Wet Suit vs Dry Suit: Which is Best for Watersports?

Trying to choose between a wetsuit and a dry suit for kiteboarding or eFoiling in Florida?

This guide from Elite Watersports breaks down the real-world pros and cons of wetsuits vs dry suits, including comfort, mobility, warmth, seasonal use, cost, and suit maintenance. Learn how each type performs in warm-water conditions like Tampa Bay and St. Pete, when to upgrade your gear, and how to stay comfortable during long sessions. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned rider, this wetsuit vs drysuit comparison will help you pick the right gear for your riding style and local water temps.

 

Wet Suit vs Dry Suit: How to Choose the Right Gear for Watersports

If you’ve ever stepped onto the beach in Florida in late winter or early spring, you know the feeling, sun’s out, but the water’s still chilly. Whether you’re kiteboarding in Tampa Bay or cruising on your eFoil in St. Pete, having the right suit makes all the difference between cutting a session short or staying out for hours. So the question is: do you go with a wetsuit or a dry suit?

At Elite Watersports, we’ve tested both in real conditions. Aaron and the crew wear them every day teaching lessons, chasing students on jet skis, and riding hard when the wind’s up. In this guide, we’re going to break down the real differences between wetsuits and dry suits—not just what the tag says, but how they perform in Florida water temps, what they feel like after an hour-long session, and why one might make more sense for your riding style and season.

By the end, you’ll know:

• What each suit actually does
  

• How to choose based on comfort, water temp, and sport
  

• Why price isn’t just about brand, it’s about lasting longer and riding better
  

Let’s get into it. And if you still have questions after reading, give us a call. We’ll get you dialed.

 

What’s the Difference Between a Wet Suit and a Dry Suit?

It’s all about how the suit handles water and how that affects warmth, mobility, and comfort during your session.

A wetsuit works by letting a thin layer of water in. That water sits between your skin and the neoprene, and your body heat warms it up. It’s snug, stretchy, and built to move with you while riding. Most riders in Florida use a 3/2 full suit during the cooler months, or a shorty in the spring. You’re still getting wet, but you stay warm because the water stays in and heats up with you.

A dry suit, on the other hand, is fully sealed. No water’s getting in unless you leave a zipper open or take a wipeout that sends spray through the collar or cuffs. It’s designed to keep your base layers completely dry. You wear clothes underneath, a thermal base layer, board shorts, maybe even a hoodie if it's cold enough. The suit itself doesn’t insulate, but it blocks wind and water entirely. That makes it ideal for cold sessions or long stints on a jet ski when you’re not constantly moving.

Here’s the simple breakdown:

• Wetsuit = wet, warm, flexible
  

• Dry suit = dry, windproof, layering required
  

And in Florida, both have a place, depending on how much you ride, what kind of session you’re having, and how sensitive you are to cold water.

Explore our beginner’s guide to wetsuits and dry suits

 

When Should You Choose a Wet Suit Over a Dry Suit?

If you're actively riding, kiteboarding, eFoiling, winging, a wetsuit is usually the move. You’re in the water, you’re moving constantly, and you want something that keeps you warm without getting in your way. That’s where a wetsuit shines.

Most of our Florida riders stick with a 3/2 full suit in the cooler months, maybe a spring suit (short arms or legs) in the shoulder seasons. If you’re doing tricks, riding waves, or want maximum mobility, a wetsuit gives you that second-skin feel without restricting your movement. Plus, it’s lighter and quicker to rinse, dry, and store.

Here’s when a wetsuit is probably your best choice:

• You’re in the water a lot (not just riding above it)
  

• You want more stretch and freedom of movement
  

• The air is warm, but the water is just a little chilly
  

• You’re riding in short bursts or high-intensity sessions
  

Wetsuits also tend to be more budget-friendly upfront, especially if you’re starting out. But remember, entry-level suits usually come with trade-offs like thinner seams, less fleece lining, and quicker heat loss. If you want to ride longer in cooler water, it’s worth investing in a higher-end suit.

How Do Dry Suits Keep You Warm and Dry on the Water?

Dry suits work by sealing water out completely. Neck, wrists, and ankles all have tight closures, usually neoprene or latex, that block water from getting in. Instead of neoprene hugging your body like a wetsuit, a dry suit is a loose outer shell. You stay dry underneath, and you control your warmth by what you wear inside.

Aaron wears his dry suit with regular clothes, sometimes just board shorts and a hoodie. No shower needed afterward. Just unzip and you’re good to go. This is huge if you’re teaching lessons, on and off the boat, or need to head straight from the beach to the shop or work.

The key thing to remember:
A dry suit doesn’t warm you. It just keeps you dry.
So if it’s cold outside, you need to dress like it. Standing on the beach in a t-shirt and throwing on a dry suit won’t magically make you warm.

Florida riders tend to reach for a dry suit in late winter or early spring, especially for long sessions or coaching days. And with materials like the Prolimit Nordic’s soft-touch outer and flexible fit, you don’t feel like you’re wearing a big crunchy bag.

