Why Do Surfers Wear Wetsuits? Pros, Cons & FAQs!

If you’ve just started surfing, you might be wondering, why wear a wetsuit?

Surfing is often associated with that fun summer vibe, with long sun-bleached hair and a year round tan, and a wetsuit seems to go against that.

If you’re wondering what the purpose of a wetsuit is in surfing, you’ve come to the right place.

In this article we will outline all of the reasons why surfers wear wetsuits, including all the benefits, possible drawbacks and frequently asked questions about wetsuits.

So what are you waiting for? Let’s dive in, and discover why surfers wear wetsuits!

What are the benefits of wearing a wetsuit for surfing?

Wetsuits are an essential tool for any surfer, regardless of skill level. The benefits of wearing a wetsuit while surfing are numerous, and they can make your time in the water much more enjoyable.

Here are the main reasons why surfers wear wetsuits.

It keeps you warm

The main benefit of wearing a wetsuit is that it keeps you warm when surfing in cold water. Wetsuits are made from neoprene, which traps a thin layer of water between your body and the suit.

Your body heat warms this trapped water, providing insulation against the cold temperatures outside. This insulation helps to keep you warm even when the air and water temperature is low.

That way you can surf comfortably for longer periods of time in colder water. Even if the sea doesn’t feel too cold at first, if you want to spend 2+ hours surfing, you’ll be glad to have a wetsuit on by the end of it.

For example, when we go surfing in Tenerife during hot summer days, many surfers don’t wear wetsuits, but I prefer to do so as I know I get chilly over time.

If you get cold easily and want to avoid that by getting a very thick wetsuit, it’s important to note that it won’t necessarily solve your problem.

Wearing too thick of a wetsuit can actually be detrimental, as it can lead to overheating or sweat buildup, as well as being more uncomfortable to wear, so it’s best to stick with something lightweight and comfortable.

You should always make sure you have the right wetsuit thickness for the water temperature where you’re planning to surf.

Different temperatures require different wetsuit thickness, so if you surf in different climates, you might actually have to add more than one wetsuit to your surf essentials.

It protects you from the sun

Wearing a wetsuit can also provide protection from the sun. The suit helps to block out UV rays which can be damaging to your skin and put you at risk of sunburns, dehydration, and other issues.

While surfing you obviously spend long periods of time in the water, and the reflection of the sun on the ocean can be pretty intense.

The first time I surfed in warm waters, without a wetsuit, I remember walking out from my surf session completely sunburnt.

Most wetsuits are designed with a black outer layer which absorbs more of the sunlight, and reflects less of it back towards your skin.

Wearing a full-length wetsuit will obviously provide the most coverage, but if you’re surfing in warmer waters and only want a light layer to cover you from the sun, there are plenty of options available.

For example long sleeve rash guards or spring suits that provide some added protection, without being a bulky full-body wetsuit.

Obviously wetsuits won’t cover your face, so make sure to use surf sunscreen to protect your face from the UV rays of the sun!

It protects you from the ocean floor

Sometimes surfers wear wetsuits not only to keep warm in cold waters, but also for protection from the ocean floor.

When surfing over a rocky or coral reef bottom, wearing a wetsuit gives you an extra protective layer, protecting you from scrapes and cuts that could otherwise be inflicted by the sharp rocks or coral.

Wearing a wetsuit can also protect you from other ocean elements like jellyfish. If you do encounter jellyfish while surfing with a wetsuit, the extra layer will protect your skin from any potential stings.

It helps avoid board rash

Board rash, also known as wax chafing, surf rash or surfboard rash, is caused by the combination of seawater with the constant friction of skin against the rough wax on a surfboard.

Wetsuits provide a layer between your skin and the wax, reducing the chance of board rash dramatically.

So not only do they keep you protected from potential scrapes and cuts when you fall from your board, but they also act as an extra layer of protection against your own board.

That’s why you often see surfers wear a light spring suit or rash guard even when they’re surfing in warm temperatures. To avoid wetsuit rash, check out what to wear under a wetsuit here.

They don’t need it only to keep warm. Instead, their reasons for wearing a wetsuit are the last three I listed; sun protection, avoiding board rash, and protection from the ocean floor.

