Best Wet Suits for Paddle Boarding

Below we will present the best wet suits for paddle boarding including our expertise and research in all things regarding wetsuits. 

We go through wetsuits that we believe to be useful and of good value to paddle boarders as well as criteria to look for should you want to choose a wetsuit custom catered to you and your tastes. 

Let’s read on as we talk about all things wet suits for paddle boarding!

Do I Need a Wetsuit for Paddle Boarding? Why?

First things first let’s answer this question fully. Do you need a wetsuit for a SUP? 

In the summer months when the sun is out and it’s warm outside they are not as important) if you are close to shore). However, if you wish to paddle in colder months like Fall, winter, or early Spring they become much more essential to your Paddle Boarding Accessories list. 

Wetsuits use a layer of Neoprene that can range in thickness. The most common sizes are 7 mm, 5/4 mm 4/3 mm, and 3 and 3/2 mm. The thicker the neoprene the warmer you will be if you fall into the water PROVIDED YOU HAVE THE RIGHT FIT. 

Fit is extremely important as if there are areas that are loose, there will be more cold water that seeps in which deems the wetsuit useless. To counter this make sure you look at the exact fit of the manufacturer’s size charts. One chart does not fit all as different manufacturers have different industrial standards related to fit. So checking out these charts is vital. 

For those going out in colder waters (about 10 C and colder) check out our SUP Drysuit picks here.

Best Wet Suits for Paddle Boarding

Below are the best sup wetsuits we came across in our 18 hours of research based on fit, usefulness, and of course how well they equate to paddle boarding. Truth be told there are a lot of great wetsuits out there for paddle boarding. But these were the ones that stood out to us the most. 

Our Selectings for Best Wetsuits for Paddle Boarding Go as Follows:

1. Henderson 3 Thermoprene Pro Mens Front Zip Jumpsuit – (Top Pick)
2. Oneil Women’s Reactor Wetsuit – (Best Women’s Wetsuit)
3. NRS Rescue Neoprene Kayak Wetsuit – (Safety Pick)
4. Seaskin 3mm Front Zip – (Budget Women’s/ Mens Pick)
5. NRS 3.0 Ultra Farmer Jane 3 mm Wetsuit – (Best Long “Jane” Wetsuit)
6. Henderson 7mm Greenprene Mens full wetsuit – (Best Cold Water Wetsuit) 
7. Oneil Hyper Freak 4/3 Chest Zip Full Wetsuit – (Best Mens Wetsuit)
8. Stohlquist Mens Storm John Wetsuit – (Best Long John Wetsuit)
9. Henderson Thermoprene Mens Front Zipper 3mm Shorty Wetsuit – (Best Shorty Wetsuit)
10. Synergy Triathlon 5/3 Women’s Endorphin Full Sleeve Smoothskin Neoprene Wetsuit – (Premium Women’s Choice)

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1. Henderson 3 Thermoprene Pro Mens Front Zip Jumpsuit (Top Pick)

• Thickness: 3mm
• Seams: Glued and Sewn
• Type: Mens Full Body Long Sleeve Front Zipper Wetsuit
• Sizes: Size Chart

One of the things that stands out more with the Henderson 3mm is the fact that the pro suit has about 250% more stretch compared to the 180% stretch found in other types of neoprene. This is especially crucial for paddle boarders as oftentimes you are moving your whole body, bending the knees, using your arms and shoulder per each stroke. 

This wetsuit also offers knee pads which are especially handy for paddle boarders. Often it just makes sense to kneel! Instances like paddling against strong winds or just taking a break from standing make kneeling useful when paddling. The extra padding is a welcome addition to keep your knees from bruising after longer periods of time. 

One of the small details that makes this such a great wetsuit, especially for paddle boarders is the fact that it is front zip. Meaning if you fall into the water you won’t get a flood of cold water coming in through the back zipper. On top of this, the seams are glued to ensure that no cold water gets into the stitching of the wetsuit. Making it even more useful for paddlers who have an oopsie in the water. 

While the price tag may be a bit rich this is a wetsuit that has some of the most consistent reviews from across all practices. According to one reviewer the Henderson 3mm Thermoprene wetsuit is “easy to put on and off”.  

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2. Oneil Women’s Reactor Wetsuit (Best Women’s Wetsuit)

• Thickness: 3/2 mm
• Seams: Minimal seams/Sewn
• Type: Womens Full Body Long Sleeve Back Zipper Wetsuit
• Sizes: Size Chart

The Oneil Women’s Reactor wetsuit is recommended for temperatures between 55 – 64 F (12 -17 C). Spring/ Fall paddling will fall under this range in many temperate climates. 

