Wetsuit guide

Not entirely sure what style of wetsuit you're after? Our user guide should help you to narrow down your search to find the right suit for you. Below is a brief explanation on some of the options you can choose from when using the wetsuitfinder search engine.

SELECT FROM THE WETSUIT TYPES BELOW FOR VISUAL...

Mens/Ladies/Kids/Girls/Toddler/Baby Shorty
A short armed, short legged wetsuit for those warm July/August and early September days in the southern half of the U.K.

Mens/Ladies/Kids/Girls/Toddler Summer
Full Length wetsuit that can be worn from May until October if it is a sealed summer suit. If it�s not sealed then it�s most comfortable to wear between June and September.

Mens/Ladies/Kids Winter
Thicker neoprene than a summer suit, as a result can be worn through those cold winter months.

Mens/Ladies Short Sleeved
A short armed but otherwise full length wetsuit. This wetsuit is worn as an alternative to a summer suit or a shorty.

Mens/Ladies Convertible
A full length summer suit that has removable lower arms, which when removed convert this suit into a short sleeved summer suit

Mens/Ladies ShortJohn
A shorty with the arms removed

Mens LongJohn
A full length summer suit with the arms removed. Pretty thin on the ground these days, but you can still find them.

N/A
Select this option when you are searching for a wetsuit accessory, such as boots, gloves and hoods.

Sealed

This option on the search engine refers to the stitching or finish that is used to join the seams of the wetsuit together. Sealed seams are warmer as they do not allow water to enter the suit through the seams. All winter wetsuits have sealed seams, they are blind stitched or have a rubbery liquid seal. A blind stitch doesn't penetrate both sides of the neoprene so water can not enter the suit through the stitching, one side of the neoprene is stitched and the other side is glued together. The rubbery liquid seal also keeps out water.

If you select "No" from the sealed option of the search engine the search will look exclusively for wetsuits that are flat locked. Flat locked suits are cheaper to buy but not as warm. Most shorties are flat locked as they are worn in warmer water. You can also find flat locked full length summer suits.

Thickness

Generally speaking the thicker the neoprene the warmer the wetsuit will be. Most wetsuits have neoprene of differing thickness throughout the suit. A thickness such as "3/2" means the wetsuit will be 3mm thick on the body and legs and 2mm thick on the arms. Most summer suits are 3/2, winter suits are generally 5/3, but many people prefer thicker 6/4s in the cold waters of the North East and Scotland.

If you are searching for a wetsuit accessory do not select a combination thickness such as 3/2. Nearly all gloves, boots and hoods are made using neoprene of a single thickness.

Boot Type

Round toe
This refers to the style of the toe section of the boot or bootie. A round toe boot is like a shoe, the front of the boot has no partitions between the toes.

Split toe
A split toe boot has a visible split or partition between the big toe and the other toes; this is like a mitt that separates the thumb from the fingers.

Internal split
Boots that have an internal split have the appearance of a round toe boot but actually are a split toe inside.

Why Split toe? Some people prefer a split toe boot as they believe it improves their balance.

Temperature Charts

Check out our sea surface temperature charts. Consult these to decide how much rubber you should be wearing throughout the year at any UK surf spot.

SEE BELOW FOR SEASONAL SEA TEMPERATURES...

UK & Ireland Temperature
UK surface sea temperatures peak in late August and are at their lowest in late February.

Roll over month

February
May
August
November

SEE BELOW FOR SUITABLE WETSUIT THICKNESSES...