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The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Wetsuit: 2025 Edition
A wetsuit is essential for surfing and watersports. Those who indulge need to invest in the right wetsuit. It’s essential for staying warm, comfortable, and performing at your best. Whether you are looking for the best wetsuits for cold water surfing, a high-performance summer wetsuit, or something for year-round use, choosing the right gear can make all the difference. And NCW has all these bases covered.
At North Coast Wetsuits (NCW), we offer a wide range of surf wetsuits UK riders can rely on, from premium cold water wetsuits (without the premium price tag) to affordable secondhand options. We also specialise in kiddy wetsuits, ensuring young surfers stay warm and safe in the water.
5/3mm chest zip Gulf Stream Yamamoto neoprene winter wetsuit (men).
Original price was: £275.00.£219.00Current price is: £219.00.
5/3mm chest zip Gulf Stream Yamamoto neoprene winter wetsuit (women).
Original price was: £275.00.£219.00Current price is: £219.00.
Whether you want to buy wetsuits online or visit us in-store at The Rubber Shack in St. Endellion (10 mins from Polzeath), this guide will help you make an informed choice of which NCW wetsuit you need.
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1. What to Consider When Buying a Wetsuit
Water Temperature & Wetsuit Thickness
A key factor in choosing a wetsuit is understanding: what thickness wetsuit do I need for UK surfing? The UK’s water temperatures vary significantly throughout the year, so selecting the right wetsuit thickness is crucial for comfort and warmth.
All NCW wetsuits are tested thoroughly with cold water immersion and UK surfing in mind. Team riders and brand associates work hard to ensure the whole NCW wetsuit range stand up to the rigours of UK surfing and watersports.
- Winter (Dec – May, sub 10C water temp): A 5mm to 6mm wetsuit is essential for cold conditions. These wetsuits typically feature built-in hoods, thermal linings, and sealed seams to retain body heat. However, you can also layer up a 5mm wetsuit to make it toastier.
- Spring (June, 13C water temp): A 4mm wetsuit provides a balance between warmth and flexibility, making it ideal for transitional seasons.
- Summer (July – Sept, 13C-17C water temp): A 2mm to 3mm wetsuit or a shorty wetsuit is perfect for warm-weather surfing, offering insulation without overheating. Just be aware of changing weather conditions and the need for more rubber if Mother Nature’s mood alters. Which it can in a heartbeat!
- Autumn (Oct – Dec, 11C-13C water temp): Back to a 4mm wetsuit with a switch to your winter wetsuit towards the end of the period.
- Year-Round Use: If you’re looking for the best wetsuits for year-round surfing in the UK, a 4mm wetsuit is the most versatile option. It provides warmth for cooler months while still being flexible enough for summer use. Layer up for even colder conditions. But actually, if you’re only going to own one wetsuit a 5mm will be better – this is just our advice at NCW.
*The above talks about surfing seasonality classed by months combined with water temperature. This isn’t necessarily reflected by typical calendar seasonality.
For more info about seasonality surfing water temperatures head over to this article.
Fit & Comfort
Your wetsuit should fit snugly without being too restrictive. A loose wetsuit allows cold water to flush in, reducing its effectiveness, while an overly tight wetsuit can restrict movement and cause discomfort. NCW wetsuits are designed with ergonomic panelling, ultra-stretch neoprene, and anatomical shaping to ensure a perfect fit for all body types.
If a NCW wetsuit doesn’t fit then we can accommodate you with no problem! Our wetsuit alteration service will amend the fit of the wetsuit to ensure it’s like a second skin. Call us to discuss your needs. Follow this link to find out more about wetsuit fit and the NCW size guide.
Materials & Durability
The quality of neoprene greatly impacts a wetsuit’s performance and lifespan. NCW uses high-quality Yamamoto neoprene in many of its designs, which provides excellent insulation, flexibility, and durability. Our latest wetsuits also feature quick-dry thermal linings which negate the need for thicker neoprene, offering more flexibility and the same warmth properties as a traditional thicker wetsuit. The quick-dry lining speeds up the drying process between surfing sessions.
It’s worth noting that there’s a push to be more eco-friendly and sustainable when purchasing a new wetsuit. (Many of NCW’s wetsuits feature more eco-friendly limestone materials). And whilst some modern materials are billed to increase eco-friendliness it’s good wetsuit care that will minimise your impact on the environment. Through NCW’s repair arm, we are finding that supposed eco-friendly glue(s) don’t have as much longevity meaning your wetsuit won’t stand the test of time. As this article says, the most sustainable and eco-friendly wetsuit is the one you already own.
2. Best Wetsuits for UK Conditions
Best Wetsuits for Cold Water Surfing
For UK surfers tackling winter waves, NCW’s 5mm wetsuit ranges (hooded and non-hooded) are a game-changer. These wetsuits are designed to handle the toughest conditions, featuring:
- 5/3 & 5/4/3mm thick neoprene for maximum insulation.
- Glued and double blind-stitched taped seams to prevent water ingress.
- Built-in thermal linings to retain body heat.
- Integrated hoods with the 5/4/3mm type to protect further against wind chill.
Best Wetsuits for Year-Round Surfing in the UK
If you’re after a wetsuit that works in multiple seasons, our NCW 5mm wetsuit is a great choice. It provides enough warmth for spring and autumn while remaining flexible enough for summer sessions. During winter you can layer this up with NCW thermal rash vests for additional heat retention.
NCW 5/4/3mm hooded womens winter wetsuit made with Yamamoto thermal lined neoprene
Original price was: £349.00.£279.00Current price is: £279.00.
NCW 5/4/3mm hooded Yamamoto thermal lined neoprene winter wetsuit for men
Original price was: £349.00.£279.00Current price is: £279.00.
