Wetsuits for Water Sports

A wetsuit is an essential piece of gear for any water sport, providing thermal insulation, protection from wind and UV exposure, as well as shielding against minor impacts and abrasions.

Made from flexible neoprene, it traps a thin layer of water between your body and the suit. This layer warms up and helps maintain a stable core temperature, allowing you to stay on the water longer and comfortably extend your season into cooler conditions.

In our range, you’ll find men’s, women’s and kids’ wetsuits in various thicknesses, cuts and lengths — suitable for SUP, wing foiling, kitesurfing, surfing, open-water swimming and other water sports.

What Is Neoprene and How Does It Work? 

Neoprene is a flexible synthetic material that acts as a thermal barrier. It traps a thin layer of water between the suit and your skin. Your body warms this layer, and the neoprene helps retain it, creating insulation that keeps you comfortable in colder conditions.

Benefits of neoprene:

• Thermal insulation that helps prevent heat loss
• Protection from wind, UV rays and abrasions
• Stretch and flexibility for comfortable movement
• Added safety by cushioning impacts during falls

Thanks to these properties, neoprene is a core piece of equipment across almost all water sports.

Wetsuit Thickness (1 mm – 7 mm)

Choosing the right wetsuit thickness depends on water temperature, the type of activity and your exposure to wind.

Most common thickness options:

• 1–2 mm wetsuit – Summer wetsuit; ideal for very warm water and maximum flexibility
• 3/2 mm wetsuit – Versatile choice for late summer and mild autumn conditions
• 4/3 mm wetsuit – Great for transitional seasons (spring and autumn)
• 5/4 mm wetsuit – Winter wetsuit for colder water and windy conditions
• 6–7 mm wetsuit – Extremely cold water; most commonly used for diving

Summer Wetsuits

Thin wetsuits (1–2 mm) offer excellent flexibility and light protection from wind and UV exposure. Ideal for warm water and tropical conditions.

Winter Wetsuits

Thicker models (5/4 mm and above) provide high thermal insulation for cold water sessions and windy conditions, helping you stay warm and extend your time on the water.

Wetsuit Cuts & Zip Systems

When choosing a wetsuit, thickness isn’t the only factor that matters. The cut and zip system significantly affect warmth retention, water sealing and overall comfort during movement.

Front Zip Wetsuit

A front zip wetsuit offers greater flexibility through the back panel and is especially popular in sports that require unrestricted upper-body movement, such as surfing, SUP and wing foiling. It typically provides a better seal with reduced water flushing.

Back Zip Wetsuit

A back zip wetsuit is easier to put on and take off, making it a common choice for beginners. It offers practical comfort and convenience, especially for recreational use and milder conditions.

Men’s and Women’s Wetsuits

Men’s and women’s wetsuits are designed around different body proportions. The cut and fit directly affect warmth, comfort and freedom of movement during water activities.

Men’s Wetsuits

• Broader shoulders
• Longer torso
• More room in the chest
• Cut designed for typical male body proportions

Women’s Wetsuits

• Narrower shoulders
• More defined waist-to-hip ratio
• Shaped chest panel
• Cut designed for a closer, body-contoured fit

Why Fit Matters

The better a wetsuit fits your body, the less cold water flushes through it. This means:

• Better thermal insulation
• Less cooling between movements
• Greater comfort and flexibility

A properly fitted wetsuit keeps you warmer for longer and allows you to move naturally on the water.

In-Between Sizes (MT, LS, XLS…) – The Advantage of O’Neill Wetsuits

O’Neill offers extended sizing options beyond standard S, M and L, allowing for a much more precise fit:

• MT (Medium Tall) – for taller, lean builds
• MS (Medium Short) – for shorter, stockier builds
• LS (Large Short) – for broader, shorter builds
• XLS / XLS Tall – for robust or very tall builds

These intermediate sizes reduce excess folds, improve insulation and enhance comfort during movement. That’s why an O’Neill wetsuit can often fit significantly better than standard sizing alone.

Wetsuits by Sport – How to Choose the Right Model?

Different water sports require different levels of warmth, flexibility and protection. Choosing the right wetsuit always depends on your activity, water temperature, wind exposure and movement on the board.

Wetsuit for SUP

Stand-up paddleboarding typically involves less wind exposure, especially in summer.

• In warm conditions, a combination of 2 mm neoprene pants and a neoprene top is often sufficient.
• In cooler seasons, a 3/2 mm full wetsuit works well.
• In winter conditions, a 5/4 mm wetsuit provides the necessary insulation.

Wetsuit for Wing Foil

Wing foilers often kneel on the board, so durability and knee protection are important.

• A 3/2 mm or 5/4 mm full wetsuit with reinforced knees is a practical choice.
• In warmer months, long neoprene pants can also be a comfortable option.

Wetsuit for Kitesurfing / Windsurfing

Because of constant wind exposure, slightly thicker suits are commonly used:

• 3/2 mm in summer
• 4/3 mm in spring and autumn
• 5/4 mm in winter

The material should be highly flexible to allow unrestricted upper-body movement.

Wetsuit for Surfing

Surfers often choose O’Neill wetsuits for their stretch, comfort and precise fit.

Thickness depends on location:

• 2 mm in warmer climates
• 3/2 mm to 5/4 mm in most European conditions

Wetsuit for Swimming

A swimming wetsuit must be thinner and extremely flexible, especially around the shoulders, to allow a full and efficient stroke.

Because of the balance between insulation and mobility, a 3/2 mm wetsuit is one of the most common choices — offering enough warmth without restricting arm movement or upper-body rotation.

O’Neill and Prolimit Wetsuits

In our range you’ll find wetsuits from two established brands, each with its own approach to performance, conditions and riding style.

O’Neill Wetsuits

O’Neill is a true pioneer in wetsuit development and has been one of the leading water sports brands for over 70 years.

Their wetsuits are known for advanced materials such as Technobutter, exceptional stretch and anatomically precise fits that provide both comfort and reliable thermal insulation.

O’Neill also offers intermediate sizing options (e.g. MT, MS, LS), allowing for a more tailored fit across different body types — which means better warmth retention and improved performance in the water. 

Prolimit Wetsuits

Prolimit is a brand specialised in wind-driven water sports such as kitesurfing, windsurfing and wing foiling.

Their wetsuits are designed to handle strong wind exposure and frequent water impact. As a result, they are durable, warm and built for demanding conditions, offering dependable insulation even when the weather turns challenging.

Wetsuit Accessories

For additional protection in colder conditions, we recommend:

• Neoprene boots
• Neoprene gloves
• Neoprene hoods and headbands

These accessories protect exposed areas of the body and significantly extend your time on the water.