It’s always a good idea to prepare yourself with the right gear, so you can stay warm in the water, and play for longer! Ace.

Want to find a good fitted wetsuit, that suits the locations and conditions you will be swimming in, as well as the time of year you will be getting in the water? Here are our top tips to gear up.

Ladies Oneil wetsuit, great for surfing in warm conditions

For a quick run-down on our wetsuit guide, watch the clip below.

So, what thickness will you need?

The most common in NZ are 2mm, 3/2mm, 4/3mm, and +7mm (diving).

When you see terms like 4/3mm, these measurements refer to the neoprene thickness in millimetres for the different zones of the wetsuit.

The first number is the core, the second are the arms and legs.

Here are a few different types.

O’Neill 2018 Men’s 3/2 Superfreak FUZE Steamer Wetsuit – Chest Zip

O’Neill Womens Reactor II 2MM Spring Suit

Quiksilver Men’s 2/2mm Syncro BZ Short Sleeve Spring Suit

Torpedo7 Mens Evo 3.2 L/S Steamer Wetsuit

Location Recommendations.

Wetsuit Technology

WELDED SEAMS

Good flexibility, comfortable, prevents water penetration

FLATLOCK (FL)

Most common and most durable, some water seepage

THERMAL LINING

Provides additional insulation, glued into key regions

GLUED & BLIND STITCHED (GBS)

Flexible seams, suitable for cold water

This seasons Torpedo7 kids wetsuits.

Chest zip or back zip?

BACK ZIP

wetsuits are the most common and easier to enter,

CHEST ZIP

holds a more consistent seal, is warmer, and more flexible for paddling.

Torpedo7 Women’s Mystic rashie, great for the peak heat of our NZ summer and overseas travel.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW OUR FULL RANGE OF WETSUITS.

If you are still stuck on which wetsuit might be right for you, ask our staff in store for a personal recommendation.

Have fun out there!