Drawbacks of wearing a wetsuit for Surfing

As you can see, there are lots of benefits and reasons why surfers wear wetsuits. However, before you go off and buy a wetsuit to start your surfing journey, there are also some drawbacks to wearing a wetsuit.

They’re expensive

Unfortunately, wetsuits do have a few drawbacks. For starters, they can be pretty expensive. If you’re looking for a great gift for a surfer, a wetsuit will always be a great choice.

Wetsuits can be pricey, but if you plan on surfing regularly, you will make up for that initial expense by avoiding wetsuit rentals at surf schools.

Plus, if you start surfing regularly you will be glad you have your own wetsuit, and not a rented one that countless other people have worn (and likely peed in) before you!

They can be uncomfortable to wear

Additionally, they can be quite uncomfortable to wear since they are often made from neoprene which is thick and tight-fitting.

However don’t let this deter you, wetsuits can be uncomfortable, but the tight neoprene fit is something you get used to, and the benefits well outweighs this!

They can constrict your movements

Lastly, they can be a bit constricting, which can make movement difficult and uncomfortable. They also add extra weight when entering the water, which can make it more difficult for some people to paddle out.

Especially if you choose to wear a wetsuit in warmer climates, they can become incredibly uncomfortable.

Besides constricting your movements, you will also start to overheat quickly – so it’s important that you know your climate and the temperature of the water before investing in one.

If you’re serious about improving your surf level, and want to go beyond just standing up on a board, it’s usually always worth investing in one – just make sure to get one that fits properly, so that you can enjoy the benefits without the discomfort!

If you want to take things a step further, you can also get a surf poncho, a surf changing mat and a surf shower, and you’ll have all the gear you need to comfortably change into your wetsuit before and after a surf session!

FAQs about why surfers wear wetsuits

The main question you had when you started reading this article was “Why do surfers wear wetsuits?”.

I think I answered that pretty thoroughly, but I also know you will probably have other questions related to wetsuits and surfing.

So here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions when it comes to wearing a surfing wetsuit.

When should I surf with a wetsuit?

You know that the main reason for wearing a wetsuit is to keep you warm. But how cold is cold enough for a wetsuit? How do you know when you should wear one?

When I first arrived in Tenerife, I was surprised to see all the surfers wearing wetsuits, as the air temperature outside was so hot!

You can find online rough guidelines that say what wetsuit thickness you should be using for what water temperatures, but generally speaking, you can usually see what local surfers are doing to assess whether you need a wetsuit or not.

If the majority of surfers you see in the water are wearing a wetsuit, it’s likely you will need one too.

That said, you should ultimately always use your own judgement based on weather conditions, the forecast and personal preference.

We have listed below the suggested wetsuit thickness for relevant water temperatures:

• For sea water temperature above 26°C, you can surf with just a shirt, lycra or swimsuit
• With sea water temperature between 25°C and 21°C = 1mm wetsuits
• 20°C to 18°C = 2mm wetsuits
• 17°C to 12°C = 3/2mm wetsuits
• 11°C to 8°C = 4/3mm wetsuits
• 7°C to 4°C = 5/4mm wetsuits
• Below 3°C = 7+ mm wetsuits

When can I surf without a wetsuit?

It’s tempting to go without a wetsuit on hot days, especially when the beach is packed with people tanning in swimwear. However that doesn’t mean the water temperature is as hot as the air temperature outside!

Generally speaking, if the water temperature is 25°C or more, you will be fine surfing in board shorts or a bikini.

When it’s warm outside and the water temperature is high, and all the surfers you spot in the water aren’t wearing a wetsuit, you’ll probably be fine to go without one too.

However, even in these cases it’s often still worth investing in a rash vest, as it will help protect against board rash and sunburn.

Do wetsuits help you float more?

You might have read online that surfers wear wetsuits because they help you float more. While it’s true that wetsuits can provide some buoyancy effect, this won’t actually have an effect on your surfing.

Wetsuits are made from a neoprene material that is more buoyant than your body, which can help you stay afloat in the water, which they say can help aid your paddling.

This positive effect however is more likely to be felt while swimming, not surfing. While surfing, you should be paddling from on top of your surfboard, not from inside the water.

As such, you won’t actually feel whatever extra buoyancy your wetsuit provides, at least not when paddling out to the line up or paddling to catch a wave.

