This comprehensive guide is your go-to resource for all things wetsuits: front zip vs. back Zip, wet suit styles, thickness, and more. It will answer your questions about how thick a wetsuit you need, how many wetsuits you need, and how to put one on.

Wetsuits come in a variety of styles, each designed to suit different conditions. Whether it's a full suit for maximum coverage and warmth in colder waters, a shorty for flexibility in warmer temperatures, or a topper for added warmth in mild conditions, there's a wetsuit style to suit your needs.

This guide will help you navigate these options and find the perfect fit for your kiteboarding or wingsurfing adventures.

Another important consideration is the wetsuit's entry point, with front and back zip options.

Back zip wetsuits are easier to put on and are often preferred by those who value convenience. However, front zip wetsuits offer a tighter seal and better warmth, making them a popular choice for experienced riders and colder conditions.

We'll link a video showcasing how to get in and out of these two styles. By the end of this guide, you'll be fully prepared to select the perfect wetsuit for your kiteboarding or wingsurfing needs and weather conditions, thanks to the comprehensive knowledge it provides.

When selecting the right wetsuit, there are three key factors to consider:

• Thickness
• Wetsuit Style and Sizing
• Entry Point

How thick should my wetsuit be? The colder the temp, the thicker the suit you will need. If you want to kite or wing in the winter or the late shoulder seasons, a thick wetsuit will keep you warm all year round.

Warm locations and summer kiteboarding might not require a suit, but a thin wetsuit or topper can help keep you warm if there is a chill in the air or water.

What Style Wetsuit do I need? Wetsuits are available in various styles. Choose what will work for the temperatures and seasons of your local spot.

Full Suit: Long arms and long legs. Best for cold conditions like winter kiteboarding.

Shorty/Spring Suit: Short legs and long or short arms. It is best for warm locations and summer kiteboarding.

Topper: This covers from the waist up and is available in long sleeves, short sleeves, or vests. It is best for the warmest locations in the summer.

What thickness wetsuit do I need for kiteboarding and wingsurfing?

Wetsuit Thickness and Style: Wetsuits come in different thicknesses, usually measured in millimeters. The most common thickness is 3/2 or 4/3, depending on where you live.

2 mm wetsuit: These suits can be a full suit, a shorty, or even a top. A full suit covers the arms, legs, and torso, providing full-body protection without compromising movement.

Some shorties cover the torso and arms and cut off at the knees, balancing warmth and freedom. You can also get short-sleeved stories that cut off at the bicep, allowing for more movement in the arms.

These are best when the water and air are warm, but you might be a little chilly with no protection. A 2 mm top can keep the chill off even in the summer.

3 mm wetsuit: These suits are usually full suits but are available as shorties with extra thickness in the core and less material in the arms and legs for maximum flexibility.

They can be used in cooler weather, like 65-degree air and water. Warth is subjective, and some riders in the Florida Keys will wear these when the temps are in the low 70s, but the sun is not out. Likewise, some riders will use them in the lower 60s.

4/2mm wetsuits: These are excellent shoulder season and winter wetsuits, depending on your location and local temps. Many riders will have a 2 mm suit and a 4mm suit to cover the winter and spring in Florida or even in colder states like New York. A suit like this will be comfortable and keep you warm in mild to cool temperatures. They are ideal for many places in late spring and early fall and can be used in winter in central Florida.

5/4 mm wetsuit: These wetsuits are for colder days in early spring, late fall, and winter. They are not as flexible but provide a great compression effect and keep you warm.

6/4 mm wetsuits: These suits are for the coldest days. They often have a built-in hood and are limited in flexibility. Albeit, wetsuits have come a long way in that regard. Six-mill suits used to feel restrictive, but now they don't feel as liberating as a 4 or 3-mm suit.

Sizing will vary by brand, so always check the size chart for the specific suit you are looking for. You'll want to use measuring tape to get your measurements for a proper fit. Remember, a wetsuit should be tight but not uncomfortable.

Many brands offer Extra small, small, medium, large, extra large, and double extra large suits. Depending on your shape, you can often find large tall and medium tall suits.

What wetsuit is best for kiteboarding? The best suit is the one that feels comfortable and keeps you warm.

Generally, the more expensive the suit, the better it will perform. Around St. Petersburg, Florida, we typically recommend a 3/2 full suit. Depending on the season, a spring suit might be appropriate. However, always consider the local water temperatures and your personal comfort level.

For example, a standard suit in Florida could be too light for colder climates. In the northern states, the most common suit is a 5/4 full suit. While you can certainly make do with one wetsuit, having a selection tailored to different conditions is the most practical approach.

Do I need more than one wetsuit?Consider building a wetsuit quiver that covers all your bases, from warm summer days to chilly winter sessions. This way, you'll always be prepared for whatever the weather throws at you.

In New York, 2 mm, 4 mm, and 6 mm are ideal for covering the hot summers and cold falls. You only need as many suits as you want to be comfortable in the conditions you will ride in.

Somewhere hot like Key West, a 2 mm topper and a 3 mill will get you by for 99% of the temperatures you will experience there.

Call our shop to discuss your location and riding season for a recommendation on wetsuit thickness. We can help you get the best suits to get you out there.

