Types of Wetsuits: A Beginner’s Guide
If you want to surf in cool or cold water, a wetsuit is a must. It helps keep your body warm, protects your skin from the sun, and lets you stay in the water for longer. Without a wetsuit, you might get cold quickly, and your performance could suffer. But not all wetsuits are the same! There are different types, each designed for specific conditions and activities. Wetsuits come in various thicknesses, styles, and materials, so it’s important to choose one that fits your needs. For example, if you’re surfing in colder water, a thicker wetsuit will keep you warmer. On the other hand, if you’re surfing in warmer water, a thinner wetsuit or even a rash guard might be all you need. The most common types are full suits, which cover your whole body, and spring suits, which are shorter and more flexible. Understanding these differences will help you make the best choice for your surfing adventures. Let’s dive deeper into the types of wetsuits so you can pick the right one!
Dry vs. Wet Wetsuits
There are two main types of wetsuits: dry suits and wetsuits.
- Dry suits keep all water out.
They’re made for extreme cold, like Arctic conditions.
They come with gloves, boots, and a hood. - Wetsuits let a little water in.
That water warms up from your body heat.
It creates a warm layer between you and the suit.
Even though they’re called “wet,” they don’t have to be full of water.
In fact, air is better at keeping heat than water.
But keeping a wetsuit totally dry is hard-and not really needed.
Even with some water inside, it still works great.
Neoprene Thickness: Warmth vs. Flexibility
Wetsuits are made of neoprene, a stretchy, warm material.
It comes in different thicknesses, from 0.5 mm to 6 mm.
- Thicker suits are warmer.
- Thinner suits are more flexible and comfy.
But there’s a tradeoff:
The thicker the neoprene, the harder it is to move.
Surfers need to paddle, duck dive, and pop up.
So flexibility matters!
That’s why most wetsuits use different thicknesses in different places:
- Thicker neoprene on the torso to keep your core warm.
- Thinner neoprene on arms and legs for easier movement.
You’ll often see numbers like 4/3/2 on the tag.
That means: torso = 4 mm, legs = 3 mm, arms = 2 mm.
If arms and legs are the same, it may just say 3/2.
Wetsuit Styles and Lengths
Wetsuits also come in different shapes and lengths.
The right one depends on the weather, water temperature, and wind.
Here are the main types:
- Spring Suit (Shorty): short sleeves and legs.
Best for warm water and breezy days. - Sleeveless with Long Legs: more movement for paddling.
Great for warm water with cooler air. - Long Sleeves, Short Legs: adds warmth for your upper body.
- Full Suit: covers your whole body down to wrists and ankles.
This is the warmest option for cold water.
Wetsuit Fit: What to Know
Women’s wetsuits get a lot of attention when it comes to design.
For men, function usually comes first.
But for women, a wetsuit also needs to look stylish and flattering.
It should fit different body shapes but still look and feel great on everyone.
No matter your gender, fit is key when choosing a wetsuit.
We always recommend picking one that fits as snug as possible.
Don’t worry if it feels tight at first!
Wetsuits are made with anatomical cuts, designed to match the shape of your body.
Even the tightest areas will loosen slightly and mold to your shape with use.
What Affects Wetsuit Prices?
The price of a wetsuit mostly depends on the technology used to make it.
Even if two wetsuits have the same thickness, their cost can be very different.
Here’s why:
- Some have better seams that are glued and stitched.
- Others have special features, like thermal lining or water-tight zippers.
- The quality of neoprene also makes a big difference.
So when you see wetsuits hanging in a store, the materials and features- not just thickness- explain the price.
How to Choose the Right Wetsuit
As we mentioned earlier, choosing a wetsuit is all about finding the right balance. You want to stay warm, but you also need to move freely in the water.That’s why most surfers go for the thinnest wetsuit that still keeps them warm enough. If you can surf comfortably in it- without getting too cold- it’s a good choice.
How to Choose the Right Size for Your Wetsuit
A wetsuit should fit as snugly as possible to minimize water circulation inside. Pay special attention to the armpits and crotch-the material shouldn’t bunch up or wrinkle there.
Forget about the ease of wearing a swimsuit or shorts. Neoprene is a tight material, and even the thinnest wetsuit will restrict your movements a little. However, it shouldn’t be too tight either. The goal is to have the same range of motion as without the suit, just with a bit more effort.
Remember, dry suits are a bit less stretchy, and they will stretch slightly over time.
We recommend trying on several sizes. Move your arms around, do a deep squat, and choose the smallest size that allows you to breathe and move comfortably.
One more important thing: the material at the wrists and ankles should fit snugly but not be too tight.
If it cuts off circulation, it will make you feel colder, not warmer.
What Wetsuit Do You Need for Surfing in Morocco?
Choosing the right wetsuit for surfing in Morocco depends largely on the time of year and the region you’re visiting. With its diverse coastline and Atlantic swells, Morocco offers year-round surf, but water temperatures can vary from cool in winter to mild in summer. In the cooler months (November to March), a 4/3mm wetsuit is ideal, especially around Taghazout, Imsouane, or Agadir, where the water dips to around 16-18°C. During the warmer months (April to October), a lighter 3/2mm or even a shorty wetsuit is usually enough. Comfort, flexibility, and warmth are key-so choosing a wetsuit that balances those elements will keep you stoked in the Moroccan surf.
Conclusion
Choosing the right wetsuit makes a big difference in the water. Think about where you’ll surf, how cold it gets, and how much flexibility you need. That way, you’ll stay warm, move freely, and enjoy every wave.
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