Aaron’s used his Nordic dry suit for over a year, even in Florida’s sun, salt, and spray. It’s held up through heavy use and hard conditions. No failures. Just dry, comfortable sessions, even when the water’s sitting in the 60s.

Are Wet Suits Better for Active Watersports Like Kiteboarding?

For most kiteboarders, yes. Wetsuits are lighter, more flexible, and move with your body when you're riding hard. If you’re boosting, carving, looping, or throwing tricks, a wetsuit keeps you warm without slowing you down. It’s snug, it stretches, and it doesn’t balloon out when you crash.

Dry suits, on the other hand, aren’t made for high-impact sessions. Aaron said it best: if you're “really going out to shred and send it in the waves,” leave the dry suit on the beach. They’re better for mellow riding, teaching, or cruising when staying dry is more important than staying agile.

Wetsuits also shine in the surf zone. Taking hits, getting rolled, duck-diving, none of that phases a good wetsuit. Dry suits can leak a bit if water sneaks past the seals, especially if you're tumbling in the whitewash or dragging your wrists through the water.

So if you're kiteboarding in Florida and plan to be in the mix, whether that’s in the air or underwater, a wetsuit is your best bet.

 

Dry Suit vs Wet Suit: Comfort, Flexibility, and Mobility Compared

This one’s all about tradeoffs. Wetsuits feel like a second skin. They’re built to stretch, bend, and move with your body while riding. That’s why riders who value agility, kiteboarders, eFoilers, surfers, usually go wetsuit first.

Dry suits, though? Different experiences. They’re looser, less flexible, and not really designed for high-movement sessions. But what they lack in mobility, they make up for in comfort and dryness. You’re not dealing with cold, wet neoprene clinging to your skin. You’re dry. And when you come off the water, you’re still dry.

Aaron puts it like this: if you’re doing a casual ride, coaching, or spending hours on a jet ski, a dry suit is a game-changer. Especially in winter. But if you want to be nimble, if you’re trying new tricks or chasing waves, stick with the wetsuit. Even high-end dry suits like the Prolimit Nordic have their limits. They’re not made to get crunched by waves or slammed by kites.

One other thing to consider: front zip wetsuits feel tighter and warmer but are harder to get on. Back zip suits are easier to wear but leak more. So comfort isn’t just about suit type, it’s about entry style, fit, and how long you plan to be out there.

 

What’s the Cost Difference Between Wet Suits and Dry Suits?

The short version? Dry suits cost more, sometimes a lot more. But what you’re really paying for is session length, comfort, and versatility.

Entry-level wetsuits are cheaper and a great way to get started. You can grab a basic 3/2 for Florida winters without spending much. But you’ll notice the difference in features: no fleece lining, weaker seams, and faster heat loss. In Aaron’s words, those lower-cost suits get you maybe 30 minutes in cold water, if they fit perfectly.

High-end wetsuits change that. Fleece linings, taped and welded seams, and better neoprene all add up to longer, warmer sessions. Spend a bit more and you might get three to five hours out there instead of thirty minutes.

Dry suits sit in a different league. Most start in the mid-to-high price range. But if you’re doing long sessions, coaching, or hopping between beach and shop all day, they can pay off fast. You’re warm, dry, and already dressed when you finish. No wetsuit rinse. No wetsuit smell. Just unzip and go.

Aaron’s Prolimit Nordic is a good example. It’s not the most expensive on the market, but it’s held up through sun, salt, and constant use by instructors in Florida. No leaks, no blowouts. Just clean, dry performance.

Bottom line:

• Wetsuit = lower cost, but more versions needed over time
  

• Dry suit = higher upfront cost, but all-day comfort and fewer wardrobe changes

 

How to Maintain and Care for Your Water Sports Suit

Whether you’ve got a wetsuit or a dry suit, how you treat it matters. Good care can mean the difference between one season and five.

For wetsuits, rinse with fresh water after every session, especially if you’ve been in salt. Hang it to dry in the shade, not the sun. Direct UV breaks down neoprene faster than you’d think. Flip it inside out first, then swap it when the interior dries. Avoid hanging it by the shoulders, use a thick hanger or drape it at the waist to prevent stretching.

Front zip suits are worth the extra time but need more love. Make sure the zipper stays clean and free of sand. If you’re pulling hard on a dry zipper, stop, work it gently and never force it.

For dry suits, the zipper is everything. Aaron uses the supplied silicone to keep it sliding smooth. Always double check that it’s fully sealed before you hit the water, just a fingertip gap will flood your layers. After use, rinse it down, especially around the cuffs, neck, and zipper. Let it dry completely before storing.

If you’re wearing fleece or a base layer underneath, wash those separately. And remember: your dry suit doesn’t make you warm, what you wear inside does.

Need more tips? Check out our tips for getting the most out of your wetsuit or drysuit

 

Which Suit Is Best for Florida and Warm-Water Conditions?

In Florida, it depends on the season and how long you plan to be out.

For most riders, a wetsuit is the go-to. A 3/2 full suit covers the cooler months, and a spring suit or Topper handles the shoulder seasons. Aaron recommends these for riders who want mobility, warmth, and an easy fit. You’ll still get wet, but that’s not a problem when the water’s in the 60s and the air is sunny.

