Best Wetsuits for Stand-Up Paddle Boarding
Stand-up paddleboarding, also known as SUP, is quickly becoming one of the UK’s most popular watersports. It’s one of the best all-round watersports, offering something for surfers who want to test their skills and also casual holidaymakers who want to enjoy peaceful times on the water.
No matter when or where you want to paddleboard in the UK, you’re going to need a wetsuit. There’s more essential paddleboarding kit we’d recommend, but if nothing else, it’s crucial you get the wetsuit right. Besides the SUP itself, it’s probably the most expensive bit of equipment you’ll buy.
Here at Wetsuit Centre, we have a wide range of paddleboarding wetsuits available. If you’re not sure where to start, check out some of our best-selling suits below.
What to Consider when Buying a SUP Wetsuit
There are so many different styles of wetsuit available that it can be daunting at first glance. Here are some of the key features to consider.
Surfing or Swimming Wetsuits
Most wetsuits can be roughly divided into two categories: those designed for surfing and those designed for swimming (sometimes also called triathlon wetsuits).
There are substantial differences between surfing and swimming wetsuits. You could use either when paddle boarding but we would generally recommend a surfing wetsuit.
Surfing wetsuits are designed to keep you warmer when on top of the board, and will usually come out cheaper than swimming wetsuits.
Thickness
Arguably the biggest consideration when buying a wetsuit is its thickness. Presented as two numbers on surfing wetsuits, such as 3/2 or 4/3, this indicates how thick the neoprene is against the torso (first number) and limbs (second number).
Our wetsuit thickness guide can help you understand which is best for you. As a general rule, those surfing in the UK summer seas will usually enjoy a 3/2 thickness. If swimming in warmer waters, such as summer lakes, a thinner thickness might work.
Length: Full or Shorty
The final consideration you might want to make is whether to go for a full-length wetsuit or a shorty wetsuit, which generally cuts off before the knees and/or elbows.
As you can guess, shorty wetsuits are popular because of the freedom they offer but they also don’t protect your extremities from the cold.
Again, this comes down to where you intend to SUP and how you react to the cold water. If you’re only paddleboarding during the summer and expect to go into warmer climates than the UK seas, then a shorty wetsuit might be something to consider.
With all this in mind, here are some of our customers’ favourite wetsuits for paddleboarding for you to consider.
Best Entry-Level SUP Wetsuit: O’Neill Reactor 2
For many years, one of the most popular wetsuits on the market has been the O’Neill Reactor range, which strikes a great balance between performance and value.
O'Neill is a brand that has been at the forefront of the wetsuit industry since its inception in the 1950s. It has continued to produce high-quality and intelligently designed wetsuits that can be used in a range of water sports.
The neoprene that the Reactor 2 is composed of works fantastically with the niche mobility required for paddleboarding while keeping you toasty and warm.
The smooth skin surface protects you from any wind burn, and the seams and stitching are strategically placed to ensure that abrasion on the skin is kept to a minimum.
The O’Neill Reactor 2 is available in both men’s and women’s fits. It also comes in multiple thicknesses, including the popular 3/2, as well as full-length and shorty fits.
Best Budget-Friendly Paddle boarding Wetsuit: C-Skins Element
If you’re working on a tight budget, you’ll want to check out the C-Skins range. The brand is famous for delivering incredibly inexpensive wetsuits considering the quality involved, often outperforming more notable brands.
The C-Skins Element series is one of our best-selling wetsuits every year thanks to its focus on combining performance technology with unrivalled value.
The suit is constructed with a Super Seal Glideskin collar for excellent comfort and durable Dura Flex knee pads. C-Skins has used its exclusive Xtend neoprene in the shoulder and sleeves to allow for optimum flexibility.
As with the O’Neill Reactor, the C-Skins Element is available in various models for males and females, including shorty lengths.
Popular Performance SUP Wetsuit: O’Neill Epic
If you’re willing to spend a little more on your suit, one to check out is the O’Neill Epic, a cornerstone of their mid-performance range.
The O’Neill Epic is completely built with UltraFlex Neoprene, meaning you will feel more flexibility in the suit compared to entry-level models. The suit comes with various other features, such as wind-proof smoothskin and the FluidFlex Firewall, which help you stay warmer for longer.
The O’Neill Epic is available in various thicknesses for men and women. You can also get this suit with a chest zip as opposed to a back zip. Chest zips are smaller and can be slightly trickier to get into at first but are much better at locking in heat.
Popular Female Shorty Wetsuit: Rip Curl G Bomb
Many paddleboarders don’t want to wear full-length wetsuits. If you’re looking for a more summery design, Rip Curl’s G Bomb shorty wetsuits are hugely popular.
The Rip Curl G bomb is a long-sleeve shorty with a boyleg cut, allowing freedom for the legs alongside complete coverage for the upper body. This is a popular look but it’s also designed with E5 neoprene, making sure you get a flexible, high-performance suit.
The G Bomb is available in multiple designs and colours and usually comes in smaller thicknesses (from 1mm to 2mm), making it a perfect, easy-to-wear summer suit.
Of course, this list only scratches the surface when it comes to what wetsuits are available. Explore our range of watersports wetsuits today and, if you’re still not sure, you can explore our blogs or get in touch.