The Oneil Reactor is a mid-range price pick that is made of good materials and has a good brand name behind it. This wetsuit can also be used for surfing as well, so those who have surfboards and paddle boards you’re in luck!

One of the reasons why we picked this as the women’s pick is that it has a good amount of reviews from over 350 people across all Amazon platforms. In our research wetsuit rankings can be pretty inconsistent so it’s good to get a good sample size of customers using these wetsuits for a variety of different activities. 

One of the things to be advised about this wetsuit is that it may not fit busty women. So keep your chest or bust size in mind when looking through your options. 

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3. NRS Rescue Neoprene Kayak Wetsuit (Safety Pick)

• Thickness: 3 mm
• Seams: Glue and blind stitched
• Type: Mens Full Body Long Sleeve Front Zipper Wetsuit
• Sizes: Size Chart

While meant for kayaking, the NRS Rescue Neoprene Kayak Wetsuit can also be a great wetsuit for paddle boarding as it has highly visible yellow shoulder patches with reflective “RESCUE” lettering. This is a great wetsuit for those experienced offshore paddle boarders who want something visible should they need rescuing. 

What also makes the NRS Rescue wetsuit great for paddle boarding is the fact that it features polyurethane knees and shin armor which help comfort your knees should you feel the need to kneel. The arms will also be a bit more stretchy due to its neoprene friction zones which won’t feel so constricting when you are paddling out into the water. 

One of the features that also makes this a fantastic wetsuit is the fact that it is glued and blind stitched which means there are no holes from the stitching for water to enter into as it is sealed by the glue. 

While the price tag may make your eyes pop, for a quality wetsuit it’s worth it. Especially if you want years of use out of it. 

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4. Seaskin 3mm Front Zip (Budget Women’s/ Mens Pick)

• Thickness: 3 mm
• Seams: Flatlock stitched
• Type: Men/Women Full Body Long Sleeve Front Zipper Wetsuit
• Sizes: Size Chart

The Seaskin 3mm Front Zip Wetsuit is a solid choice for those who are on a budget. They retail for under $100 which makes them perfectly affordable for some extra Spring/ Fall paddle boarding. This wetsuit is also very stretchy giving your arms and feet plenty of room to move as you are paddling or kneeling on your paddle board.  

One of the things you should be aware of with budget wetsuits like this is the fact that it is flatlock stitched. Meaning that there are tiny holes in the stitching that allow some cold water to get in. This won’t be as big of a deal for paddle boarding in warmer temperatures that are between 17 C  – 24 C.

Another thing to note about this wetsuit is that it features 2 listed layers of fabric.  An outer nylon fabric layer and the inner part is made of neoprene. In all likelihood, the 3mm measurement includes the nylon fabric layer in this measurement as well. 

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5. NRS 3.0 Ultra Farmer Jane 3 mm Wetsuit (Best Long Jane Wetsuit)

• Thickness: 3 mm/ 2mm stretch panels in the shoulders and behind the knees
• Seams: Glued and blind stitches seams
• Type: Women’s Full Body Open Sleeve Front Zipper Wetsuit
• Sizes: Size Chart

For those ladies out there who don’t want to constrict the movement of their arms there’s the NRS 3.0 Ultra Farmer Jane 3mm wetsuit. Farmer John/ Jane wetsuits are great for paddle boarding as they allow your arms to be out and loose which feels less constricting compared to a full-body wetsuit which can be more restrictive to paddling movements. 

Of course, the flip side of that is that your arms are exposed to the colder water. So it makes this a better fall/ spring wetsuit in temperate climates. Ultimately outside of safety a lot of it comes down to paddle preference. Many experienced paddle boarders who paddle longer distances will prefer a wetsuit similar to this because there is less constriction in their arms compared to a full-bodied wetsuit. 

One of the things you may have noticed about this wetsuit is the zipper in the crotch area. Yes, it is used for what you think. Gals often don’t have the same option as guys when it comes to easy accessibility “when nature calls”. But with this wetsuit, you can unzip, wade, and let nature do the rest. 

The neoprene on this wetsuit is made from a limestone process which makes it a more durable product compared the the petrol-based neoprene wetsuits out there. This means NRS 3.0 Farmer Jane wetsuit will be able to last you longer and give you more consistent use. 

