Do I Need a Wetsuit for SUP
Anyone that has gone to the ocean has seen surfers catching waves while wearing a wetsuit. Even though you were able to tolerate swimming without one, you also probably weren’t in the water quite as long or back on the beach sunbathing in a matter of minutes. You may have asked yourself why they’re wearing one or if it’s really needed for things like SUP.
Do I need a wetsuit for SUP? It depends on the water and air temps. If you are riding in water temps above 75 degrees Fahrenheit, then a wetsuit isn’t beneficial. Any water temps below 70 degrees Fahrenheit a wetsuit is recommended. When air temps are cooler in the morning and night, then you should also consider wearing a wetsuit.
What is a Wetsuit
A wetsuit is an article of clothing that is made of a material called neoprene. An interesting thing about a wetsuit is that it actually allows some water to get into the suit.
Your body heat warms up the water, which then keeps you warm. Its important to have a wetsuit that fits snugly on the body to ensure the water stays in.
When is a Wetsuit Beneficial
A wetsuit is designed to keep you protected and warm. When water and air temps are cooler, then it’s important to have something that will keep you warmer to prevent hypothermia or other problems.
Some of the benefits of a wetsuit are:
- Have some floatation ability
- Keeps you warmer when in cold water
- Can help you to absorb some of the impact when you fall in the water
- Doesn’t fall off your body when you fall into the water
- Cover a large part of your body
- Looks good
What to Look for in a Wetsuit
There are some different factors to consider when getting a wetsuit. You want something that will keep you warm enough in the conditions that you will be facing.
Think about things like the water temp, winds, air temp, and how active you will be. Wetsuits are measured in thickness, due to the amount of neoprene they contain.
A thicker suit will obviously help you in colder conditions, but can also provide less flexibility and more strain on your muscles.
A SUP rider isn’t necessarily going to be working as hard as someone doing a triathlon. A SUP rider should be fine with most wetsuits, unless they are doing some extreme racing, then flexibility will be more impactful.
A 3/2 mm suit should work well down to water temps at 60 degrees Ferenheit. If you plan on being in colder conditions a 4/3 mm or 5/3 mm will be better suited for your conditions.
Here are My Best Wetsuits for SUP
- 3/2mm neoprene for water temps of 65 degrees and up
- Durable and Flexible design with anti-abrasion shoulder and knee pads
- Extra stretch in the arm and knees to allow ease of movement
- Secure, snug fit
O’Neill Men’s Heat 4/3mm Back Zip Full Wetsuit
- Reputable Brand Name
- 4/3 mm Neoprene to handle colder water temps down to 50 degrees
- UltraFlex DS neoprene for improved mobility
- Wrist seals and zipper that keeps access water out
- Key pocket
Hyperflex Wetsuits Men’s Voodoo 4mm Hooded Front Zip Fullsuit
- Provides a hood to keep your head warm
- 4/3 mm Neoprene for colder water temps down to 50 degrees
- Atomic Foam technology claims to utilize extra air cells for added warmth
- Cocoon Entry to keep excess water out
- Sealed seams to increace durability
- Thermal Fabric lining that helps with quick dry
- Winner of Best Value Wetsuit from Lava Magazine
- 5/3mm for optimal cold protection in waters down to 45 degrees
- Soft low neck for comfort around your neck area
- Providing a high level of buoyancy
- Maximum flexible, allowing for full range of motion
Synergy Triathlon Wetsuit 5/3mm – Women’s Endorphin Fullsleeve Smoothskin
Additional Items to Stay Warm
Hoodie
Neo Sport Multi-Density Wetsuit Hood available in three thicknesses
- Easily tucks into wetsuits
- Custom face fit that is trimable
- 3/2mm Neoprene
- Layering for added Warmth
Gloves
Neo Sport 3MM & 5MM Premium Neoprene Five Finger Wetsuit Gloves with gator elastic wrist band.
- Easy flexibility and grip
- Extra care in the seams to prevent excess water
- Elastic closure to fit over wetsuit sleeves to keep water out
- Neoprene with soft texture
Booties
Neo Sport Premium Neoprene Men & Women Wetsuit Boots, Shoes with puncture resistant sole
- Options for 3mm, 5mm, 7mm for optimal cold protections
- Puncture resistant sole
- Added traction
- Mens/Womens sizes 4-16
- Provides durability and constructed to keep water out
To summarize, wetsuits are a must buy if you intend to paddle board in cooler temps. They will continue to keep you warm to help prevent possible health risks. Wearing a wetsuit will help you to continue to enjoy SUP even when the weather isn’t optimal.
Please comment below on anything that you’ve enjoyed from this post or your experiences with wearing a wetsuit for SUP.