That said, dry suits have their place, even in Florida. When winter hits or you’re spending hours on the water teaching, filming, or working from a jet ski, staying dry makes a huge difference. Throw on a Prolimit Nordic over your regular clothes and you’re good to go. No wet neoprene. No post-session rinse.

If you’re sensitive to cold or want to ride more often in the off-season, a dry suit might be worth it. But for most kiteboarders and eFoil riders in Florida, a solid wetsuit lineup, maybe two suits to rotate, is going to cover 90% of your riding.

Need help figuring out your ideal setup? Check the Florida water sports conditions or call the shop. We’ll walk you through it based on season, location, and how you ride.

 

Pro Tips for Putting On and Taking Off Wet Suits and Dry Suits

Wetsuits and dry suits both come with one universal truth: if you don’t know the trick, you’re going to wrestle it.

Wetsuit Tips:
Start dry. Don’t try to slide into a wetsuit if you’re already damp, it’ll fight you. Use a plastic bag trick for your feet or hands. Just slide the bag over, push through, and it glides in. Aaron swears by this for thicker suits.

Back zips are easier to get into, especially for newer riders. Step in, pull it up to your waist, then feed each arm through and grab the “tail” behind your neck to zip it up. Downside? Water sneaks in through the zipper and neck.

Front zips are trickier, but worth it. You have to squeeze through a smaller hole, but once it’s on, it seals tight. Fewer leaks. Better warmth. Once you learn the shoulder roll and the neck pull-over trick, it becomes second nature. Evan shows how to work one arm at a time, always peeling from the elbow first.

Dry Suit Tips:
Biggest issue? Forgetting to fully zip the chest zipper. Just a half-inch gap will soak your base layers. Use the included silicone to keep the zipper smooth and don’t force it.

Start by rolling the suit to your waist, step in, then work it up. The Prolimit Nordic has soft-touch material so it’s easier than older dry suits. Pull the zipper all the way across your chest and shoulder until it clicks shut.

To stay dry:

• Roll your pants up slightly so water doesn’t wick up the legs
  

• Tuck gloves into sleeves and cinch the velcro tight
  

• Put booties over the ankle cuffs, not underneath
  

Need a visual? Stop by the shop. We’ll show you in person and help fit it right.

 

How to Choose the Right Suit for Your Skill Level and Local Water Temps

If you’re just getting into kiteboarding or eFoiling, don’t overcomplicate it. Start with a wetsuit. They’re easier to find, easier to fit, and better for learning, especially in Florida’s mild winters. A 3/2 full suit covers most of the year here. You can always add a spring suit or topper as you progress.

As you gain experience, your gear needs to shift. You might ride longer, travel north, or want to ride in windier, but colder, conditions. That’s when a dry suit becomes an option. But it’s not a must-have for everyone.

Aaron puts it simply: “You’ll probably end up with multiple suits.” He rides year-round and rotates between a 4/3, a 3/2, a shorty, and sometimes just a Topper. It all depends on session length and water temp.

Here’s how to think about it:

• Beginners: Start with one well-fitting wetsuit (probably a 3/2 full suit)
  

• Intermediates: Add a spring suit or higher-end wetsuit for longer sessions
  

• Advanced/Coaches: Consider a dry suit for coaching, long sessions, or cold starts
  

Still not sure? We’ll help you build a setup that fits your riding and your local water. Just give us a call or visit Elite Watersports in St. Pete.

 

Get the Right Suit for Your Ride – Call or Visit Elite Watersports

Choosing between a wetsuit and a dry suit isn’t just about temperature, it’s about how you ride, how long you’re out there, and what makes your session better. The good news? You don’t have to figure it out alone.

At Elite Watersports in St. Petersburg, we’ve tested it all. We ride in it. We coach in it. And we’ve fitted hundreds of riders with suits that actually work for Florida conditions.

Call us today to get matched with the right wetsuit or dry suit for your riding style and season. Or better yet, stop by the shop, feel the difference in person, and try one on.

We’ll help you ride longer, stay warmer, and stay stoked.

• Elite Watersports gear reviews
  
  

• Tips for getting the most out of your wetsuit or drysuit
  
  

• Beginner’s guide to wetsuits and dry suits
  
  

• Local watersports events in Florida
  
  

• Florida water sports conditions

 

FAQ Wetsuits vs Dry Suits for Watersports

Can you wear regular clothes under a dry suit?
Yes. A dry suit is a waterproof shell, not insulation. You need to dress for warmth underneath. That might mean base layers, fleece, or even your everyday clothes depending on the air temp.

Do wetsuits keep you completely dry?
No. Wetsuits trap a thin layer of water against your skin. Your body heat warms that water, which is what keeps you warm. You’ll be wet, but not cold.

Which lasts longer, a wetsuit or dry suit?
It depends on use and care. A high-quality wetsuit, well cared for, can last several seasons. A dry suit has fewer materials breaking down from water and salt, but zippers and seals can wear out over time if not maintained properly. With good care, both can last years.