HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR WINTER WETSUIT

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR WINTER WETSUIT

Turn Winter Swells Into Your Season

The complete, technical guide that’s still easy to understand

When winter swells hit and the ocean turns icy, your wetsuit isn’t just gear — it’s your lifeline. This guide breaks down everything you need to stay warm, surf longer, and pick the suit that truly fits you.

1. Temperature vs. Thickness

Thickness (in millimeters) is your starting point — then adjust for wind, session length, and your own physiology.

Water Temp (°C) Water Temp (°F) Recommended Thickness
16–19 60–66 3/2 mm
14-16 57–60 4/3 mm
10-13 50–55 5/4 mm
<10 <50 5/4/3 or 6/5/4 mm (hooded) + warm boots & gloves

Adjust the chart for:

🌬️ Wind chill: Strong offshores make a suit feel one step colder — Smoothskin panels and sealed seams help.
⏱️ Session length: Over 90 min? Prioritize thermal linings and seam sealing over flexibility.
🧬 Your physiology: Lean or low-circulation surfers run colder — consider thicker or hooded suits.
🌊 Wave period: More duck dives = more flushing. Choose better seals.
🏄🏼 Board choice: Shortboards need tighter seals; bigger boards = less duck diving.

2. Entry Systems & Flush Control

✅ Easiest entry & exit. Modern back zips with internal dams can be fine for mid-winter if you prioritize comfort over absolute seal.

Best for casual winter sessions or surfers who prefer easy on/off.

Flush tip: internal shoulder dams reduce the first duck-dive flush.

🔥 Warmer and more flexible in the torso, with better flush resistance when duck-diving into winter sets.

Default for most winter conditions — great warmth-to-flex balance.

Look for an adjustable chest cinch plus anti-flush wrists/ankles.

⚡️ Lightest and most flexible option. Relies entirely on patterning and seals — excellent when perfectly sized, but unforgiving if not.

Performance-focused; make sure the fit is dialed for punchy beach breaks.

If you duck-dive a lot, double-check wrist/ankle seals.

3. Seams & Construction

Beyond thickness and entry systems, the real secret to how warm and durable a wetsuit feels lies in how it’s built. Every panel and seam is a balance between warmth, stretch and longevity. Fewer seams mean fewer weak points, but the right joining and sealing is what makes that warmth work in real winter sessions.

Flatlock seam close-up

Flatlock Stitching

Breathable

Overlapped panels stitched through. Strong and comfy, but allows some water entry — better for milder conditions or thinner suits.

Best for: warmer sessions / 3/2 mm

GBS seam close-up

GBS (Glued & Blind Stitched)

Cold-water go-to

Glued and stitched without piercing the neoprene. Minimises leaks while keeping the suit supple — the standard for winter suits.

Best for: cold water / 4/3–5/4 mm

Internal taping detail

Internal Taping

Reinforced

Elastic tape over glued seams on the inside adds strength and reduces flushing in high-stress zones (shoulders, knees).

Best for: extra durability / long sessions

Liquid seal seam close-up

Liquid Sealed Seams

Max seal

A thin layer of liquid rubber over the seam for near-watertight sealing. Warmest finish; slightly heavier and premium.

Best for: freezing conditions

Quick Comparison

Construction Warmth Flexibility Durability Best for
FlatlockBreathable



Milder conditions / 3/2 mm
GBSCold-water go-to



Cold water / 4/3–5/4 mm
Internal TapingReinforced



Long sessions / high-stress zones
Liquid SealedMax seal



Freezing conditions / premium suits

4. FOAMS, LININGS & WIND PROTECTION — WHAT ACTUALLY KEEPS YOU WARM

Beyond thickness, real warmth depends on what’s inside your wetsuit. Each suit is built with three layers that work together to keep you warm, dry, and flexible during winter sessions.

  1. 1

    FOAM (THE NEOPRENE CORE)

    The base insulation of your wetsuit — traps heat through air bubbles while providing buoyancy and stretch.

    • Limestone neoprene — lightweight and flexible for excellent warmth-to-weight.
    • Yulex® / natural rubber — plant-based, warm and durable, slightly stiffer feel.
  2. 2

    LINING (THE LAYER AGAINST YOUR SKIN)

    Keeps warmth close and dries quickly between sessions for comfort and longer surf time.

    • Brushed thermal fleece — soft and insulating, wicks moisture efficiently.
    • Graphene / infrared yarns — retain heat and improve circulation without bulk.
  3. 3

    EXTERIOR WIND PROTECTION

    Shields your core from wind-chill and water evaporation, key for exposed or offshore conditions.

    • Smoothskin (closed-cell finish) — dense, rubbery layer that blocks wind and repels water.
    • ⚠️ Smoothskin is very delicate and fragile and should be used with care.


5. Biomechanics & Panel Layout

In winter, your shoulders and core work overtime. A well-engineered wetsuit uses smart panel placement and anatomical shaping to reduce fatigue, boost mobility, and keep your heat where it belongs.

  • Pre-bent elbows and underarm stretch zones for paddle recovery

    PADDLE RECOVERY

    Use pre-bent elbows/knees and underarm/lat stretch zones for easier, faster stroke return.

