Wetsuits: Staying Toasty in the Cold

It’s the battle of the entry systems! The classic back zip is easy on/off but can let in more water. The chest zip (or zip-free) is the modern standard for most surfers—way better seal, more flexibility, and less flushing. Zipless (or entry systems with minimal zippers) are super flexible and comfy, like a second skin, but can be a mission to get on and off. For performance and warmth, chest zip is king for many. For maximum flex and you don’t mind the struggle, go zipless.

The dawn patrol struggle is real! First, use a plastic bag. Put it over your foot or hand before sliding into the suit—it glides right in. Second, never force it; you’ll tear the seams. Pull the material up, don’t yank on the cuffs. For a suit that’s still wet from yesterday, turn it inside out to rinse any sand, then flip it back. A little patience saves the neoprene and your pre-surf vibes. Nobody likes starting a session already gassed from the suit battle.

It’s a genius bit of science, dude. The suit lets a thin layer of water in next to your skin. Your body heat warms that water up, and the neoprene (that rubbery material) traps it there, creating a toasty thermal layer. The suit itself doesn’t warm you—you warm the water. That’s why a good, snug fit is crucial; too loose and all that warm water flushes out with every duck dive, replaced by cold ocean. That flush is a real buzzkill, so seal it up tight at the neck, wrists, and ankles.

Seams are where the warmth escapes! Flatlock stitching is classic and flexible but lets in tiny amounts of water (great for warmer suits). Glued & Blind-stitched (GBS) is the gold standard—the seams are glued, then stitched without piercing all the way through, making them way more watertight. Liquid taped seams have a waterproof sealant painted on the inside for the ultimate barrier. For cold water, you want GBS with liquid taped seams. It’s the difference between being chilly and being totally locked in.