Best Budget Wetsuits – NCW: our cheap wetsuits aren’t low-quality
Beware of low-priced wetsuits which feature flat-locked seams which allow some water ingress (not great when it’s cold!) and poor-quality, low-stretch neoprene. You’ll find using a suit with low-stretch neoprene will bring on fatigue, whilst paddling, quicker than when wearing a well-designed wetsuit with correct flex properties. For surfers looking for affordability without sacrificing quality, it’s worth considering that NCW wetsuits are priced cheaply but without sacrificing quality. All our suits deliver great performance at an accessible price. Which is great for your wallet. Additional features we build in include:
- Durable glued and blind-stitched seams for a longer lifespan.
- High-stretch neoprene for improved flexibility.
- Affordable pricing without compromising warmth.
Best Summer Wetsuits – NCW has you covered (literally)
During warmer months, NCW wetsuits keep you protected yet not restricted. These lightweight wetsuits feature:
- 2mm to 3mm construction (full suits and short/long john wetsuits) for breathability and mobility.
- Glued and blind-stitched seams or flatlock stitching for extra comfort (flat alone is fine when the water’s warm).
- Sleek, high-performance designs for unrestricted movement.
3. Kiddy Wetsuits: Keeping Young Surfers Warm and Safe
At North Coast Wetsuits, we specialise in kiddy wetsuits, ensuring that younger surfers stay warm, comfortable, and protected. NCW’s reputation for proper kid’s wetsuits stretches far and wide with a plethora of young riders and families putting their faith in NCW youth and junior wetsuits. They won’t let you down! Some features include:
- Snug yet flexible fits to keep kids warm without restricting movement.
- Unique kiddy wetsuit designs, thicker paneling where needed tailored to smaller frames
- Extra durability to withstand active play and multiple seasons of use
- Affordability with part exchange available
Since children grow quickly, we offer affordable secondhand kiddy wetsuits and trade-in options, helping parents save money while keeping kids properly equipped. We’ll quite happily take back your kid’s wetsuit after use and part exchange it for a new version. Contact us for more details.
Kids & Juniors 5mm Winter Wetsuits (backzip)
£64.95 – £89.95
Kids & Juniors 5mm Winter Wetsuits (chest zip)
£109.95
4. Sustainable Wetsuit Solutions at NCW
At NCW, we take sustainability seriously. The wetsuit and surfing industry can be wasteful. And its use of petrochemical products is well known. But we are committed to reducing our environmental impact by offering:
Secondhand & Used Wetsuits
Our secondhand wetsuit collection includes high-quality, pre-owned used wetsuits that have been thoroughly inspected and restored. Buying a pre-loved wetsuit helps reduce waste while offering an affordable alternative to new gear. NCW takes in a lot of old wetsuit stock – either in part exchange or to rid owners of gear that may otherwise end up in landfill. We’re keen to eliminate this as much as possible. If you have any old wetsuits lying around unused then get in touch to see what we can do. Also, check out this info which details more.
In-House Repairs & Alterations
Instead of discarding damaged wetsuits, NCW offers expert repair and alteration services to extend the lifespan of your gear. We can:
- Fix tears and reinforce seams to improve durability.
- Modify wetsuit fit for better comfort.
- Replace zippers and panels to restore performance.
- And more!
By choosing NCW’s sustainable wetsuit solutions, you contribute to reducing landfill waste and promoting a greener future for surfing.
5. How to Take Care of Your Wetsuit
Taking proper care of your wetsuit will extend its lifespan and maintain its performance. Here’s how:
- Rinse with fresh water after every use to remove salt, sand, and chlorine.
- Dry it in the shade on a wide hanger to prevent UV damage.
- Use a wetsuit-specific shampoo for occasional deep cleaning.
- Store it flat or hung properly to avoid creases and material stress.
- Avoid hot water and direct sunlight, as they can degrade neoprene.
- DO NOT FOLD YOUR WETSUIT HORIZONTALLY, SHOULDER TO SHOULDER
For more tips, check out our full guide on how to take care of your wetsuit.
6. FAQs About NCW Wetsuits
Q: Can I buy wetsuits online from North Coast Wetsuits?
A: Yes! Our full range is available to buy wetsuits online, with fast UK shipping and expert customer support. We’re always happy to help if you have queries.
Q: What thickness wetsuit do I need for UK surfing?
A: It depends on the season—5mm to 6mm for winter, 4mm is versatile but a 5mm is the best choice for spring and autumn, and 2mm to 3mm for summer. But individual circumstances do apply. If in doubt give us a shout.
Q: Do you offer secondhand wetsuits?
A: Yes! Our secondhand wetsuit selection provides high-quality options at a lower cost.
Q: Can NCW repair my wetsuit?
A: Absolutely! Our in-house repair service can fix seams, replace panels, and adjust the fit to keep your wetsuit in top condition.
Q: What’s the best wetsuit for year-round surfing in the UK?
A: There’s no one-fit solution. But for many a 5mm wetsuit is the most versatile, offering warmth in cooler months while staying flexible enough for summer. If you can afford multiple wetsuits a 4mm and 5mm wetsuit would be the best bet.
For more NCW FAQs check out this page.
7. Conclusion: Why Choose North Coast Wetsuits?
At NCW, we provide the best wetsuits for cold water surfing, affordable best budget wetsuits, and high-performance surf gear for UK waves at a snip of the cost. Whether you need a kiddy wetsuit, a sustainable secondhand wetsuit, or expert wetsuit repairs, we’ve got you covered.
Shop online today or visit us in-store to find the perfect wetsuit for your surfing and watersports adventures!
For further reading and info follow the links below.