Wakeboard wetsuit: guide to the best brands and models

When the water starts to get colder, a good wetsuit can make the difference between a great session and one you forget. While not always necessary, it becomes indispensable at certain times of the year.

The ideal wetsuits for wakeboarding, compared to those designed for other sports such as scuba diving, are distinguished by more elastic materials, cuts that follow the body and a fit designed to offer comfort without limiting movement.

Below you will find an overview of the brands to prefer and some useful advice for choosing the right model.

Here is a list of the most popular brands that produce wetsuits suitable for wakeboarding, both long and short. Click on the brand name to discover the most popular models.

There are different types of wetsuits: back zip, chest zip, front zip and no zip. Back zip wetsuits are ideal for those looking for an economical and easy to wear solution, while the others offer better performance in terms of comfort, fit, mobility and watertightness, making them more suitable for wakeboarding.

The wetsuits with back closure (back zip) are among the easiest to put on and take off, thanks to the long vertical zip on the back. They are also the cheapest, ideal for beginners or those who do not have high technical requirements. However, the back zip tends to let more water through, reducing thermal insulation. It can also limit the elasticity of the suit and cause a bit of discomfort on the back. Below, you will find a selection of the best back zip models available on Amazon, eBay and other selected stores.

Chest zip wetsuits have a oblique closure on the chest, which starts from one shoulder and ends on the other (the zip does not open completely, but remains anchored to the suit). This type of suit guarantees good thermal retention and excellent freedom of movement. The design allows for a more snug and comfortable fit, although it requires a little more attention when putting it on. Here is a selection of the best chest zip models available on Amazon, eBay and other selected stores.

Front zip wetsuits are similar to chest zips, but feature a horizontal zip that joins the two shoulders and opens completely. The upper part with the collar is separate and remains attached like a hood, to be slipped on over the head before closing the zip. This system improves the seal in the cervical area and leaves the back completely free from zips and rigid points. At first it can be uncomfortable to wear: it takes a bit of practice and attention to not force too much in delicate points, such as the collar.

Free zip (or zipless) wetsuits they don't have a real zipper. The design is “flap style”: you put it on from the top like a chest zip or front zip, but with the difference that the collar does not open. Once put on, the neck closes by pulling an elastic flap and securing it with a tab and adjustable cord system. This creates a very efficient elastic barrier against water. The system completely eliminates rigid points, offering maximum comfort and freedom on the back and shoulders. It is the most advanced solution among the closure systems, often adopted in high-end wetsuits. It requires a bit of practice to be put on without forcing too much in the most delicate points, such as the neck area.

Below you will find a selection of the best front zip and free zip models available on Amazon, eBay and other selected stores.

The first number refers to the thickness of the neoprene on the torso (where more warmth is needed), the second on the upper limbs (where more mobility is needed). So a 4/3mm wetsuit is warmer than a 3/2mm, and is suitable for colder conditions. We talk about this in detail in Complete guide to long wetsuits.

Le long wetsuits, both heavy and light, offer full body coverage. Heavy suits, with thicknesses ranging from 4/3mm to 6mm, are ideal for cold weather. These models feature fleece interiors that help retain heat in the most sensitive areas. Lightweight suits, with thicknesses of 3/2mm, are perfect for milder climates.

Le short wetsuits They offer partial body coverage and have thicknesses that vary between 2mm and 3mm. Depending on the model, they can have short or long sleeves, to better adapt to different weather conditions.

Depending on the climate, if you are wakeboarding from the beginning to the end of the season, a single shorty may not be enough. It is better to have two different wetsuits, a long and a shorty, to best face each moment of the season.

Neoprene vests and surf lycras are a must-have among wakeboarders' clothing, whether it's a cold-water session or a summer outing.

I neoprene jackets They offer thermal comfort and wind protection. They can be worn over an impact vest, with or without a wetsuit, or as a regular sweatshirt to cover up after a session. There are several models ideal for wakeboarding, made by brands such as Mystic, Hurley, ION, Soöruz and others.

Le Surf Lycra, on the other hand, are technical and tight-fitting garments in elastic fabric, with long or short sleeves, designed for comfort in the water. In wakeboarding they are used under the impact vest to increase comfort and keep it in place even after a fall.

Not all wetsuits are suitable for wakeboarding. Those designed for spearfishing, for example, have a different construction and do not provide the freedom of movement needed for action sports such as wakeboarding, wakeskating or surfing.