Wetsuit Thickness & Temperature Guide

No one likes being unsure on what the correct thing to buy is, particularly when there is so many options and variations. Wetsuits can be particularly difficult to decide what is best for the conditions, and being weather dependant makes it even worse, inclement weather, seasons, how many wetsuits do you really need? Well that going to come down to how often and how far into seasons you plan on wanting to keep surfing/wakeboarding/skiing/jetskiing or all of the above.

So we want to make it easier for you, with an outline of what temperatures will suit best to certain wetsuit designs and thicknesses, though keep in mind that there are other variables to factor in, such as: Sir Temperature, Wind Speed, Your personal ability to handle colder temperatures and the amount of movement that your activity will generate

 Water Temp (
°C)
Wetsuit Type Wetsuit Thickness Seal Type
22º or Greater Rashie N/A N/A
21º - 23º Steamer Top/ Boardshorts 1mm or 2mm N/A
18º - 21º Springsuit | Short John/Jane 2mm Flatlock
17º - 20º Full Suit | John/Jane & Jacket | Springsuit 2mm - 3/2mm Flatlock
13º - 18º Full Suit + Boots 2mm - 3/2mm Sealed (GB)
11º - 14º Full Suit + Boots + Gloves 4/3mm Sealed (GB) and Taped
9º - 13º
Full Suit + Boots + Gloves + Hood/Neoprene Overcoat(Optional)
4/3mm
Sealed (GB) and Taped
8º - 12º
Full Suit + Boots + Gloves + Hood/Neoprene Overcoat
5/4mm - 5/3mm
Sealed (GB) and Taped
8º or Below Full Suit + Boots + Gloves + Hood/Neoprene Overcoat 6/5mm+
Sealed (GB) and Taped

    Please note: This is only a guide. For extra factors (cold air temperatures, more wind, an activity with less movement or if you get cold easily), consider a thicker wetsuit. These are also general temperature guidelines. Brands themselves may provide their own temperature recommendations for their suits that may differ slightly from the ones listed above.