam constructions. Where do you begin?

Years of paddling, surfing and swimming in Lake Michigan has taught me the importance of a good wetsuit. Great Lake paddlers and surfers are black belts at keeping warm in icy water. Great Lake water temperatures may peak at 80 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer but plunge into the low 30s in the winter. Most paddle board surfing is done in the fall where water temps are routinely 50 degrees Fahrenheit. I have two wetsuits and assorted tops, hoods, boots and gloves to help keep me warm in all the temperature ranges. You can see my fall/spring wetsuit here and hooded winter wetsuit here.

The right wetsuit will make surfing or paddling in the coldest water fun. This guide will help you pick the best cold water wetsuit for your needs and make the process easier.

“You can’t go wrong with O’Neil and Xcel. My favorite wetsuit brands.”

How do wetsuits work?

Neoprene will allow a tiny amount of water into the suit. Your body temperature will heat the water between your skin and the suit. The neoprene will trap the warm water and not allow new water to enter. A wetsuit keeps you warm both because neoprene is an insulator and because neoprene creates a second layer of insulation, water, that prevents your body’s heat from escaping.

paddle boarding wetsuit

Realon makes a nice 3mm triathlon wetsuit that has plenty of wind-blocking smoothskin. It’s important to have a wetsuit with large blocks of smoothskin if you are going to use it for paddle boarding.


Disclosure

Products I use are purchased with my own funds. I am under no obligation to review any product. This site expresses my own independent opinion.

TheSeasonedSurfer.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com


4 Critical Performance Components You Need in a Wetsuit:

  1. Warmth
  2. Flexibility
  3. Durability
  4. and Fit

We will see how each wetsuit option affects these four critical components.

9 Wetsuit Options to Consider:

  1. Type
  2. Thickness
  3. Neoprene Type
  4. Entry/Zipper System
  5. Seam Construction
  6. Fit & Sizing
  7. Accessories
  8. Price
  9. Warranty

9 Wetsuit Options You Need To Consider:

1. Type Of Wetsuits

Full wetsuit? Shorty Springsuit? Just a jacket and boardshorts? Wetsuit type will affect warmth and flexibility.

Basic Wetsuit Types


Rashguards

These are used as UV protection from the sun. Can be worn under a wetsuit for abrasion    protection. Do not provide warmth when worn alone.

Poly Fleece base layers, tops and bottoms

Worn under a wetsuit for abrasion protection, extra warmth, and can make it easier to    enter/exit your wetsuit. They do not provide thermal protection when worn alone.

Wetsuit shirts 

Perfect for a morning session when a little more warmth is needed.

Vests

Adds a little warmth, allows unrestricted movement for paddling.

Zippered Jackets

Adds warmth when a little thermal protection is needed.

Wetsuits for Paddle Boarding Helpful Buyers Guide 3
Plenty of windblocking smoothskin on this Volcom jacket
Wetsuits for Paddle Boarding Helpful Buyers Guide 4

Neoprene pants and shorts

Adds warmth. Neoprene shorts can be worn under a wetsuit instead of board shorts.

Triathlon Wetsuits

Full suits or Long John/Jane. Super buoyant. Slick skin exterior. Best wetsuit for      swimming.

Long John – Short John

Sleeveless fullsuits. Popular with Kayakers and SUPs. Good for layering. Also used in  Triathlon styles.

Shorty Springsuits

One piece suit with short legs and/or shorts arms. When a little insulation is needed   these can be perfect

Full Wetsuits without hood

Full wetsuits come in a variety of thicknesses for all water conditions from mild to cold.

Women-specific wetsuits

Tailored to include a roomier bust, tapered legs and a reduced shoulder span.

Hooded Full Wetsuits

These are made for the coldest water. Usually 5mm to 7mm.

Once you know what type of wetsuit you need you can begin to determine the wetsuit thickness.

2. Wetsuit Thickness

Wetsuit thickness is the main factor in warmth but will affect flexibility. Thicker is warmer, but thicker reduces flexibility. Wetsuit gear can range from a light 1mm to serious cold water wetsuits that are 7mms thick.

In general, thicker is warmer and more a bit restrictive. There are some higher-end wetsuits that are exceptions. Neoprene quality, creative seam construction and state of the art entry systems are making suits both warm and flexible for their thickness.

