Finding the Right Wetsuit for Windsurfing

Choosing a wetsuit can feel like a guessing game, but it doesn’t have to be. The right suit keeps you warm, lets you move freely, and won’t break the bank. Below you’ll find the key things to look at, plus a few quick tests you can do before you buy.

What to Look for in a Wetsuit

First up, think about the water temperature you’ll be in most often. As a rule of thumb, 3 mm works for water above 18 °C, 5 mm for 14‑18 °C, and 7 mm for anything cooler. If you surf in the UK, a 5 mm front and 3 mm back (a "5/3" suit) is a popular sweet spot – warm enough for the chilly mornings but still flexible for tricks.

Material matters too. Modern wetsuits use closed‑cell neoprene with a smooth skin on the outside to reduce drag. Look for suits with glued and blind‑stitched seams; they keep water out better than taped seams and last longer. Chest‑zip suits are easy to get on, while back‑zip suits give you a tighter seal – pick whichever feels more comfortable for you.

Fit is the make‑or‑break factor. A good wetsuit should hug your body like a second skin without feeling like a pressure suit. You want it snug at the shoulders, sleeves, and legs, but you should still be able to move your arms and legs without a lot of resistance. If you’re between sizes, size down and test the flexibility; many brands offer a “stretch test” video you can watch.

How to Test Fit and Stay Warm

When you try a suit on, do the “squat test”. Slip into the wetsuit, then crouch down and stand up a few times. If the suit pulls tight around your hips or you can’t fully straighten your legs, it’s probably too small. If there’s a lot of slack around your chest or the sleeves feel baggy, size up.

Don’t forget the accessories. A good pair of 5 mm booties, gloves, and a hood can add up to 5 °C of extra warmth, meaning you can run a thinner suit without freezing. For windsurfing you’ll also want a smooth‑skin top layer to cut down on wind resistance.

Finally, think about durability. If you ride a lot in rough conditions, pick a suit with reinforced knees and elbows. Some brands add a slick “surface‑skin” coating that makes the suit easier to rinse off and helps it dry faster – a handy feature after a long session.

Putting it all together, start by checking the typical water temperature at your favourite spots, match the thickness, then focus on fit and seam quality. Try the suit on, move around, and add accessories as needed. With these steps you’ll land a wetsuit that keeps you warm, flexible, and ready for any wave the UK throws your way.