Best Wetsuit for SUP
Whether you are a beginner learning the ropes or a seasoned paddler, a suitable paddle board wetsuit is sure to improve your paddle boarding experience on colder waters.
After all, these suits provide warmth, and they also add an extra layer of protection against scratches and rashes. Furthermore, some of these wetsuits are sturdy, buoyant enough to protect you in case of accidental falls!
However, due to its fantastic convenience, there are several types, sizes, and shapes of wetsuits available in the market. Thus, finding one that suits your needs the best can be pretty challenging.
As such, in this post, we’ll go over some of the wetsuit types and their uses. Afterward, we’ll view the best suits for paddleboarding to figure out what makes them so exceptional!
Moreover, as a bonus, we’ll also share some valuable tips and tricks to help you pick the ideal wetsuit. So, without further ado, let’s take an in-depth look
What is a wetsuit?
The wetsuit is a watersport accessory that primarily offers thermal insulation. Usually, these suits trap a layer of water that heats up from the wearer’s natural body heat and keeps them warm.
Typically, a wetsuit has about four layers.
Firstly, the innermost layer mostly features a nylon or other comfortable fabric protecting your skin from scratches. Then, it has a heat reflexive metal oxide layer to help trap the heat energy.
Aside from these, the third one is usually a neoprene layer with nitrogen bubbles. And lastly, it sports sturdy water, impact-resistant outer layer to perform well in rough waters.
All in all, it works similarly to multiple thin layers of clothing that trap warm air to protect you from the cold.
The Types of Wetsuits and What they are Suitable For
Wetsuit Jacket
A wetsuit jacket is a top with full-length sleeves. Typically, these jackets are pretty thin. However, they can be about 1-2 mm thick, making them excellent for summertime watersport activities.
Nevertheless, it restricts the wearer’s mobility and fails to offer complete body protection. Thus, it’s not very suitable for paddleboarding.
Wetsuit Vest
Similar to the wetsuit jacket, the vest is like a tank top. However, it lacks full sleeves. Still, it’s a bit thicker, ranging from 2-3 mm.
So, since it has a more practical design, it offers greater freedom of movement to the wearer. Thus, paddleboarders can rely on these vests during the warmer seasons.
Long Arm Wetsuit
In general, the long arm wetsuit offers excellent insulation and full-body coverage. After all, it has full-length sleeves, and it can have a thickness of 2-6 mm.
This way, it’s one of the best types of suits for paddleboarding safely in the northern regions of the globe. Still, this suit may not be able to protect you from hypothermia if you stay too long in the cold water.
Short Arm Wetsuit
The short arm wetsuit is almost identical to the previous one except for not having full-length sleeves. But, that also results in reduced neoprene resistance and lets the wearer paddle more efficiently, skillfully. Typically, these steamers are about 2-3 mm in thickness.
All in all, these suits present a balance and keep the paddler warm, safe in mildly colder water temperatures.
However, it’s better not to rely on these suits if you plan to paddle on the water with 5-6 degrees Celsius or lower temperatures.
Long John Wetsuit
The long john wetsuit is a bit special since it covers the wearer’s whole body except the arms. Thus, it offers ample protection, insulation while still letting the paddler paddle freely without any resistance from the suit.
Nevertheless, this wetsuit is not ideal for paddleboarding in winter since if you fall in the water, this one won’t be able to guard your arms against the bite of cold water.
Short John Wetsuit
Unlike the long john, the short john offers very little body coverage. Yet, it protects your vital organs and keeps them warm while letting you put on other accessories without any hindrance from the suit.
Thus, this suit is suitable mainly for expert skill-level paddleboarders who want greater freedom of movement and customization but are not afraid of hitting the water.
Tips & Tricks to Pick the Best Wetsuit for SUP
Not all wetsuits are equal, and some perform better than others. Thus, it may take you some time to find and pick up a suit that’ll suit your paddling needs.
With that in mind, in this section, we’ll share a few tips and tricks to make the process easier for you,
- If you plan to paddleboard during the winter season or in a relatively colder part of the world, you may want to pick up a full-body wetsuit.
- These suits will cover your entire body and offer you protection against frostbite, hypothermia in case you fall into the water.
- On the other hand, if you wish to paddle during the spring and summer, you can wear a wetsuit vest or those that do not restrict your arms.
- Also, the wetsuits with fewer panels will most likely perform better in the water when you are going for recreational paddling.
Aside from these, you may also want to consider the size and adjustability of the wetsuit carefully. But, fortunately, most modern wetsuits are highly versatile, and they support a wide range of body types, heights.
The Best Wetsuits For Paddle Boarding
1) Hyperflex Access Men’s and Women’s Full Body Backzip Wetsuit
Efficient & Versatile!
A near-perfect combination of high-efficiency construction and its flexible nature makes the Hyperflex’s Access series wetsuit’s hard to beat when it comes to performance and price!
