There are lots of free ends you should tie up earlier than you’ll be able to really head out into the water, and a paddleboard wetsuit is without doubt one of the massive ones. We’ve hand-picked 10 of the most effective wetsuits for paddle boarding to assist assure a secure time out on the lake, sea, or ocean of your alternative.
In this text, you’ll be able to anticipate an in depth breakdown of each function that’s vital for selecting a wetsuit, from materials and thickness to cost ranges.
Despite all of the technicalities, choosing out a go well with is lots less complicated than you may suppose, so disregard the voice behind your head that claims “why not just wear a swimsuit?” and make an knowledgeable determination.
Keep studying to search out the proper wetsuit for paddle boarding for your entire water-filled adventures!
Quick Answer: Best Wetsuits for Paddle Boarding
10 Best Wetsuits for Paddle Boarding
Between our high 10 picks, you’re certain to search out the proper paddle board wetsuit for you:
Stohlquist Men’s Storm John Wetsuit
At A Glance: 3mm Standard neoprene | Flat-lock seams | Relief zipper w/ elastic zipper lock | Reinforced knees & seat
While we keep {that a} full-body wetsuit for paddle boarding is often the best way to go, this mannequin gives an ideal security web should you determine to do SUP in the summertime.
The Storm John’s red-and-black shade scheme is trendy by anybody’s requirements, and also you’re more likely to discover a dimension for any physique sort. The 3mm-thick neoprene is ideal for late-spring and summer time paddle boarding, and should you’ve been working in your biceps just lately, you’ll positively recognize how ethereal the sleeveless design is. With that mentioned, that is positively not the selection for you if you wish to courageous the ocean throughout the colder components of the yr.
Wetsuits can generally really feel just a little tight across the knees, however you gained’t be having that drawback with this explicit mannequin, courtesy of the SupraTex knees. What’s extra, the elastic zipper lock permits you to get away with going up or down a dimension, whereas the flat-lock seams guarantee nothing will probably be coming off with out your say-so.
Although you shouldn’t have any hassle placing on or taking off a decently made wetsuit, this specimen is especially simple to slip out and in of, because of the conveniently formed cuff openings.
Hyperflex Access Wetsuit
At A Glance: 3mm 4-way stretch light-weight neoprene | 50+ UV protect | Flat lock inside seams | Knee-pads & underarm gussets
This paddle board wetsuit units a severe precedent for its rivals, as its spectacular spec sheet clearly demonstrates – the go well with gives every part from a smooth design to the highest-end performance you’ll be able to hope to search out.
If the sleeveless design of the earlier entry isn’t to your liking, the Hyperflex Access Wetsuit additionally gives full arm safety whereas nonetheless boasting a summer-friendly, 3mm neoprene construct. On high of being extraordinarily versatile, the go well with gives some unbelievable UV safety, permitting you to paddle board with the most effective of them on even the most popular of days.
You’ll usually wish to put on one thing beneath your wetsuit (maintain studying to search out out extra about that), however the flat-lock seams on this explicit mannequin allow you to go commando with little to no likelihood of irritation.
Taking the go well with off is each bit as simple as placing it on, owing to the again zip and stable match. Whether you’re coping with freshwater or saltwater, you’ll be getting lots of stretch at a really inexpensive worth.
Also, good luck placing a tear on this factor – the go well with is ideal for quite a lot of water-based actions past simply paddle boarding.
Hevto Wetsuit
At A Glance: 3mm neoprene & nylon elastic cloth Flatlock stitching | Fitting neckline | Back zip & hook and loop fasteners
Although there’s no scarcity of unisex wetsuits for paddle boarding, this explicit mannequin caters to the women like few others can.
Whether you’re searching for a easy, dichromatic design or one thing just a little extra cutesy, you’ll have quite a lot of choices to select from with regards to this mannequin. The 3mm neoprene development is good for hotter temperatures, and it’ll really feel like a second pores and skin that additionally occurs to offer you some much-needed buoyancy within the water.
Another vital part of the go well with’s development is the nylon elastic cloth, which supplies you the type of motion vary you’ll affiliate with rather more costly fashions. The extra-solid safety from jellyfish stings can’t go unmentioned right here, both!
Finally, this wetsuit is available in each attainable dimension underneath the solar, making it the proper alternative for in-betweeners who are inclined to have hassle discovering garments that match them. There’s no waist dimension Hevto wetsuits can’t accommodate, making this one of many premier picks for females seeking to hit the waves.
On high of that, the UV safety is second to none, to the purpose the place any guys studying this may really feel a bit shortchanged!