3/2 would be three millimeters on the body (most of the wetsuit) and two millimeter on the arms and legs

Thickness is given in two or sometimes three numbers like 3/2, 4/3, 5/3, or 5/4/3. The numbers are millimeters. The first number is the body, the second flexpoints like arms and legs. So 3/2 would be three millimeters on the body (most of the wetsuit) and two millimeter on the arms and legs. This allows less restriction in your arms and legs.

For example a 6/5/4 would be for an extremely cold water wetsuit. 6mm is the body, 5mm for the arms, and 4mm for the legs. If the entire wetsuit was 6mm it would be very restrictive. With thinner material on the arms and legs you will remain toasty in ice water and are flexible for surf and sup paddling.

Wetsuit Thickness Guide


Water Temp FahrenheitWetsuit Thickness Recommended WetsuitSeal Type
>72° Rashguard 
65°- 75°0.5 mm – 2/1 mmTop / Shorty 
62°- 68°2 mm – 3/2 mmSpringsuit / Full SuitFlatlock
58°- 63°3/2 mm – 4/3 mmFull Suit and BootsSealed
52°- 58°4/3 mm – 5/4/3 mmFull Suit, Boots, Gloves, HoodSealed and Taped
43°- 52°5/4 mm – 5/4/3 mmFull Suit, Boots, Gloves, HoodSealed and Taped
42° and below6/5 mm – 6/5/4 mmFull Suit, Boots, Gloves, HoodSealed and Taped

This is just a basic guideline. There are other important variables besides water temperature. Such as…

Your tolerance for cold.

This is important. If you get cold easily consider a thicker wetsuit, better to error on the side of more protection. There are tricks to keeping warm on a cold water session.

Air temperature and sun/cloud cover and wind.

How much time in/out of the water.

 Related to air temperature. As a standup paddler how often are you getting wet? As a surfer how much time are you sitting on your board? Cold winds sap heat big-time. In some places the air can be warmer than the water, you will need less protection.

Performance expectations.

 If performance is your top priority you will want to consider a thinner wetsuit. Or, If your budget allows it a high-end wetsuit will give you adequate warmth and very high performance.

3. Neoprene Type

Neoprene type will have a large affect on flexibility, warmth, durability and to some extent fit. Neoprene technology continues to improved rapidly.

All wetsuits are not created equal

Neoprene wetsuit material quality plays a large role in the performance of a wetsuit. In a cold water wetsuit we always look for warmth, flexibility and durability. The perfect neoprene is insulating, lightweight, stretchy, and durable. Today’s high-end neoprene fits those qualities.

What is neoprene?

Neoprene is the first successful synthetic rubber. It was created in 1930 by Dupont. Neoprene is more resistant to oil, solvents, water and heat than natural rubber Manufacturers can change the chemical and physical properties of neoprene easily.  Automobile tires are actually made of vulcanized neoprene.

Types of Neoprene Wetsuit Material


Standard and Super Stretch Neoprene

Neoprene comes in different grades. Wetsuits will often boast 60-100% super stretch neoprene for performance. Truth is, even today’s entry level neoprene will perform well. Recent technology has created a very good standard neoprene. Generally you get what you pay for. Higher-end wetsuits will use durable neoprene. Stretchy, while great for performance and fit is not necessarily durable. If you’re buying an entry level wetsuit compare the neoprene used to that brands higher end wetsuits. Don’t grab a wetsuit just because it boasts super stretch neoprene. Look for durability too.

Wetsuits for Paddle Boarding
A wetsuit with smoothskin chest panel is great for paddle boarding

Smoothskin Neoprene

Smoothskin – You want it. You need it.

Normally found on the chest of most mid to high-end cold water wetsuits. It is a smooth rubber-like coating over the neoprene that helps block wind, repel water and absorbs heat from the sun. Smoothskin rips easily, so be careful with your fingernails. Wetsuits made especially for paddle boarding will have more smoothskin than a typical surf wetsuit. Look for large panels of smoothskin on the chest, back and hood.

Look for plenty of smoothskin over the chest, back and hood. Smoothskin neoprene is the winter paddlers best friend.

Air Neoprene

Perforated neoprene is sandwiched between two layers of regular neoprene. This insulates similar to a double pane window in a house.

Yulex

Patagonia has created a plant-based alternative to neoprene. It performs very much like neoprene but is more environmentally friendly.

4. Entry/Zipper System

Where the zipper is located on your wetsuit will determine how easy it is to get on and off. It will also affect flexibility and water-tightness. This often comes down to personal preference.

front zip wetsuit
Chest or back zipper are one of the choices you must make when buying a cold water wetsuit.

 Back zip or front zip wetsuit ? Easy entry? or maximum performance?

