Can You Use a Surf Wetsuit for Swimming?
Can You Use a Surf Wetsuit for Swimming?
If you are someone who loves multiple water sports, having a wetsuit that works for all sports would be ideal. Let’s say you already own a wetsuit for surfing, and now you want to start dabbling in open water swimming, you may wonder: Can I use it for swimming as well? Or maybe you’re a triathlete considering whether your swim wetsuit could double as surf gear because the thought of buying a new wetsuit right now doesn’t sound so appealing when you are on a tight budget. It’s a great question because both wetsuits share some similarities—but they’re designed for different purposes.
We understand how this question can be so relevant because we also love multiple sports and understand the expectation that comes with our gear, so below we have broken down the key differences between surf wetsuits and swim wetsuits, explaining whether you can use them interchangeably, and share expert tips to help you make the best choice.
What’s the Difference Between a Surf Wetsuit and a Swim Wetsuit?
At first glance, surf and swim wetsuits look pretty similar… and we totally understand why!
They both keep you warm in cold water, keep you buoyant and offer some form of all-around protection.
But when you dig deeper, there are big differences in design and performance:
1. Material & Flexibility
- All surf wetsuits are made with thicker neoprene for durability and warmth in changing conditions making them ideal for your local break. They focus on longevity and protection in the water because surfing involves friction from the board, exposure to wind chill and damage from salt and the sun.
- Swim wetsuits are made with smoother, more buoyant neoprene for speed and flexibility in open water providing more stroke power and overall performance. They’re optimised for hydrodynamics, helping swimmers glide through water with minimal resistance to ensure little fatigue and optimal results.
2. Thickness & Panel Design
- Surf wetsuits often range from 3/2mm to 5/4mm thickness, depending on water temperature, and to allow for performance during the summer, winter, spring and autumn seasons. Due to different water temperatures across the world's oceans, the thickness range is much bigger than that of a swim wetsuit. A surf wetsuit has a lot of thought put into the distribution of neoprene thickness for optimal warmth for longer-lasting sessions.
- Swim wetsuits generally use thinner panels (especially in the arms and shoulders) to allow maximum mobility for strokes and to minimise fatigue in critical areas. This ensures you can perform at your best without the hindrance of your neoprene. Unlike just wearing a costume in the swimming pool, a swim wetsuit in open water needs the right balance of buoyancy and flexibility so you don’t get tired easily and can relax both mentally and physically, resulting in a faster pace and better training all around.
3. Seams & Zippers
- Surf suits feature reinforced seams and chest or back zips for durability. The zipper entry systems of surf wetsuits try to minimise water entry and have more technical designs with superior technology, giving the wetsuit the ability to retain heat for maximum comfort and support.
- Swim wetsuits are usually equipped with breakaway zips and back zips for quick and simple removal techniques during triathlons, as well as minimal seam drag.
Can You Swim in a Surf Wetsuit?
Short answer:
Yes, but it’s not ideal.
It’s easy to assume a wetsuit is just a wetsuit and that it should work for any water sport. But that’s like expecting a VW Kombi to perform like a Ferrari on the racetrack—it’s just not going to end well. Similarly, a Ferrari isn’t exactly the best choice for a camping trip with surfboards strapped to the roof. Sure, both are cars and both can drive, but they’re designed for completely different lifestyles and purposes. Let's weigh up the pros and cons:
Pros:
- If you already own a surf wetsuit, it’s a cost-effective option for occasional open-water swims.
- Offers great warmth in cold conditions.
Cons:
Restricted movement: Surf wetsuits are heavier and less flexible in the shoulders, which can make long-distance swimming tiring and make completing your sessions much harder.
More drag: They’re not designed for streamlined movement, so you’ll feel slower in the water and way more sluggish. You will spend most of your energy trying to just get your arm rotation going. You would benefit way more from a suit that has lighter, more streamlined neoprene.
Less buoyancy: Swim wetsuits add lift to keep you afloat, whereas surf wetsuits don’t focus on that. This will help a lot more getting through waves if you need to, and result in fewer factors affecting your swimming. Many triathlon instructors and coaches push for the top-end triathlon and open water wetsuits purely because of factors like the above that boost your overall performance in the water. To be able to perform better than someone in a traditional triathlon wetsuit, you would have to have superhuman powers, and your skills would have to be exceptional to beat the top guys.
After reviewing the above-mentioned factors, it should be clear to see that a surf wetsuit is best for short recreational swims or surf-related swimming and not triathlons or competitive races. We highly recommend scoring yourself a decent swim wetsuit to ensure you have the best time in the water and are happy with your training and races. A more buoyant and streamlined wetsuit is your best bet for performance open water swimming.
Can You Surf in a Swim Wetsuit?
Technically, yes,
but it’s not recommended.
Pros:
- Swim suits are very light and flexible, and paddling feels great, which is perfect for prolonged surf lessons.
Cons:
- Not durable: Swim wetsuits aren’t built for abrasion from surfboards, wax, or reefs. They are built with a neoprene that is meant for streamlined performance, and the slightest nick from your nails or an object will damage these suits.
- Less warmth: They prioritise speed, not insulation for long sessions. This means that your surf sessions will be very short, and you might end up missing the waves of your life! Surf wetsuits also have better zip entry systems for optimal warmth and insulation.
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Short lifespan: You’ll likely damage it quickly in the surf environment. This isn't great news because when the time comes and you really need your swim wetsuit, chances are it is going to be toast!
The Verdict: If you are a surfer and on a tight budget, then by all means wear your swim wetsuit when you surf.
But know this: it won't last long, and you won't receive any of the physical benefits from your suit down the line.
If you are planning on getting back into open water and triathlon events, just know you are going to have to buy another swim wetsuit.
Which One Should You Choose for your next open water swimming or surfing adventure?
The right choice depends on your primary activity and your lifestyle!
We recommend asking yourself the following questions:
- Surfing most of the time? Go with a surf wetsuit for durability and warmth; this way, you are guaranteed to have a great session and feel comfortable.
- Swimming or triathlons your priority? Get a swim wetsuit designed for speed and buoyancy, it's that simple!
If you decide you really want one suit for both activities, then we would suggest that you pick a thinner surf wetsuit (2mm–3/2mm) for better flexibility in swimming, but understand it’s a compromise.
In a Nut Shell
Swim wetsuit for surfing? Not ideal unless it’s occasional and in gentle conditions. For optimal performance, invest in the right wetsuit for your specific sport. If you’re planning serious open-water swims, a dedicated swim wetsuit is a game-changer. If surfing is your passion, a surf wetsuit will keep you warm, protected, and ready for the waves.
Be sure to check out all our swim/triathlon and surf wetsuits online for both Winter and Summer months for all members of the family. We have options for the children, the parents, for beginners, as well as for those who rip or need something of top calibre... You name it, we have an option for you!