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6. Henderson 7mm Greenprene Mens full wetsuit (Best Cold Water Wetsuit) 

• Thickness: 7mm
• Seams: Not Specified
• Type: Mens Full Body Cold Water Wetsuit
• Sizes: Size Chart

Besides being a cold water wetsuit the Henderson 7mm differentiates itself from the pack because it uses Greenprene material instead of neoprene. Greenprene is made of deproteinized natural rubber along with other natural additives such as sugar cane, plant oils and oyster shells. This is a great alternative for those who have neoprene sensitivities as this suit is 100% neoprene free!

Most importantly though, this is the wetsuit you would wear in cold water/ winter conditions. It’s 7mm Greenprene allows you to stay warm and insulated both from the air and the water should you fall in. The wetsuit also provides UV resistance and is lighter than Neoprene materials. 

Read more about What to Wear Paddle Boarding in Winter: Full Layering Guide here.

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7. Oneil Hyper Freak 4/3 Chest Zip Full Wetsuit (Best Mens Wetsuit)

• Thickness: 4/3 mm
• Seams: Minimal seam design glued and blind stitched
• Type: Mens Full Body Front Zipper Wetsuit
• Sizes: Size Chart

The Oneil Hyper Freak 4/3 Chest Zip Wetsuit is one of the thicker wetsuits on the list ideal for slightly cooler water temperatures. The Hyper Freak has 4mm thick neoprene in the chest and torso area while the limbs have a 3mm thickness to give your limbs a bit more flexibility. 

The body and legs are constructed from TechnoButter 3 Neoprene. Which is 3 layers of neoprene sandwiched together. It starts at the Envy Smoothskin Exterior which is a very stretchy outer layer that sheds water and protects the body from windchill. 

The middle layer is the air-insulated layered core which consists of bigger neoprene bubbles that trap more air and give you better insulation. Lastly, there is the Firewall Interior Jersey which is an insulating lining that keeps the amount of water inside the suit to an absolute minimum. This is one of the more advanced wetsuits that Oneil makes. 

Some paddlers have mentioned that it’s super toasty inside making it a solid pick for 50-degree Northwest weather while still being functional for slightly warmer temperatures as the seasons change. 

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8. Stohlquist Mens Storm John Wetsuit (Best Long John Wetsuit)

• Thickness: 3 mm Neoprene
• Seams: Flatlock seams
• Type: Mens Full Body Open Sleeve Front Zipper Wetsuit
• Sizes: Size Chart

We did a Farmer Jane so now let’s do a Farmer John wetsuit! Stohquist is a very paddling-focused company so they design their equipment to suit paddlers of a variety of different backgrounds. Many paddlers will prefer this style of wetsuit as their arms are less constricted. Typically touring paddle boarders will go for this kind of style wetsuit due to the freedom of movement. 

 The Storm John wet suit also features reinforced SupraTex knee and bottom support to protect those areas that stretch the most. The YKK zippers are non corrosive which means there won’t be any rust from salt water. 

On Stohquist’s page, they suggest that this is a great wetsuit for rental programs. So if you happen to have a travel/ adventure or rental business this may be a good option to look at.

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9. Henderson Thermoprene Mens Big and Tall Front Zipper 3mm Shorty Wetsuit (Best Shorty Wetsuit)

• Thickness: 3 mm Neoprene
• Seams: Glued and blind-stitched seams
• Type: Mens Shorty Front Zipper Wetsuit
• Sizes: Size Chart

For those paddling in temperate zones when the water is a bit warmer the Henderson Thermoprene wetsuit is a solid pick. This shorty wetsuit is more lightweight and gives you more freedom of movement in your legs and arms making it a great pick for those more experienced paddlers who like to paddle further in warmer waters. 

This wetsuit does not just stop at paddle boarding. You can also use it for snorkeling, kayaking, or diving in warmer climates. The Henderson Thermoprene Shorty wetsuit is a great Jack of all Trades wetsuit for a bunch of different watersports and activities. 

This wetsuit is not just made of regular neoprene. It is made of Henderson’s special compression-resistant neoprene which gives the suit more stretch which allows you to sit on your paddle board easier. It also can adjust to other different body types better due to its stretch properties. 

Finally, this wetsuit has a front zipper that goes all the way down to the leg, making it easier to put on and off compared to those that go to the belly. This wetsuit also features glued and blind-stitched seams which help guide the water through the neoprene instead of the holes made by stitching. 