It comes down to personal preference. Chest zips have become a bit more popular than back zips in recent years, but many surfers still prefer back zip. Back zip does allow a easier entry and with good suits you will have minimal water entry. I own an entry level back zip for cool water and a chest zip for very cold water. I like them both.

What you do NOT want to do is buy a wetsuit a bit big so you can get in and out easier. Fit is critical and your wetsuit should fit like a second skin. If you buy a wetsuit that is too big it won’t keep you warm and will collect water.

Some people seem to struggle getting their wetsuit on and off. If you are one of those people you may want a back zip. There are plenty of great high quality back zips out there.

 Full-Zip Back

Runs the length of the spine. Big opening makes it easy to get on and off. They do reduce flexibility a bit and the long zipper is more chance for water to enter.

Short-Zip Back

Shorter zipper helps maintain flexibility and reduces water entry.

Chest Zip or Front Zip Wetsuit

Chest zippers increase flexibility and further reduce water entry. For some, however, the chest zip makes getting in and out of a wetsuit harder. The chest zip is now the most popular entry system for a cold water wetsuit. Personally I have no trouble getting into my chest zip wetsuit. In fact, I slip in and out with ease. The chest zip is my preferred wetsuit entry/exit system.

NeoSport Wetsuits Full Body Sports Skins Full Body Sports Skins

WETSOX Therms Round Toe Wetsuit Socks

Zipperless

Avoids any flushing of water through the zipper. Most flexible, watertight and warmest zip construction. Downside is getting it on and off. You basically put it on through an elastic super stretchy neck hole. Typically these are expensive suits.

What entry system sounds better to you? Entry systems are an important component to consider when buying a cold water wetsuit. I don’t think you will go wrong with either one. The new wetsuits are very efficient. Some people seem to struggle getting their wetsuit on and off. If you are one of those people you may want a back zip. There are plenty of great high quality back zips out there.

5. Seam Construction

Seam construction will affect warmth, comfort, flexibility and durability. A seams most important job is being water-tight. Wetsuit brands have now dialed in on the best combinations of seam construction to make the perfect cold water wetsuit.

All wetsuits are not created equal

Flexibility

The more material used on a seam the less flexible. So seams that are taped or sealed on both sides are least flexible. Flatlock is the most flexible

Warmth

Seams need to be water-tight. Flatlock will let some water in. All the others are water-tight. GBS is the least durable and will begin to seep before the others.

Wetsuits often have a combination of seams, using the particular strengths of each in the right places on the suit. For example GBS on the arms for flexability and Fluid on the arms and legs for durability.

Wetsuit Seam Construction Methods


wetsuit stitching

Flatlock

Flatlock

Least expensive. Good for warmer water 65+. They do allow a thin layer of water to enter the suit. Used most often in 3mm or less suits. The interior and exterior seams look like railroad tracks. The interior seam is flat for comfort against the skin.

a wetsuit seam

GBS

GBS  Glued blind stitched  

Good for cold water temps. The exterior seam looks similar to flatlock but is narrower in width and the interior seam has a glue line along the seam. Very little water will seep through these seams. They are not as durable as tape sealed or fluid sealed, but are more flexible.

a wetsuit liquid sealed seam

Liquid Sealed

Fluid

Good for cold water temps. Durable.  Liquid sealed on the outside to prevent water from seeping in. A favorite choice for extreme cold water wetsuits.

a taped wetsuit seam

Taped

Taped

Good for cold water temps 55 and below. Same construction as sealed seams but there’s taping along either the interior seam or exterior seam. Durable. This taping reinforces seams and prevents water from seeping through. Another popular choice for a cold water wetsuit.

Stitchless 

On some super high-end wetsuits. The panels of neoprene are fused and glued together. A lighter, flexible, and more durable seam.

What are panels?

A panel is one piece of neoprene. Panels are stitched together to make the wetsuit. The fewer the panels the more flexible the wetsuit is (less stitches). The more panels that are used the better the fit. It’s a trade off. High-end suits may have panels of different neoprene. Cold water wetsuits may have smooth skin neoprene on the chest. Smooth skin blocks wind and retains solar heat.

6. Fit and Sizing – How should a wetsuit fit?

Fit is the #1 consideration on this list.

Ideally a wetsuit should fit like a second skin. To keep you warm the wetsuit must fit correctly. Fit could also affect flexibility and durability.

