How To Find a Good Wakeboarding Wetsuit
Elizabeth Werdnik June 1st, 2023 Posted In: Articles, How-To Tags: Wake
Check out the guide below so you can learn how to find a good wakeboarding wetsuit in 2023
Find the best wakeboarding wetsuit to ensure your safety, comfort, and a longer wakeboarding season. When it comes to wakeboarding, you’re only as good as the equipment you have, and that definitely includes your wetsuit!
If you’re in the market for the best wakeboarding wetsuit, you should know what features to look for and which brands to browse. There are tons of options out there, but you want to invest in one that meets most of your needs.
Learn the Lingo for Wakeboarding Wetsuits
In this section, we will go over a few terms you should get familiar with if this is your first time buying a wetsuit for wakeboarding.
Neoprene
Wakeboarding In Style
You’ll probably see the term neoprene a lot. Neoprene is the rubber-based material that the best wetsuits for wakeboarding and other water sports are made from. It is stretchy, water-resistant, and keeps you protected and warm in the water.
Thickness (mm)
Next, you’ll probably notice a millimeter (mm) measurement which tells you the thickness of the wetsuit neoprene. The thicker the neoprene construction of the wetsuit is for instance, the warmer it will keep you. If you are looking at wetsuits designed for wakeboarders, you’ll most likely see a 3/2mm option which is ideal for moderate temperatures to ward off chill, and a 4/3mm selection to keep you warm in colder regions. Pick your wetsuit thickness based on the water temperature you’ll be wakeboarding in. Keeping your body warm improves your performance and helps you make the most of your sessions.
Zippers
Additionally, there are several zipper options on the market that you have the option to choose from. Back zip wetsuits are super easy to get in and out of because of the large opening down your back. Next, some wakeboarders prefer chest zip wetsuits, which minimize water flushing and are more performance oriented. Chest zip wetsuits have a smaller opening to get into the wetsuit, which some wearers (like children) might find more difficult.
In addition to these two most popular zipper options, there are also zipper-free wetsuits which, like chest zips, have a smaller entry opening, but offer the benefit of no bulk or discomfort from a zipper.
Seams
Finally, you’ll notice a wetsuit’s seam stitching and seals. Types of stitching and seals include flatlock seams, which are durable and ideal for warmer water sports, and glued and blind stitched seams, which seal out cold water from coming in through the seams and keep you warmer in colder waters. Additionally, you might come across taped seams, which add an extra protective seal on top of the seams to minimize water flushing and improve durability on stress points (like elbows and knees).
What Kind of Wetsuits Are Best for Wakeboarding?
Ultimately, the key to finding the best wetsuit depends on a variety of factors; like the temperature of the water, and the flexibility you require to excel during your sessions. There are a few main types of wetsuits you can choose from- full suits, spring suits, and wetsuit tops and bottoms.
Full Suits
- As the name suggests, the full suit offers the most protection and warmth, and comes in a variety of thicknesses. These suits have full ankle-length legs, and most full suits are designed with full wrist-length sleeves for maximum warmth and protection. (See below) Full suits may also come with an attached hood for additional warmth in colder regions.
Farmer Johns
- On the other hand, there are also short sleeve full suit options; as well as ‘jane/john’ full suits that are entirely sleeveless, so you can enjoy a maximum range of motion in the arms in moderate water temps. (see john full suit below… also called ‘farmer john’)
Spring Suits
- Choose a spring suit if you’re wakeboarding in warmer regions. Spring suits usually have short sleeves and legs that hit mid-thigh for a better range of motion. A spring suit keeps your core warm and protected while allowing you to move your arms and legs more freely!
Wetsuit Tops & Bottoms
- Wetsuit tops are great paired with boardshorts or swimsuits to give you added protection around your core from the elements. Wetsuit tops are also designed in many different styles. There are pullover tops, zippered jackets, and vests. Tops can come in short and long sleeve options.
- Similarly, wetsuit bottoms come in a variety of styles, including short cuts and full-length designs to protect your lower half. These individual pieces offer an extra layer of insulation, but obviously won’t offer the same warmth as a spring suit or full suit.
Switch It Up!
- Naturally, you can choose more than one wakesuit for different conditions! For instance, it’s not uncommon to switch between a full suit and spring suit based on the weather, and season of the year.
Start Shopping for Wakesuits Now
Now you know how to find a good wakeboarding wetsuit! Think about comfort and function as you search, and pay mind to the thickness of your suit before buying so that you have the proper gear for the water temps you’ll be wakeboarding in. Investing in a great wakeboarding wetsuit can take your skills to the next level.
Some of Wetsuit Wearhouse’s Wakeboarding Best Sellers 2023
Want to learn more about finding the best wakesuit? Check out this informative article by Wakeboarding Mag.
QUESTIONS? FILL OUT THE CONTACT FORM BELOW TO SPEAK WITH ONE OF OUR WETSUIT EXPERTS…
Editor’s Note:
This post was originally published in 2021 and has since been reviewed and updated. (8/23)