 

Back zip Vs Front zip wetsuits

Back Zip vs. Front Zip Wetuits: You can get into a wetsuit with either a back or front zip. Both styles have pros and cons; arguably, neither is better than the other in certain circumstances. If you find one style more comfortable, you should opt for that style.Remember that comfort is king when it comes to wetsuits.

Back Zip Wetsuits: Back zip suits are the easiest to put on and are ideal for older, heavier riders or those lacking flexibility.

The long string helps get the zipper up and down quickly enough. The only downside is that sometimes more water can enter the suit from the zipper and neck. This flushing effect can be quite a fun shock on colder days.

Back zips are a good solution for riders who need a thick suit but struggle to get into a front zip. They are especially easy for a thin wetsuit like a 3 mm where the water temps are temperate and getting a little wet won't be too uncomfortable.

Pros: Easier to put on.

Cons: Less watertight; more water can seep through the zipper and neck, making it less warm.

Front Zip Wetsuits: Front zip wetsuits have become much more common in wind sports like kiteboarding and wingsurfing and for good reason. They are warmer and provide a tighter seal around the neck and back.

Older front zip suits used to be a challenge to get on, but rest assured, new models are significantly more accessible.

If you lack mobility, pulling the seal over your head and securing the front zipper can still be more challenging, but the improved design makes it much easier than before.

We love these for colder weather; they will keep you warmer when it counts. This is especially true if you opt for a thicker wetsuit, like a 5/4 mm or a 6 mm wetsuit, for kitesurfing.

Pros: It offers a tighter seal, keeping more water out and making it warmer.

Cons: Harder to put on, requires more flexibility and effort.The general rule of thumb is to choose a thicker suit with a back zip or a thinner, more flexible suit with a front zip. Pros typically favor front zips for their superior warmth and tight seal.

Wetsuits come in a wide price range, and you generally get what you pay for. A wetsuit can cost as little as $99 or up to $700 or more for a high-quality thick suit.

The average wetsuit is around $400 unless you find something on sale.

Thick wetsuits will cost more, while thin suits will cost less. Shorties and toppers will be the most affordable style. The price of these can even vary widely depending on the manufacturer.

Lower-Cost Suits: Lack features like fleece lining and fully waterproof seams, offering limited warmth, comfort, and flexibility.

Higher-Cost Suits: Include fleece lining, taped seams, and better waterproofing, allowing you to stay in the water longer.

The high cost of a cheap wetsuit: A lower-cost wetsuit might last you about 30 minutes in cold water, while a higher-end wetsuit can keep you comfortable for several hours.

Features like tape seams and fleece lining can make a 3/2 wetsuit as warm as a 4/3 or 5 mm lower-cost wetsuit. Consider your wetsuit an investment, like a winter jacket, when snowboarding.

A cheap suit will get you by, but comfort is king, and a good suit will make the difference between a fun kiteboarding or wing foil session and a cold, stormy day

How do I put on a Back Zip Wetsuit? Back zips are simple, but sometimes it's common for new riders to accidentally put wetsuits on backward and inside out.

Make sure the logos are on the outside, and the zipper is on your back. If there are knee pads, they should be lined up on the outside of the suit at the front of your knees.

Preparation: Remove any bulky clothing and get down to your underwear. Some people wear socks to help get their feet and prevent toenails from catching the suit.

Pull Up: Pull the wetsuit up to your knees like pants.

Slide Arms In: Pull the top half up and put one arm at a time. Slide your arms through the sleeves.

Pull loose areas tight: Look for rolls at the knees, glutes, and elbows. Use care and pull the material tight so there is no bunching.

Zip Up: Grab the back zipper, arch your back, and zip it up. Pro tip: You can use the velcro around the neck to secure the zipper strap for easy access after your session.

Use the hat trick: If you're wearing a baseball cap, you can also tie this to the back of the hat. This will secure the hat when jumping and keep easy access to the zipper.

How do I put on Front Zip Wetsuit? Front zips can be tricky, but the trick is to roll them down and back up. This will make the entry point wider and easier.

Roll down the top: Roll the top half down and roll the bottom up to your hips. Slide your legs on at a time, then pull up the suit.

Slide In: Roll the top half up, insert your arms one at a time, and pull the neck flap over your head.

Pull loose areas tight: Look for rolls at the knees, glutes, and elbows. Use care and pull the material tight so there is no bunching.

Styles of front zip suits: A couple of front zips exist. Some have a flap from the back, while others come from the size.

For the back flap, you can lean forward, and it will fall up like in our video.

The trick with the side entry front zip is to pull with effort. You'll need to stretch the neck hole over your head.

To remove the wetsuit, reverse the process carefully to not stretch the material too much.

Now that you've seen the pros and cons of back zips and front zips, along with some tips and tricks for getting in and out of these wetsuits, you're ready to choose the best suit for your needs.

Comfort and warmth are key, so pick what best suits you. If you need any help, shoot us an email, call the shop, or stop by.

The team at Elite Watersports can help you get the right wetsuit or wetsuits for Florida or wherever you live.

The expert team at Elite Watersports is here to serve. If you have any kiteboarding related questions call us. We can build custom kiteboarding packages, book kiteboarding lessons or simply offer helpful advice. We're your one stop shop for kiteboarding knowledge.

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