  • Low seam count across shoulders, lats and chest for flexibility

    LOW SEAM COUNT

    Keep seams to a minimum across shoulders, lats and chest to reduce chafe and boost flex.

  • High-stretch panels and dense foam for heat retention

    SMART PANEL PLACEMENT

    Place high-stretch panels where you move and denser foam where you lose heat (kidneys, lower back).

6. HOODS, BOOTS & GLOVES: THE COMFORT TRINITY

Cold-water surfing is a ritual of preparation. Beyond the suit, it’s the small details — a snug hood, grippy boots, and gloves that still let you feel your board — that turn discomfort into flow.

Together, they form your comfort trinity, keeping you connected, warm, and ready for whatever the lineup throws your way.

🥶 Hooded Vests

Integrated hooded suits seal best — look for a glideskin face seal and a small drain at the back so water escapes instead of pooling.

For borderline temps, layer a thin hooded vest under your 4/3. It’s a powerful warmth upgrade without adding much bulk.

Integrated hood with glideskin face seal and back drain

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🥾 Boots

  • Thickness guide: 3 mm (mild), 5 mm (cold), 7 mm (very cold).
  • Split-toe vs round-toe: Split-toe = better board feel; Round-toe = more warmth.
  • Sole & arch: Thicker soles insulate but reduce feel; solid arch support helps on long sessions.
  • Cuff rule: Boot cuffs go inside the suit leg to minimize flushing. Adjust the ankle seal last.
Split-toe vs round-toe, thickness and cuff placement

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🧤 Gloves

  • Thickness guide: 1.5–2 mm = more feel; 3–5 mm = more warmth.
  • Palm grip: Tacky palms improve paddle hold and board feel.
  • Seams & lining: Sealed seams + thermal/quick-dry lining keep hands warmer, longer.
  • Cuff rule: Glove cuffs go inside the suit sleeve to minimize flushing.

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7. FIT SCIENCE: HOW TIGHT IS "RIGHT"? 🤔

A winter suit should feel like a second skin: snug everywhere without pinching or restricting breath.

1. Dry fit: No air pockets in lower back, armpits, or crotch. Neck snug but not choking.

2. Breathing test: Take a full breath; the chest panel shouldn’t balloon out.

3. Range of motion: Hold your hands overhead for 30 s; there should be no biting seams or shoulder pinch.

4. Knee pads and crotch seams must be in place.

5. Cuff tension: Wrists/ankles snug; you should feel a gentle seal, not a tourniquet.

➡️ Between sizes? In winter, lean toward the snugger option (within reason). Neoprene eases slightly after 2–4 surfs.

8. CARE, CLEANING & STORAGE

Make it last years — keep your neoprene clean, dry and correctly stored.

After Session Rinse

  • Rinse with cool, fresh water after every session.
  • Turn inside-out first; then flip to dry the exterior.
  • Always dry in shade with airflow — UV and heat damage neoprene and glues.

Deep Clean

  • Use a wetsuit-specific shampoo to remove salt and bacteria.
  • Occasional anti-odor soak keeps linings fresh.
  • Never use hot water, radiators, car heaters or tumble dryers.

Smart Storage

  • Use a wide-shoulder hanger or fold over the waist to avoid stretching neck/shoulders.
  • Store cool, dry and out of direct sun.
  • For travel, pack flat; avoid sharp folds at zipper and seam lines.

Field Repairs

  • Keep neoprene cement, flexible tape and patch scraps.
  • Fix small nicks early — leaks grow if ignored.

Recommended Cleaner

9. SIMPLE DECISION FLOW 🧭

Unsure which wetsuit to pick? Follow this quick roadmap — six checkpoints to make your winter choice easy and smart.

1

WATER TEMP + WIND

Start with the thickness chart. Step up if it’s windy or your sessions go over 90 min.

2

ENTRY SYSTEM

Chest zip for winter; back zip for easy entry; zip-free only if fit is perfect.

3

SEAMS & LINING

Look for GBS seams, taped joints and a thermal lining — essential for cold water.

4

FIT CHECK

No flushing at neck, back, wrists or ankles. Pass the 30–second overhead test.

5

ACCESSORIES

Hood for ≤ 9 °C; match boots & gloves to water temp; add a hooded vest if borderline.

6

CARE

Rinse with cool water, dry inside-out in shade, and fix small nicks early.

💡 Tip: Between thicknesses? Always pick the warmer option — warmth keeps you surfing longer.

10. SPECIALIST’S SELECTION

Still unsure which wetsuit fits your needs? Here’s our expert-curated shortlist — the best options we trust for warmth, comfort, and performance.


Premium / High-End

Top-tier warmth, stretch and tech. For surfers chasing performance in cold waters.


Performance / Mid-Range

Balanced warmth and flexibility. Built for everyday winter sessions.


Value / Entry

Solid warmth, easy entry and comfort. Perfect for newcomers to cold-water surfing.


You’ve got the knowledge — now choose your armor.

Explore our full range of wetsuits and find your perfect match for winter swells.

Stay warm, surf longer — check the collection
💬 Need help choosing the right suit?
📩 leo@pukassurfshop.com 📞 (+34) 689 405 931

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