NeoSport Wetsuit
At A Glance: 3/2 – 7/5mm neoprene | Spot taped at stress factors | Flatlock seams | Lycra trimmed arm, neck & waist openings | Thermal bonded knee pads | Adjustable collar | Internal key pocket
Worry not, males, we’ve bought you coated, too… Wetsuits for paddle boarding don’t come rather more numerous than this, each when it comes to accessible sizes and thickness choices.
One of NeoSport’s largest promoting factors is that they don’t specialise in seasonal merchandise – they make all method of neoprene wetsuits for any season, from 3/2 to 7/5mm. These issues additionally really feel extraordinarily comfy across the arms and neck, because of the lycra openings.
The thermal-bonded knee caps will allow you to make some risque actions whereas in your paddle board with out having to fret about abrasion. The go well with incorporates a safe inside pocket in your keys or trinkets, and you may even modify the collar for an additional little bit of consolation (additional helpful should you’re paddle boarding in the summertime and wish your neck to breathe).
Although this can be a comparatively minor contact, yow will discover this go well with in a few totally different shade variations. Whichever one you select, you’re assured to catch some appears on the seaside on this factor!
Dark Lightning Full Body Wetsuit
At A Glance: 3/2mm neoprene & stretch nylon | Zipper & premium Velcro | 25 dimension choices | Flat lock stitching
Behind its deceptively easy design, this wetsuit for paddle boarding gives among the greatest efficiency available on the market as we speak.
With a whopping 25 sizes to select from, you’re assured to discover a Dark Lightning wetsuit that matches you. The go well with is 90% neoprene, whereas the remainder is stretch nylon, so even should you get the dimensions barely flawed, there’s greater than sufficient stretch to make up for it.
This stretchiness might be Dark Lightning’s largest promoting level, as you need to use the go well with for something from scuba diving to browsing if want be. The mixture of supplies additionally helps it dry off exceptionally rapidly, supplying you with one much less factor to fret about should you plan on paddle boarding a number of days in a row.
3/2mm is a good thickness for paddle boarding wetsuits – the 3mm across the chest space will maintain you loads heat within the spring and summer time, whereas the marginally thinner legs and arms sections enable for added mobility whereas nonetheless offering that trademark safety.
OMGear Wetsuit
At A Glance: 3mm neoprene & stretch nylon | UV safety 50+ | Back zip | Mock turtleneck design | Elastic knee pads
The high of a paddle board is hardly the place to attempt to look trendy, nevertheless it’s arduous to withstand SUP wetsuits with as a lot pizazz as this one.
If “plain-looking” fits simply don’t attraction to you, you’ll be blissful to know there are a slew of shade and design choices to select from (for each women and men), and the costs are by far among the many greatest available on the market proper now.
You’d be hard-pressed to discover a extra comfy wetsuit than this, because the neoprene/stretchy nylon mix actually lets your pores and skin breathe whereas nonetheless offering that top-quality chilly and UV safety. Putting this factor on is a cinch because it incorporates a handy again zipper, and the 3mm thickness makes it excellent for gentle and heat climate.
It’s price noting that OMGear merchandise are under no circumstances waterproof, so should you’re anticipating to get out of the water comparatively dry, you may wish to look elsewhere. To offset this, the go well with has some nice quality-of-life options, like a turtleneck you’ll be able to roll as much as scale back the influx of water. Besides, you’ll be able to nonetheless reap the advantages of added buoyancy through the use of this go well with for swimming and scuba diving too.
Scubadonkey Aqua Polo Wetsuit
At A Glance: 3/2mm 4-way stretch, abrasion resistant neoprene | Flatlock stitching | Neoprene gaskets at neck, wrist & ankles
If you may get previous the considerably doubtful title, this wetsuit for paddle boarding may simply be among the finest investments of your SUP profession.
The very first thing to notice right here is the triple-layer design, which gives loads of safety from wind, moisture, and UV rays alike. The outermost layer is essential right here, because it’s made up of an especially stretchy cloth that offers you just a little bit extra glide within the water than your run-of-the-mill wetsuit.
The go well with additionally options Super Stretch gaskets across the neck, wrists, and ankles, which allow you to put it on and take it off in moments flat. The 3/2mm neoprene thickness provides you the proper mix of heat and mobility, though that is positively not one thing you’ll wish to put on in winter or late fall.
A closing factor price mentioning could be the worth. Although wetsuits are hardly a high-margin commodity, the Scubadonkey Aqua Polo Wetsuit is without doubt one of the extra inexpensive choices on our record, making it the proper alternative should you’re simply unsure if you wish to decide to paddle boarding in the long run.