You might feel the benefit when you fall from your board and are struggling to swim to the surface or to shore, but personally I have found it to be an almost non existent contribution to my swimming.

So in short; arguably yes wetsuits can help you float more, but the extra buoyancy they provide is minimal, and it doesn’t actually help much when it comes to surfing.

Why do some surfers prefer surfing without a wetsuit?

Surfing is an exhilarating experience, and for some surfers, the idea of being able to feel the ocean against their skin as they ride a wave is both calming and invigorating at the same time..

After all, why would you want to put on a bulky wetsuit if you don’t have to?

The main reason why some surfers prefer not to wear wetsuits is because it allows them unrestricted freedom of movement.

Without the extra material restricting your movements, it’s easier to move around and take those sharp turns that come with surfing.

Some people just don’t like feeling confined in a wetsuit. It can be quite uncomfortable for surfers who come from warmer climates and are more accustomed to wearing bathing suits or tank tops.

That said, when the water temperature is very cold, it’s very unlikely that you will find people surfing without wetsuits! Regardless of how uncomfortable they may be, they are pretty essential!

Do wetsuits keep you dry?

It depends on the wetsuit thickness, but generally speaking, no they don’t keep you 100% dry.

Unless you’re purchasing a full-on dry suit (but that’s for different sports, namely scuba diving or free diving), you will still get wet when wearing a wetsuit, you just won’t mind as much.

Wetsuits are designed to fit snugly against your body with no gaps or loose material. This tight fit helps to create a layer of insulation between your skin and the water, but it won’t keep you dry.

Does a wetsuit keep you warm?

Yes, that is the main purpose of a wetsuit. If your wetsuit isn’t keeping you warm while surfing, there’s something wrong with it.

A wetsuit is an essential item for anyone looking to stay warm and comfortable while they enjoy the water.

Do you have to wear a wetsuit when surfing?

No. If you surf in warmer water, there is no need for you to wear a wetsuit. You can enjoy the ocean and waves without the constricting nature of a wetsuit.

Do surfers pee in their wetsuits to stay warm?

It’s a question that often comes up when talking about surfing: do surfers really pee in their wetsuits to stay warm? I’d like to say no, but I guess it depends on the surfer, and some probably do.

If the conditions are extremely cold and your wetsuit isn’t keeping you warm enough, I guess some people do resort to peeing in their wetsuits to warm up.

However, this isn’t recommended as urine can weaken or damage neoprene over time.

Plus, if you have a very snug-fitting wetsuit, the pee will remain trapped inside the wetsuit and against your body, it won’t transpire out into the ocean, and frankly that’s just gross to me.

Surf school wetsuits, which tend to be more beaten up and loose, are the kind of wetsuits that you can pee in, as they will warm you up for a while but not trap the pee against your body for too long.

If you’re renting a wetsuit for surf lessons, you can assume that someone has peed in it before you anyway (I don’t necessarily recommend doing this, I’m just being objective).

Why do surfers wear black wetsuits?

Surfers don’t only wear carbon black wetsuits. Yes most wetsuits are black, but today you can also find lots of trendy colours, especially for women’s wetsuits.

They say black is the most efficient color for absorbing and retaining heat, so wearing a black color wetsuit can help keep surfers even warmer in chilly waters.

I doubt this actually has a big impact on your body temperature though, so don’t feel like you have to buy a black wetsuit just to fit in with the surfer community.

If you see a colourful wetsuit you like, go for it! Nobody will judge you for it. If anything (if you’re a girl), you will probably get other girls complimenting you on your colourful wetsuit in the water.

Final thoughts on why do surfers wear wetsuits

In conclusion, there are numerous benefits associated with wearing a wetsuit when surfing, and no experienced surfer should ever go without one!

Not only will it help keep you warm in colder waters, but it will also offer extra protection from any elements on the ocean floor or in the water, as well as potentially dangerous UV rays.

Just make sure you purchase a wetsuit of the right thickness, which matches the water temperature of your home surf spot.

Ultimately, wearing a wetsuit isn’t essential when surfing – however if you plan on spending extended periods of time in cooler waters, then it’s definitely worth investing in one!

Ever wondered why surfing is hard? Or how long it takes to learn to surf? Check out our surf tips to find the answer!

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