How to Choose the Right Wetsuit for You
I’m writing this on the back of two weeks of decision paralysis trying to buy new wetsuits for the school. So now felt like the right time to give my two cents on this. I’ve gone down the rabbit hole so you don’t have too.
The short answer? Buy the wetsuit that fits you best within your budget.
The best way to do this is to head down to your local surf shop and try them on. Here in Torquay, you’ll find the best range in Strapper. They stock all the major brands and the staff are all super passionate surfers and want to make sure you buy the right gear.
1. The Fit
Wetsuits work by trapping a thin layer of water between your skin and the neoprene. Your body warms that layer, turning it into a heated blanket.
If your suit is too loose, cold water will “flush” through and force your body to re-warm a fresh layer again and again. If it’s too tight, you’ll struggle to breathe or move.
Your wetsuit should feel snug to the skin but never restrictive.
If it feels baggy → try a smaller size.
If it feels rib-crushing → size up.
Wetsuit Sizes are non very well standardised. By this I mean you could be 6 or a M in an O'Neill, and an 8 or L in a ripcurl.
2. Thickness & Water Temperature
Wetsuit thickness is measured in millimeters and usually written as 5/4, 4/3, 3/2, or sometimes 5/3/2.
The first number = core thickness (warmth).
The second/third number = arms/legs thickness (flexibility).
Surf Coast Rule of Thumb (Torquay, Anglesea, Lorne):
3/2 mm → Summer, Late Spring, Early Autumn.
4/3 mm → The rest of the year
A handy resource: Torquay water temperature chart. The ocean holds its heat well, so the water temperature is about 6 weeks behind the season.
If you really feel the cold, add hoods, boots, and gloves.
Hoods: Only needed if you're surfing during the coldest days in winter, most people don’t need them in Australia
Gloves: go for mitts over finger gloves. They’re easier to get on/off and even give a little paddling boost.
Wetsuit Thickness Guide
3. Seams (Sealed vs Non-Sealed)
This is simple: buy sealed seams!
Sealed seams = glued & stitched → warmer and more comfortable.
Flatlock seams = not sealed → common in surf school suits (cheap, durable) but not ideal for personal use.
4. Zip Options: Back-Zip, Chest-Zip, Zipperless
Back-zip: Easy to get in/out of, good for bigger body types, but prone to flushing.
Chest-zip: Warmer, less flushing, but takes practice to wriggle into.
Zipperless: Like a chest-zip with more shoulder freedom, but less common and usually higher-end.
5. Materials & Linings
As prices rise, wetsuits improve in three main areas:
Neoprene stretch → easier paddling, less fatigue.
Internal linings → fluffy linings dry quicker and feel warmer.
Seam tech → more advanced taping or liquid seams = less cold getting = you stay warmer for longer.
If you’re surfing daily, that quick-dry lining is a lifesaver on frosty mornings. If you only surf occasionally, it’s a luxury, not a necessity.
6. Brands
Just like in any sport, you can find the cheap copies of the equipment.
My advice stick to the well established and trusted brands - Torquay is the birth place for many big brands such as Ripcurl, Billabong, Quicksilver, Roxy, Need essentials. Other notable brands include O’Neill, Vissla, Sisstr, Xcel, Hurley, Peak.
Final Notes
At the very high end, wetsuits split into two categories:
Competitive suits → super stretchy, built for 30-minute heats, short lifespan. Think Formula 1 car: fast, precise, but fragile.
Recreational suits → more durable, built for comfort and longevity. Better value for most surfers.
Bottom line: Head into your local surf shop, try on a few, and pick the one that fits like a glove (without crushing your ribs) and suits your budget. That’s the wetsuit for you.
Still struggling? head down to our friends at Strapper in Torquay and they’ll happily give you a helping hand. And Whilst your down here, come join me for a surf lesson!