O’Neill Men’s Wetsuit
At A Glance: 3/2mm extremely stretch neoprene | Backzip system | Seamless design | Wind-resistant
Taking issues up a peg when it comes to pricing, this wetsuit for paddle boarding is a high-end choose by means of and thru.
O’Neill is a model that instructions respect throughout all its merchandise, and that is no exception. The 3/2mm neoprene construct lends itself splendidly to the paddle boarding area of interest, because it retains you loads heat with out compromising your mobility. The clean pores and skin floor permits you to SUP even on the windiest of days, and the seams are positioned in such a means that they create abrasion all the way down to a minimal.
You shouldn’t have any worries so far as the match is worried, as this go well with is available in each dimension you would presumably want. It’s additionally extremely stretchy, supplying you with that always-welcome leniency in case your dimension is out of inventory, and you may get away with fast and speedy actions with out worrying about tears or some other type of harm to the go well with.
Synergy Triathlon Wetsuit
At A Glance: 5mm hydrodynamic neoprene | High grade anti corrode inside zipper | Low neck with snoothskin materials | Triple stitched seams | 19 sizes
The overwhelming majority of our picks up to now have been extraordinarily budget-friendly, however should you’re searching for one thing just a little extra skilled, this is without doubt one of the most interesting wetsuits for paddle boarding yow will discover.
This award-winning girls’s go well with has a tremendous 5/3mm neoprene development, offering you with top-of-the-line, year-round safety with out affecting your mobility within the slightest. Thanks to its thick and buoyant core, the Synergy Triathlon Wetsuit successfully doubles as a glorified lifejacket within the occasion of a serious wipeout.
The drag on this go well with is virtually nonexistent, to the purpose the place it feels such as you’re sporting nothing once you’re within the water. On high of that, nifty options like the graceful pores and skin neckline and anti-corrosion inside zipper go a great distance in making this among the finest fits available on the market as we speak.
Shorty Wetsuit
At A Glance: 3mm neoprene | Heavy obligation entrance zip | Velcro collar | Silicon printing on knees | Reinforced flatlocked stitching
If you’re seeking to take your SUP abilities to the subsequent stage, the Shorty line is without doubt one of the greatest wetsuits for paddle boarding you may get your arms on.
With a normal thickness of 3mm, this neoprene go well with is good for gentle temperatures, though the flat-lock stitched seams provide a good bit of leeway should you select to put on it throughout colder seasons. The mixture of neoprene and nylon cloth makes for the proper insulator, and albeit, we’d be shocked should you managed to place a tear on this factor.
On high of all that, the safety it gives from each UV rays and aquatic fauna is actually top-notch, and the truth that the zipper is within the entrance makes it extra-easy to take off. The solely actual draw back of getting a “standard” entrance zipper is that the entrance of your neck is pretty uncovered, which can wind up letting a bit of additional water into the go well with.
Read More: 10 Best Life Jackets For Paddle Boarding: 2023 Guide
Why You Need a Wetsuit for Paddle Boarding
The science behind how wetsuits work is just a little difficult, however we’ll spare you the horrid highschool chemistry flashbacks. The in need of it’s, wetsuits for paddle boarding are usually fabricated from neoprene (with skinny layers of different supplies sprinkled in), which prevents warmth from exiting the physique. Add to that the truth that they cowl you neck to toe, and you’ve got your self one of the vital equipment in any paddle boarder’s arsenal.
The purpose it’s known as a wetsuit is that it incorporates a skinny layer of water into its design – these fits are designed to let a small quantity of water in and maintain it heat, including an additional layer of safety from the chilly.
Even if the climate is nice and the ocean isn’t freezing, you’ll positively wish to put on one in every of this stuff in case you fall off your board. When you’re within the water, wetsuits improve your buoyancy, which reduces the quantity of power you should exert to maintain your self afloat. Naturally, this makes swimming again to your paddle board that a lot simpler, and it may possibly make an enormous distinction in a very sticky state of affairs.
On that observe, loads of modern-day wetsuits are coated in what’s known as Super Composite Skin, which repels water and additional provides to your motion pace. As an added bonus, this built-in “water repellant” mechanic makes it so the go well with doesn’t follow you, making it simpler to take it off when you’re on dry land.
Although the primary purpose to put on a wetsuit is to fight hypothermia, there are particular advantages to sporting a skinny one in hotter climate too. Given that they virtually protect your total physique, wetsuits provide substantial safety from issues like jellyfish stings and the occasional pointy rock or reef.