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10. Synergy Triathlon 5/3 Women’s Endorphin Full Sleeve Smoothskin Neoprene Wetsuit (Premium Choice)

• Thickness: 5/3 mm Smoothskin Neoprene
• Seams: Glued and blind-stitched seams
• Type: Womens Full Back Zipper Wetsuit
• Sizes: Size Chart

While this is meant to be a swimming wetsuit it still can be a good pick for paddle boarders. For one it features a 5 mm thick Nylon bonded Neoprene. This is not only good for colder temperatures but also helps you float more. So if your swimming is so/so you will have extra buoyancy to help give you that extra bit of confidence to climb back aboard should you fall off. 

So what are some of the advantages of this hydrodynamic nylon bonded neoprene? For one it will protect you from wind chill, especially if you already had a little dunk in the water. It also keeps you fully insulated while still giving your arms and legs a full range of motion with 680 percent flexibility. Because this wetsuit is designed for triathlons it has to be flexible to suit a wide range of motions from swimming to running and biking. 

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How to Choose the Best Wetsuit for Paddle Boarding 

Before I go into the nitty gritty I should specify there is no such thing as a “Best wetsuit for paddle boarding”. Instead, think of it as some paddle-boarding wetsuits being better than others for certain conditions. 

Wetsuit Thickness is Important to Know for Weather Conditions

Not all wetsuits are created equal. Thickness is a big part of the equation in knowing which wetsuit to wear for what conditions. And on top of this, not all neoprene is created equal as some have better properties to keep you warm than others. Sometimes some neoprene will even have lining included in the thickness which can take away from the rating. 

 As a rule of thumb, Neoprene made from limestone and plant-based materials will be more flexible and more resistant to cold water temperatures. Petrol-derived neoprene is less durable and effective at keeping you warm. Usually, companies that use limestone or plant-based neoprene will mention it in the product description. 

Lastly, let’s talk about wetsuit thickness. The long and the short of it is that the thicker the wetsuit the warmer it will be as long as the wetsuit isn’t too old. As wetsuits age they lose some of the nitrogen bubbles which makes them effective in the first place. 

As a general rule of thumb.

Water Temp C and F	Wetsuit Thickness	What to Wear	Type of Seal
22 C (72 F) +	Thin	Rashguard	Regular Stitch
18 – 24 C (65 – 75 F)	.5mm – 2/1 mm	Shorty Wetsuit	Flatlock/ Regular Stitch
16 – 20 C (62 – 69 F)	2mm – 3/2 mm	Full Wetsuit	Flatlock
14 – 17 C (58 – 62 F)	3/2 mm – 4/3 mm	Full Wetsuit + Booties	Sealed
11 -14 C (52 – 58 F)	4/3 mm – 5/4/3 mm	Full Wetsuit + Booties + Gloves + Hood	Sealed +Taped
6 – 11 C (43 – 52 F)	5/4 mm 0 5/4/3 mm	Full Wetsuit + Booties + Gloves + Hood	Sealed +Taped
6 C and Below (42 F and Below)	6/5 mm – 7mm +	Full Wetsuit + Booties + Gloves + Hood	Sealed +Taped

Oftentimes wetsuits have different thicknesses on the torso vs. the arm and legs as those are the areas that need to be more flexible and stretchy. 

Types of Paddle Boarding Friendly Wetsuits

There are a few wetsuit styles that suit paddle boarding better than others. Naturally when paddling you want more freedom of movement in the arms and legs area as those are the areas that require the most movement. 

• Shorty Wetsuit: Shorty wetsuits are wetsuits that cover the torso and have the legs covered to the knees and the arms covered to the biceps. These are ideal for temperate/ warm conditions and usually can be found with 2 – 3 mm of neoprene thickness. Lots of surfers like to use these types of wetsuits. 
• Farmer John/ Jane Wetsuits: Meant for slightly cooler conditions, much like the name entails, the Farmer John/ Jane wetsuits are cut off at the shoulders to give paddlers more freedom of movement in their arms. 
• Full Body Wetsuits with Flexible Materials: Naturally if you are going into colder waters you want a wetsuit that covers your torso, arms, and legs. These wetsuits can be anywhere from 2 mm all the way to 7 mm thick. Just keep in mind the thicker the neoprene the less flexible it will be. As 

As the water gets colder you will be adding additional accessories such as gloves, booties, and hoods to insulate yourself fully. 

Fit Is Everything for a Wetsuit

While you can get away with a size or two larger with regular street clothes like jeans the same cannot be said about wetsuits. You want the wetsuit to fit you like a glove but not be completely constricting like a python. 

You also don’t want any spaces that have loose areas as that allows pockets of colder water to seep in deeming the wetsuit useless in colder conditions. So much so that a well-fitted cheap wetsuit will keep you warmer than an expensive baggy wetsuit. 