Buying a cold water wetsuit that fits properly should be your primary focus. An entry-level wetsuit that fits well will out-perform the high-end wetsuit that fits poorly every time. Wetsuit fit is critical.

female triathletes in cold water wetsuits running toward the water
Fit is critical for a cold water wetsuit to function correctly

How should a wetsuit fit?

A wetsuit should fit snug like a glove or like a second skin.

After a wetsuit gets wet it will loosen up. Neoprene has “memory” and will begin to fit to your body contours after you wear it a few times.

A correct fitting wetsuit will be a bit tough to get on. If it restricts your breath it is too tight. You should be able to squat down and move your arms around with only slight restriction. A wetsuit should not limit your range of motion.

You don’t want any gaps, pockets or loose folds of neoprene. There will be extra neoprene around the armpit. This is built in by the manufacturer to increase range of motion and prevent fatigue when paddling.

 An entry-level wetsuit that fits well will out-perform the high-end wetsuit that fits poorly every time.

How do I use a wetsuit size chart?

Wetsuit sizes are not the same as clothes sizes. You need to take body measurements.

Height and chest measurements are the most important for a full body wetsuit.

Measure your chest at the widest point, with the tape gently snug.

As far as height: it is okay if it is a bit on the long side, but cannot be too short, it will be restrictive and uncomfortable on the crotch and neck.

What if I am between two wetsuit sizes?

Ideally try on both sizes. If you’re buying online call the wetsuit experts who will be happy to help you. In general you should go with the higher size if you are in between two sizes.

What if my wetsuit fits poorly?

If your wetsuit is too tight you will be warm but your movement will be restricted and you will be uncomfortably. You will fatigue easier. You could get abrasion from the seams. Your wetsuit will bust at the seams. The seams will be stressed and break down and leak faster.

If your wetsuit is too loose the gaps will allow extra water to enter and your body will have to work harder to stay warm.

How do I get my wetsuit on without a struggle?

Your cold water wetsuit should be a bit hard to get on. So prepare yourself. Since I like getting my workout in the water I wear Wetsox or a lycra bodysuit under my cold water wetsuit. This seems to be a neglected tip among surfers. Heed my words. Make life easier for yourself. Invest in a lycra bodysuit or at the least a pair of Wetsox.

Tip: Wear a lycra bodysuit under your wetsuit for easy on and off.

NeoSport Wetsuits Full Body Sports Skins

WETSOX Therms Round Toe Wetsuit Socks

Getting In (and out of) Your Cold Water Wetsuit

1. Put one foot at a time through and totally outside the wetsuit.

Point your toe and pull your leg through by holding the suit at the top of the leg. When your foot is poking though, roll back the ankle cuff, slide your fingers in between your foot and the suit, and pull the suit out and around your heel. Repeat on other foot.

2. Pull the wetsuit up to your waist

Pull the suit up to your waist. Then pull the legs up all the way. The ankle, knee pads and crotch should be pulled up and positioned correctly. Everything should be lined up, smooth and tight from the waist down. No major folds below the waist.

3. Pull the wetsuit up to your chest

Before you work on the arms pull the suit to your chest. Make sure the crotch is pulled up.

4. Now go for one arm

Open up the arm hole with the thumb of the arm that is not going in the suit. Then use that arm to pull your other arm into the suit. Point your arm slightly downward, when your hand enters the cuff you can extend your arm to the side, keep pulling with your other arm, and push your arm through by raising it over your head always pulling with the helper arm. Adjust the arm and shoulder. Repeat on second arm.

5. Secure the closures

Wetsuits for Paddle Boarding Helpful Buyers Guide 5
Wetsuits for Paddle Boarding

7. Wetsuit Accessories (You may need)

You may need accessories for warmth and comfort in cold water.

  • Wetsuit hoods & caps
  • Neoprene Gloves
  • Neoprene Boots
  • Socks
  • Baselayers
  • Ear plugs

Wetsuit Boots

Wetsuit boots are a necessity when the water turns cold. Cold numb feet will have you stumbling around your board like a drunken sailor.

FIT

Wetsuit boots should fit snug but comfortable.

Never tight enough to cut off circulation or make your toes curl. Boots too tight will cut off circulation and hurt your toes. Boots too tight will not keep you warm like they should.

Never loose with a big gap between your toes and the boot. Any gap will collect with water. Boots too large will be heavy with water, feel clumsy and not give maximum warmth.

So go for snug and comfortable.

