Shorty wetsuit for wakeboarding: brands, models and online deals

When the days start to warm up and the water temperature rises above 20°C, a shorty is the ideal choice to stay protected without suffering from the heat. In this article, we help you understand which model is right for you, with an overview of the most interesting brands and online offers to keep an eye on.

Shorty wetsuits, also known as “shorties,” are designed for use in spring, summer, and early fall, when the water isn’t freezing but a layer of neoprene is still useful to protect you from wind, splashes, and thermal shock.

They are ideal when the water temperature is above 20°C, but can also work in slightly cooler conditions if you move around a lot or if the suit is well-fitting, long-sleeved and well-constructed.

The values ​​are indicative: a lot also depends on the quality of the neoprene, the type of closure of the wetsuit, the fit and your personal sensitivity to the cold. A good quality, tight and well-built shorty wetsuit insulates more than a cheap one even with the same thickness.

Even for short wetsuits we find the usual brands that stand out for quality and thermal performance. Here are the most popular:

In addition to the thickness of the neoprene, each brand offers variants with different zip closures: the back zip is the simplest, while the front zip or chest zip versions guarantee a better seal and greater comfort. If you'd like to learn more about the differences between the closures (back zip, chest zip, and front zip), take a look at our introductory guide to wakeboarding wetsuits.

A thickness of 3 to 2 mm is the thickest for wakeboard shorts. This is sufficient to protect in water temperatures between 18°C ​​and 24°C . They usually have short sleeves and shorts, but there are also long-sleeved or three-quarter-length versions that offer greater thermal protection.

Here is a selection of the best models on offer available on Amazon, eBay and other partner stores. Wetsuits from previous seasons are often found at discounted prices.

For those looking for a basic shorty, there are also lighter models (1.5 mm and below). They're perfect for warm waters, between 22°C and 26°C , and you could even go without a wetsuit, but a light layer will give you that extra bit of comfort, avoiding direct contact with the cool water. Here are some interesting deals found online.

The shorty is ideal for summer and mid-seasons: the water is already warm, but a little thermal protection is still useful. Choose the most suitable model based on the temperature and how long you stay in the water.

Want to explore options for winter and colder temperatures? Read our dedicated article: Full-length wetsuits for wakeboarding: the best 5/4, 4/3, and 3/2 sizes for every climate.