Wetsuits are a great investment, so get a good one and spend that money if you are able!

If you are unsure if you’re sticking with the sport, just get one from Facebook marketplace temporarily. If you treat your wetsuit well, it will last you at least 2 years being on the water 2-3 times a week. My oldest one is 7 years old and still in use!

1. Which kind of zip!

Front zips are usually for scuba divers.

Back and shoulder zips are usually for other watersports.

Keep in mind that the zipper is where the water enters and where it pushes when you scuba dive on the back or laying on a surfboard. Front and back zip wetsuits are usually easier to get in and out of than a neck zip, but a shoulder zip is more secure.

My favourite entry is always a shoulder zip if you want to use it for different sports. It takes a bit to get used to getting in and out, but they are made pretty stretchy these days.

2. Material

Get one with glued stitches. They last longer and let less water in. Keep in mind that all wetsuits let water in, if you want to stay dry you need to buy a drysuit.

Do you want extra wind protection? See if you find one with smooth skin. But I personally wear a cheap windbreaker over the top.

Some have a fleece layer on the inside, which makes it feel a whole 1mm warmer than they actually are.

3. Thickness

Learn how thick the wetsuit should be for the region you are in. In summer, I always prefer longsleeved, as this saves me, the environment and my bank account from more sunscreen.

The thickness is given in mm, usually inside the wrist. The most common mm combination is a 3:2mm wetsuit, which means 3mm thick neoprene material at the core and 2mm at arms and legs. Thinner wetsuits will give you more flexibility, but will be less warm.

4. Where to buy

Always buy it in a shop and try it on, as all wetsuits have different sizing and it can be just as frustrating as buying a pair of jeans. Make sure you try them on and ask them to help you, as you want one that feels tighter than you think. This will support your local business, and they can also order you one that fits in a different thickness, colour or length.

Easy hack, (which is not outdated!) bring a little plastic bag (the ones in the supermarket, that you put your fruit and veggies in) and put your foot into the bag before putting on a wetsuit. Your foot will slide in way easier and you can do the same with your hands. It saves a lot of time and sweat especially when buying a wetsuit and trying on many, but also getting used to getting into your wetsuit faster.

5. Put your name in it!

Other people might have the same one, and this way it’s more likely to get returned to you.

7. Care

Try to get in and out of your wetsuits carefully:

• Always pull it up like a pair of leggings, at the front AND the back. If you just pull it all over, it will stretch out more and rip faster at this particular spot two years down the track. Also you will not be the first person punching themselves in the face pulling up the arms!
• Get out of your wetsuit by peeling it off your body inside out.
• Hang your wetsuit to dry in the shade (not direct sunlight) and rinse it with fresh water after every use. Sun and saltwater will kill anything.
• Avoid hanging on a hanger like a normal piece of clothing, as it will stretch out the shoulders and make it rip faster.
• Once the inside is dry, turn it back inside out and dry the outside.
• Store it layed out instead of folded, it will rip easier, where it folds. I hang mine over the inside of my windsurf harness.
• Wash using actual neoprene washing detergent (not always needed, especially if you don’t pee in your wetsuit!) 

For all the watersport addicts: Consider having two wetsuits so you always have a dry one. I promise it’s worth it if you have the spare dollar!

Interested in wetsuit care? Read our other in-depth wetsuit care article here!