Source: hyperflexusa.com/product/access-fullsuit
Moreover, this series offers the fullsuit for colder weather and the springsuit for warmer seasons. Plus, they have efficiently designed specific versions of these suits for both men and women.
Additionally, the fullsuit is about 3.2 mm, while the springsuit is about 2.5 mm thick.
This way, the suits provide fantastic performance in the water for even the beginner-level paddleboarders.
Also, it has an adjustable neck so that you can customize it to better suit your needs!
VERDICT
The overall best wetsuit for paddleboarding.
2) Hevto Coral Wetsuit
Comfortable & Affordable!
The Hevto Coral Wetsuits are comfortable and affordable with a triple-layer construction and decent quality materials.
Still, while this suit is also 3.2 mm thick like the Access suit, it lacks the performance and versatility offered by the previous one.
However, if you plan to paddle in mildly cold waters, it’ll meet your needs perfectly. Furthermore, it has two layers of nylon fabric to protect your skin from the neoprene layer and keep you warm throughout the paddling session.
VERDICT
A more affordable wetsuit for shorter, recreational paddling sessions.
3) Neo Sport Junior
Versatile & Attractive!
Neo Sport uses advanced technology and top-notch materials to design the Junior full suit and the shorty, making them versatile and attractive.
Source: Neosport Wetsuit
Moreover, the shorty is about 2.5 mm, and the fullsuit is 3 mm thick. Thus, these suits offer excellent thermal insulation for kids.
Aside from these, these unisex wetsuits are full of quality features. For instance, it boasts flatlock seams and soft premium neoprene that ensures high durability and efficiency. Also, these suits come with internal key pockets!
VERDICT
The ideal wetsuit for junior paddleboarders.
4) Neo Sport 2-Piece Step-in Suit
Comfortable & Versatile!
The 2-Piece Step-in Suit from Neo Sport is unique since you can purchase it individually or pick up the whole set, and it boasts fantastic comfort, versatility.
Source: Neo Sport 2-Piece
Also, these suits are 3mm thick. Thus they provide decent protection from the cold water even in the winter.
However, if you wish to enjoy the full benefits of these wetsuits, you may want to get the whole set. Fortunately, there are suitable suits for both men and women, containing the bottom and the top piece.
During the winter, you can wear the entire two-piece wetsuit for maximum warmth, while in spring, summer, you can paddle the ocean wearing the bottom suit that still covers the whole body except the arms!
VERDICT
An excellent choice for paddleboarders who wish to enjoy the sport all year round.
5) Synergy Hybrid EFX3 Triathlon
Powerful & Sturdy!
The Synergy Hybrid EFX3 Triathlon blends powermax traction, anatomical construction to offer a wetsuit that is exceptionally sturdy and powerful!
Source: Synergy Wetsuit
Moreover, these hybrid suits come with a double smooth neck for guarding against chafing. Also, it has adjustable Velcro for a better fitting.
In addition, the suit also sports incredible buoyancy and powermax panels that ensure high propulsion. However, the suit is heavier than the standard springsuit or the average wetsuit. Plus, it’s pretty expensive.
Nevertheless, if you wish to participate in SUP racing or go on long-distance trips, you can’t go wrong with this wetsuit.
VERDICT
The best wetsuit for competitive paddleboarding and extended SUP trips.
Tips & Tricks to Pick the Best Wetsuit for SUP
Not all wetsuits are equal, and some perform better than others. Thus, it may take you some time to find and pick up a suit that’ll suit your paddling needs.
With that in mind, in this section, we’ll share a few tips and tricks to make the process easier for you,
- If you plan to paddleboard during the winter season or in a relatively colder part of the world, you may want to pick up a full-body wetsuit.
- These suits will cover your entire body and offer you protection against frostbite, hypothermia in case you fall into the water.
- On the other hand, if you wish to paddle during the spring and summer, you can wear a wetsuit vest or those that do not restrict your arms.
- Also, the wetsuits with fewer panels will most likely perform better in the water when you are going for recreational paddling.
Aside from these, you may also want to consider the size and adjustability of the wetsuit carefully. But, fortunately, most modern wetsuits are highly versatile, and they support a wide range of body types, heights.
Bottom Line
Wetsuits offer one of the best ways to bring your paddleboarding experience to the next level. Plus, they protect the wearer from most dangers a paddler may face during the outing.
However, it’s better to bring a life jacket too, since not all wetsuits are buoyant enough to support you. Or, at the very least, you may want to wear the SUP safety leash when heading out to the rough waters.
This way, after you have chosen your wetsuit and the safety accessories, you’ll be able to paddle the waves and the waters freely.
But don’t just take our word for it. Instead, pick up one of these quality wetsuits today and enjoy your next paddleboarding adventure!
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