So how do you know what size to get? Get yourself measured at a Taylor so that you have the dimensions and then look at the manufacturer’s sizing table. Each wetsuit will have different sizing standards, especially when some have European, Asian or North American fitting. After that look at the comments on the wetsuit and see what customers say about the sizing standards. Everyone has different shaped bodies so keep this in mind when looking at the manufacturer’s sizing table and the comments. Worst case you can always return it and go a size up or down. 

Look for a Wetsuit that Has Some Stretch

When looking for a good paddle boarding wetsuit it’s imperative that the legs and arms have some degree of stretch to them. It’s even better if the knees have some degree of padding. You may have to pay a bit of a higher price to get that but it’s worth it if you are planning to paddle board for a decent amount of the time and you don’t want to feel constricted.

Look for buzzwords like “Ultra Stretch” or “250% + Stretch” when looking. If there is little indication of flexibility or “stretch” it may be best to look at another wetsuit. 

Price Differences between Cheap Wetsuits and Good Quality Ones

While from the outside you may be tempted to buy a wetsuit based on its looks or style it’s important to actually understand the differences between cheap and good quality wetsuits. 

Cheap Quality Wetsuits:

• Often sit under the $100 range
• Are made of Petroleum (Does not last as long)
• Are flatlock stitched (Ok for warmer waters but not cooler temps)
• Have little flexibility
• Have Nylon included in the Neoprene thickness measurement
• Last a couple of seasons

Good Quality Wetsuits: 

• Are made of Limestone or Plant based Materials
• Have stitching that is sealed and taped
• Are usually over $100
• Usually has custom neoprene that is more stretchy
• Last a long time
• Has good wind resistance

The colder the water is the more you will have to spend on a quality wetsuit and accessories. 

Paddle Board Wetsuit FAQ’s

Below are some FAQs we are asked about when it comes to wetsuits. 

What’s Better for Paddle Boarding? A Wetsuit or a Drysuit?

In more temperate waters a wetsuit will definitely be better suited but in very cold water temperatures like 15 C and below it will make more sense to wear a drysuit as it’s more baggy and allows for movement. 

Remember, drysuits keep you insulated from the water (all opening points like cuffs and neck are sealed. Wetsuits absorb water in the neoprene which warms up to your body and keeps it at body temperature. 

What’s the Ideal Wetsuit Thickness?

There is no “ideal wetsuit thickness” but rather, the thickness that best suits the current environment. The thicker the neoprene the more insulation you will have and therefore the warmer you will be. Keep in mind more thickness also means less flexibility. See our wetsuit temperature guide for general information. 

Is Full Body or Shorty Wetsuit Better for Paddle Boarding?

A shorty wetsuit will be best for warm waters of around 18 – 24 C (65 – 75 F). Anything colder and you have to wear a full wetsuit. 

How Do I Care for and Maintain my Wetsuit? 

1. After each use, you want to rinse the wetsuit with fresh water. This is especially necessary if you have been in salt water. Do not use a washing machine as bleach and chlorine kill wetsuit materials. 
2. Squeeze all the excess water out of it before dying
3. Keep your wetsuit out of direct sunlight and dry it. The dryer the space the better. It’s also best not to hang it from the neck and shoulders but rather from the torso. Or even better get a wetsuit hanger.  Do not use a dryer for this as the constant tumbling will eventually ruin your wetsuit. 
4. Every so often wash your wetsuit with wetsuit-friendly shampoo

How Tight Should a Wetsuit Be?

A wetsuit should be close to your skin but not so much that your range of motion is limited. You also don’t want any loose pockets or gaps in the wetsuit as that’s where all the cold water will seep in. Make sure you look at the manufacturer’s size chart and look at customer comments / Reddit to help you get the right fit for you and your body. 

What Do You Wear Under a Wetsuit for Paddle Boarding?

A lot of this is preference based but what you don’t want is anything baggy like swim trunks underneath as that will create gaps in the neoprene. Things such as rash guards, bicycle shorts or tight-fitting swimming briefs are best to wear under wetsuits. Heck if you are brave enough you could even go commando!

So What’s the Best Wet Suits for Paddle Boarding?

While there are no best wetsuits there are wetsuits that are more ideal for certain environments than others. Overall we really liked the Henderson 3 Thermoprene Pro Front Zip Jumpsuit for men and the Oneil Women’s Reactor Wetsuit for women for temperate conditions. For cold water conditions, we preferred the Synergy Triathlon 5/3 Endorphin Full Sleeve Smoothskin Neoprene Wetsuit for women and the Henderson 7mm Greenprene full wetsuit for men.