  • If your regular shoe size is a half size round down. For example: Men’s size 9.5 should choose size 9
  • If you have WIDE feet go up a size, you can use thick wool socks to fill any gaps

Socks

I recommend wearing wool, neoprene or polypropylene wetsuit socks under your boots. Beside adding insulation, thick thermal socks will make boots that fit too big fit better. Booties do not come in half sizes. I have wide feet. I go a size higher and wear thermal socks to fill the gaps. It works great. Socks will protect against abrasion and make getting boots on/off easier. Never use socks that contain cotton. Cotton will make you colder.

If you read my blog you know I am a big fan of Wetsox. They are slippery socks that make it easy to get your wetsuit on and off. Will add 1mm of warmth. Fit snug and comfortable. Increase the life of your wetsuit by reducing stretch. Come in round toe or split toe. These are not to be worn by themselves, they are a base-layer. I like getting my wetsuit on and off without a struggle, so the extra money spent on these are worthwhile.

WETSOX Therms Round Toe Wetsuit Sock

Types of Wetsuit Boots

a photo of wetsuit boots. when learning how to buy a wetsuit you need to know wetsuit boot types

Round Toe Wetsuit Boots

Pros

Less Expensive

Easier to fit

Cons

Feet tend to roll around restricting the transfer of energy from your foot to the board

Split Toe Wetsuit Boots

Pros

Better grip with the big toe, performance is noticeably better than round toe. Split toe is popular with stand up paddlers who like a tight fitting, more responsive boot. Serious surfers often favor a split toe.

Cons

Toes will be a bit colder

Latex Dipped Wetsuit Boots

Pros

Light and flexibile, great performance boot

Feels as close to being barefoot as you can in a boot

Cons

No durability. You may have to buy a new pair every year

Boot Thickness Chart

The thicker the neoprene the warmer, thicker will reduce performance a bit but cold feet will reduce your performance a lot. If the water is just chilly you can go with a 3mm boot. Minimum for cold water would be 5mm. If you’re dodging chunks of ice go 7mm. It never hurts to go with a thicker boot.

This water temp chart is just a guideline. Everyone has a different tolerance for cold.

3mm: Good for water temps 60 degrees and up

5mm: 50 degrees and up

7mm: 40 degrees and up

Boot Wearing and Caring 

Boots should be worn under the leg of the wetsuit so they do not collect water.

Wetsuit Boots should be rinsed off with fresh tap water after every use. Then air dry. I recommend buying a box fan and putting your boots and gloves open end first in front of it.

Neoprene Gloves

I always wait as long as I can into the winter season before I wear gloves. I like the “feel” of my hands on the paddle. Plus I never felt I has a good grip when wearing gloves.

However since I discovered the Palm Talon Mitts my attitude towards gloves have changes. The Palm Talon is a 3mm neoprene mitt with an open palm. The open palm was a great idea. Love these mitts.

Wetsuits for Paddle Boarding Helpful Buyers Guide 6
Wetsuits for Paddle Boarding Helpful Buyers Guide 7

Neoprene Hoods

An extreme cold water wetsuit will have a built in hood. But if your wetsuit doesn’t have a hood and the water is getting colder. It’s time to take a look at some wetsuit hoods.

Keeping your head warm is a top priority. About 7-15% of your body heat is lost through your head, plus a cold head just makes you feel colder. Hoods can be worn with full wetsuits, springsuits & wetsuit tops. You can also use a 1mm hood as a baselayer under a built in hood. Hoods are very effective, you can keep your head as warm as you want it.

Wetsuit Hood Water Temp Guide

65°- 75°            0.5mm – 2mm

62°- 68°               2mm – 3mm

58°- 63°               3mm – 4mm

52°- 58°               4mm – 5mm

43°- 52°               5mm – 6mm

42° and below      6mm – 7mm

This is only a general guideline. For colder air temperatures, more wind, an activity with less movement or if you get cold easily, consider a thicker hood.

A scull cap or beanie, 1-3mm, can be great on chilly days when a hood might overheat you or feel cumbersome. They can also be used as a baselayer under a hood this is built into a full wetsuit.

Ear Plugs

Cold water paddle board surfing is no joke. Besides a good cold water wetsuit you need accessories like ear plugs.

An ounce of prevention …

There are two types of paddle surfer’s. Those with surfers ear and those without it. Both types, all surfers, should be wearing earplugs. Surfer’s ear (the medical term is exostosis) is caused by cold water entering the ear. For some reason cold water causes the bones in the ear canal to grow. No one knows why this happens. The only way to prevent cold water from entering your ears is to wear earplugs. The only cure for surfers ear once you have it is an expensive surgery to remove the extra bone. 

