Choosing your wetsuit for board sports

Choosing the right wetsuit makes all the difference when you’re out on the waves. From the water conditions, to the fit of your suit, to your comfort, there’s a lot to consider! In this guide, we’ve got everything you need to know before buying your next wetsuit, so all you need to worry about is doing what you love. 

Do you need to go specific or get an all-rounder?

The biggest consideration when choosing any wetsuit is what you will actually be using the suit for. Are you a kite surfer, constantly fighting windchill? Or are you strictly a sunny day surfer? Are you willing to trade off a bit of warmth for a suit that you can wear in the morning and have it by dry in time for an evening session (i.e. a 1mm or 2mm). 

Climate counts

Also consider the water temperature — the warmer the water, the thinner you want your wetsuit to be. You might also want a thinner suit if you move around a lot on the board, or longer sleeves if you’re mostly active in the sun. If you're in very cold water you might also need accessories like a hood, gloves and boots.

A snug suit is a warm suit

For any board sport, the fit of your wetsuit is everything. A well-fitting suit should give you full range of motion and be snug against your body to keep you warm. Look for blind-stitched, glued seams. These seams prevent water from flushing through your suit to keep you nice and toasty. Also ensure that the horizontal seams don't hit directly at your joints — this stops the suit from rubbing or causing discomfort. 

You can also think about whether you want a chest-zip or a back-zip. A back-zip is much easier to get in and out of, but a lot of surfers prefer a chest zip so there’s no zipper-string to get in the way. 

Something you'll wear for years...

A good wetsuit is an investment that could potentially last you for years, so it’s important to look for a brand that uses quality materials and prioritises durability. At Made For It, we use limestone-based neoprene in all our wetsuits. Limestone is not only more sustainable than petroleum-based neoprene, but it offers greater flexibility and thermal protection. In addition, we produce all our wetsuits in limited-edition small batches, prioritising uniqueness and sustainability. 

Our wetsuits are designed to be the perfect all-rounders, offering a balance of warmth and flexibility. Many of our customers wear our Springies and Shorties year-round, making them a great go-to when buying a suit. Our Steamers are ideal for anyone wanting a bit more warmth in those cooler months, without compromising on range of movement. 

You do you

Overall, choosing a wetsuit is such a personal decision, because only you know what feels best on your body. Choose your suit based on your sport and the conditions. For all board sports, look for something flexible with good seam placement. Like we always say, as long as you feel fabulous in your suit, you can’t go too wrong.