5 Best Wetsuits For Southern California

Searching for the best wetsuit for Southern California? We live in California and we’re here to tell you about the best Southern California’s wetsuits.

The weather in Southern California is varying and unpredictable. It can be sunny, windy and rainy all on the same day. Plus as temperatures drop, the quest for a suitable wetsuit becomes more challenging.

Whether you’re an active surfer or someone who just enjoys the ocean, knowing what to look for in a wetsuit is key to enjoying your chosen water sport throughout the year — regardless of location.

To be comfortable during any weather changes, it’s important to have the best wetsuit for your next surf. But how do you choose one if there are hundreds of brands and products? We’re here to help you out! Here are the best 5 wetsuits for Southern California:

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OUR TOP PICKS

O’Neill Women’s Wetsuit -> Stretchy, Soft & Insulated

O’Neill Men’s Wetsuit -> Easy to Wear, Flexible & Stretchable

Table Of Contents

Best 3/2 Wetsuits For Southern California

3/2 wetsuits have 3mm thickness for the body (torso and chest) and 2mm thickness for the arms, shoulders and legs.

The thickness refers to the thickness of the neoprene rubber used for the wetsuit. This provides warmth around the body and mobility around the arm muscles, shoulder muscles and leg muscles for better flexibility.

3/2 wetsuits are a great option if water temperatures are 55F-60F. Since water temperatures are less than air temperatures (as evaporation takes heat from the water), daily air temperatures that are above 65 F would make it comfortable to wear the 3/2 wetsuit.

1. O’Neill Women’s Reactor-2 3/2mm Back Zip Full Wetsuit

This O’Neill wetsuit has a perfect back zip system that prevents water from coming in. This is stretchy, soft and insulated to protect you from the cold and winds.

2. O’Neill Men’s Epic 3/2mm Back Zip Full Wetsuit

This O’Neill wetsuit is easy to wear on and take off. It is super flexible and uses lumbar seamless design to keep it stretchable.

3. Seaskin 3mm Shorty Front Zip Wetsuit

Looking for a non-full sized wetsuit? Get Seaskin’s shorty wetsuit that is elastic and durable. Plus it’s got a front zip which makes it easier to zip up or down and allows far less water in than a front zip.

Best 4/3 Wetsuits For Southern California

A serene ocean view with a small group of surfers waiting on their boards near a gentle wave. A white sailboat glides in the distance under a clear blue sky, with faint outlines of land on the horizon. — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

4/3 wetsuits have 4mm thickness for the body and 3mm thickness for the arms, shoulders and legs. 4/3 wetsuits are great when water temperatures are 50F-55F with air temperatures being a couple of degrees above. If the water is chilly, air is windy and/or you plan to spend half a day in the water, 4/3 wetsuits are your go-to.

4. O’Neill Men’s Epic 4/3mm Back Zip Full Wetsuit

This O’Neill wetsuit is watertight and adjustable. It’s got Krypto knee pads and plasma ankle and wrist seals.

5. Roxy Women’s 4/3 Syncro Back Zip GBS Wetsuit

This Roxy wetsuit is lightweight and durable with Supratex knee pads and Glideskin neck seal. Plus it’s got a pretty coral design across the shoulders.

Best Wetsuit For Surfing In Southern California

Southern California is primarily hot but it can get chilly and the waters can be colder. While it depends on your cold tolerance, you’ll be best protected with the 4/3 wetsuit.

If you’re surfing for 2-3 hours in the winter season, choose a 4/3 wetsuit. But the surf waters can get erratic and the air colder with the Santa Ana winds. Expect the water temperatures to be in the 50s or 60s.

Best Wetsuit For San Diego

A beachfront view showing several surfers in the ocean riding gentle waves. In the background, a sandy beach leads to a large resort with balconies, surrounded by a hillside filled with homes under a partly cloudy sky. — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

How thick of a wetsuit do you need for San Diego? We recommend a 3/2 suit if you’re riding the waves in spring, summer, or fall.

But if you’re riding in the winter, you’ll need a 4/3 wetsuit. A 4/3 wetsuit is made of thicker material than a 3/2 so you can stay out longer. The thicker material also means you will still be warm if the water is cold.

The waters in San Diego can get colder than you think, so no matter what season it is, you should wear a wetsuit if you plan to surf the waves for a while.

If you’re new to surfing and don’t have a wetsuit, you should still buy one; it’ll keep you warm which is essential when you’re practicing the surf waves.

California Wetsuit Guide

So what’s so great about wetsuits? Wetsuits were created so that surfers or anyone doing other water sports can stay in the colder waters for a long time. They also protect your skin in two other ways: prevents cuts from ocean rocks and prevents getting sunburnt.

While you want the wetsuit to protect you from the waters, winds and sun, you also want to be comfy enough to move around swiftly.

The thickness of the wetsuit is important. If you’re thinking that the thicker the suit is, the more uncomfortable it might be, that isn’t fully true. You’ll get used to the wetsuit after wearing it a couple of times.

But the main reason it’s thick is to protect you from the cold. And when you’re feeling cold, you can’t surf the waters properly. The thickness of the suit is far less uncomfortable than the coldness of the waters. It also depends on how often you’ll be wearing the wetsuit.

Will you wear it once, seasonally or year-round? And also what season will you be wearing it? While some people prefer one suit all year-round, others might prefer a different suit per season.

Other things to consider when buying a wetsuit are its fit, stretchability, durability, weight and price.

Wetsuit Accessories

If you’re not sure if your chosen wetsuit would keep you warm enough, then get some wetsuit accessories to keep you warmer! Try these:

Hoods: Keep your head, ears and neck warm.
Gloves: Extra grip and protection.
Socks/Booties: These are tearing resistant with anti-slip features.

Frequently Asked Questions

What wetsuit is best for Southern California?

The best type of wetsuit is the one that fits you. Whether you’re surfing, diving or snorkeling, you need to be comfortable when in the waters.

When choosing wetsuits, make sure it isn’t too tight. If you feel like it’s a bit suffocating, then that’s not the wetsuit for you.

If it’s too loose, water can flow right into the wetsuit which will make it heavier and uncomfortable for you.

The best wetsuits for Southern California are 3/2 wetsuits and 4/3 wetsuits. Other than your wetsuit, pack other essentials for your Southern California beach day.

Pack wetsuit accessories; those would still keep you warm if you fall back into the cold water due to strong winds and rapid waves.

Do I need a wetsuit to surf in LA?

Yes, it’s best to wear a wetsuit when surfing in Los Angeles. A wetsuit is one of the most important gear that you need to buy during your surfing trip.

Wetsuits keep you warm, comfortable, and protected. Even if it’s just a two-hour surf session in the morning, a wetsuit will keep you safe from extreme cold even in water as cold as 60F.

What thickness wetsuit do I need in LA?

A 4/3 wetsuit is best for LA with water temperatures reaching the 50s.

Do you need a wetsuit to surf in Southern California?

You might be thinking that a wetsuit will slow me down but every surfer/diver needs a wetsuit. The waters in Southern California can get cold and can be freezing on some winter days.

Do you need a wetsuit to surf in Northern California?

A wetsuit helps you surf for a longer time and under any water conditions. Wetsuits are also needed when surfing in Northern California as the water can still be cold even in warm temperatures.

Even if you aren’t surfing and just planning to paddleboard near a Lake Tahoe beach, (for example) wetsuits provide an extra protection in case of rocky surfaces.

Final Thoughts

With so many options, it can be difficult to decide which wetsuit will be the best fit and provide warmth during your next session. If you are in the market for a new wetsuit, check out these 5 best wetsuits for Southern California. Enjoy the California waves!