How can I tell if I have surfers ear?

Only a doctor can tell by looking in your ears. There may be no symptoms, yet. Some signs are that your ears are taking longer to drain. You notice more water collecting in your ears and staying there longer. Your ears may ache as a sign of infection from the dirty water collected in your ears.

What happens is that as your ear canal narrows it gets harder for water to leave your ear. Your ears become a breeding ground for bacteria. If you’ve never had one, ear infections are painful. The condition just continues to get worse until you are in pain so often you hope you can afford the surgery.

Ear plugs will prevent you from getting surfers ear.

If you already have exostosis ear plugs will stop the bones from growing larger.

Forewarned is forearmed

My preferred ear plugs

Macks Pillow Soft Silicone Ear Plugs

Wetsuits for Paddle Boarding Helpful Buyers Guide 8
cold water paddle boarding
Cold water paddling boarding can be great fun.

8. Price – How much does a wetsuit cost?

Wetsuit prices can range from $50 to over $600. Naturally the wide price range reflects the quality levels. All wetsuits are not created equal. You get what you pay for. I know surfers who only buy the best and hold on to their wetsuits as long as possible. While other surfers buy cheap wetsuits and get a new one every year or every other year. It all depends on your budget and how often you surf. Wetsuits definitely do wear out. I think proper fit and keeping your wetsuit out of heat and sunlight are the keys to a long wetsuit life. Never keep your wetsuit in your car.

9. Wetsuit Warranties & Repair

When buying a cold water wetsuit check on the warranty program for your suit. It might be better than you thought.

All wetsuit brands have a warranty program. Most are one year or more. Patagonia offers a life-time warranty. The warranties cover any defect to workmanship or material and they will replace or repair your wetsuit at no cost.

If your cold water wetsuit is out of warranty, or has damage not caused by defect (rock tears, fingernail cuts) you can still send it in to the manufacturer and have it repaired at a reasonable cost. These repairs can take 2-4 weeks. Make sure your wetsuit is cleaned and dry when you mail it in. Some companies will require a proof of purchase.

Do it yourself repairs

if your cold water wetsuit is outside the warranty you can still effectively repair it yourself. Wetsuit adhesive or cement is good for small holes or tears. A wetsuit repair kit like Iron Mend Patch Kit will work for for bigger jobs.

Other factors

Wetsuit Care

Care for your cold water wetsuit is best not to be neglected. If you want your wetsuit to function well for a long time and not smell like a goats ass you will follow a wetsuit care system.

It’s best to develop a system that becomes a habit right after every surf session. It’s really not a big deal once you have it worked out and will save you money in the long run.

Make it a habit

My quick & easy wetsuit care system


Storage Tub

I have a large plastic storage tub that I put my wetsuit in after I paddle or surf.

1. Quick Douse Rinse

When I get home I take a garden hose, fill the tub half full of water and thoroughly douse the wetsuit.

2. Quick Wash

Then I dump the water and fill the tub half full again, this time adding wetsuit soap. I move the suit in/out and around the soapy water. I don’t rub the wetsuit hard. After I feel the wetsuit is clean I dump the soapy water. (always use soaps made for wetsuits)

3. Quick Douse Rinse

I refill the tub half full for the last time and rinse all the soap off the suit.

4. Air Dry

Then I get my wetsuit hanger and hang the suit (inside out) in the shade or inside, never in direct sunlight. If this is in the winter I will hang my wetsuit in the shower and use a box fan to help it dry quicker. (always use a wetsuit hanger so you don’t damage your wetsuit)

And that’s it. No big deal. It only takes about 15 minutes and keeps my suit performing and smelling great.

Storage

Never store a wetsuit in the trunk of a car. Extreme heat or sun is not good for neoprene. Never fold a wetsuit with a crease, the crease will become permanent. Hangers made for wetsuits are the best storage method. Regular hangers will damage a wetsuit.

If you are interested in the history of the wetsuit :

Collectors Weekly – California Cool: How the Wetsuit Became the Surfer’s Second Skin 

3 thoughts on “Wetsuits for Paddle Boarding Helpful Buyers Guide”

  1. It was very kind of you to put this together. It really helped me to understand it better now

  2. Love the info, thanks! I will do my best to keep the suit I buy from smelling like “a goats ass” hahahaa! I’m excited to add this cold water activity to my list of things to do. Btw, the font you chose is beautiful but a bit hard to read as it comes up super light.

Leave a Comment