Not to say, sea and ocean temperatures can fluctuate wildly from spot to identify – the heat of water close to the coast is a shoddy indicator of its temperature as you progress deeper in, so whichever means you spin in, getting a wetsuit for paddle boarding isn’t a nasty thought.
How to Choose the Best Paddle Board Wetsuit
There are quite a lot of belongings you’ll wish to look out for when choosing out the proper paddle board wetsuit. Here are among the high issues to bear in mind!
Fit
The first and most blatant factor is that you just’ll need a wetsuit that matches you nicely. Unlike different articles of clothes the place you’ll need just a little little bit of respiration room, the best wetsuit feels tight round your physique with out being constrictive. This is to be sure that the small quantity of water that makes its means in stays in place, regardless of how briskly or erratic your actions on the water are. If you’re feeling like all a part of your go well with is dangling or ethereal, you’ve bought the flawed go well with.
A great way to check a wetsuit is to do some mild stretching as soon as you set it on (you ought to be doing this as a warmup both means, as paddle boarding will be an intense cardio & power train). You’re alleged to really feel the tiniest little bit of resistance once you attain down to the touch your toes, however your arm and leg actions ought to under no circumstances really feel restricted in any means.
Then there’s the matter of deciding whether or not you need a go well with with a again or chest zipper. Although the variations are fairly negligible, you’ll usually discover that wetsuits with chest zippers are much less restrictive when it comes to motion, however these have a tendency to come back at the next worth for quite a lot of causes.
Weather
Another enormous issue is the time of yr you propose on paddle boarding – the hotter the climate, the thinner you’ll need your go well with to be.
Look out for 3/2mm wetsuits should you’ll be paddling primarily throughout spring and summer time months in hotter waters. What this implies is that the core of the wetsuit will probably be 3mm to maintain you heat and buoyant, whereas the legs and arms are a thinner 2mm for elevated airflow and a greater vary of movement.
If you’re planning on paddle boarding throughout colder months or within the chilly ocean, you’ll wish to go for a wetsuit with a thickness of round 5mm or extra to maintain you toasty even in frigid situations.
Stretch
If your finances permits for it, you’ll need the stretchiest go well with you may get your arms on. The diploma of stretch on a neoprene go well with (generally known as Super Stretch) can differ vastly from pattern to pattern, so if you would like the highest-quality safety, coupled with a bit of additional wiggle room when it comes to sizing, attempt to discover a go well with fabricated from 100% stretch neoprene.
Price
On the subject of finances, there are a selection of issues that may have an effect on the worth of a go well with, with most falling someplace between $50 and $400. Just to offer you a tough thought, shorty wetsuits are inclined to price lower than full-body ones, and the worth tends to go up with thickness too.
The key distinction between a low and high-end wetsuit is the insulation it offers. You can usually anticipate dearer fashions to maintain you hotter, however there’s no have to go overboard except you propose on paddle boarding in excessive climate – actually, you’ll discover that the majority of our picks fall comfortably throughout the budget-friendly class!
Read More: Top 10 Best Paddle Boards for Surfing [2023]
SUP Wetsuits FAQ
If you continue to have some questions on discovering the most effective paddling boarding wetsuit, take a look at these FAQs for extra info.
The quick reply is, it is determined by the climate. If the temperature dips nicely underneath 50 levels, you’ll positively need a 5mm go well with on the very least, however in any other case, a 3mm piece (which additionally occurs to be the commonest) ought to do exactly fantastic.
You don’t actually need to put on something underneath a wetsuit, particularly should you bought the dimensions good. With that mentioned, should you’re fearful about chafing, you’ll be able to apply anti-chafing gel or placed on an everyday swimsuit beneath.
If the climate is chilly, the reply is a categorical sure, for all the explanations we outlined earlier within the article. In {the summertime}, wetsuits barely much less important, though they do provide some wonderful UV and scrape safety that you just gained’t wish to miss out on.
Just as a result of your wetsuit is moist after a paddle boarding session, that doesn’t imply it’s clear. Be certain to rinse it in and out at dwelling and depart it out to dry in a single day. Wetsuits usually don’t shrink within the typical sense, however failing to dry off your go well with correctly can lead to a lack of stretchiness and lowered consolation.
And that concludes our record of the ten greatest wetsuits for paddle boarding you should purchase as we speak. We hope we’ve accomplished a great job at explaining simply why sporting one is so vital, particularly in chilly climate, and chances are high you’ve discovered your excellent match someplace on this record!
Looking for extra paddle boarding ideas? Check out these guides:
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