Wetsuit Guide, Thickness, Fit & Temperature Guide
Wetsuit Guide
How to Choose the Right Wetsuit
The right wetsuit keeps you warm, flexible, and comfortable in the water. Choosing the right one is not just about thickness, it is about matching your wetsuit to the conditions you surf in, how often you go out, and how much performance you expect.
How a wetsuit works
A wetsuit is designed to keep a thin layer of water between your body and the neoprene. Your body heats this water, creating insulation that helps you stay warm.
The effectiveness of a wetsuit depends on neoprene quality, thickness, fit, and construction. A well-fitted wetsuit with high-quality neoprene will feel warmer and more flexible than a thicker but poorly fitting suit.
Behind The Pines advice: fit is just as important as thickness. A premium wetsuit that fits well will outperform a thicker suit that lets water flush through.
Wetsuit thickness explained
Wetsuits are defined by thickness in millimeters, for example 3/2, 4/3, or 5/4. The first number refers to the torso thickness, the second to the arms and legs.
3/2 wetsuit
Lightweight and flexible. Best for warmer conditions, late spring, summer, and early autumn.
4/3 wetsuit
The most versatile option. Ideal for spring and autumn and the best single-suit option for most surfers.
5/4 wetsuit
Built for cold water. More insulation, less flexibility, used for winter conditions.
Temperature varies per suit
Different neoprene types and linings mean temperature ranges vary per brand and model. Check the temperature range for the specific wetsuit.
For most surfers, especially if you want one suit, a 4/3 wetsuit is the most practical choice.
Wetsuit temperature guide by surf region
Wetsuit thickness depends on water temperature, wind, season, and how long you stay in the water. Use this guide as a practical starting point for popular European surf regions.
Netherlands, Scheveningen, Wijk aan Zee, Zandvoort
Dutch water stays cold for a large part of the year. Wind chill also matters, especially in spring and autumn.
| Season | Water feel | Recommended setup |
|---|---|---|
| Winter | 5°C to 8°C | 5/4 wetsuit, boots, gloves, hood |
| Spring | 8°C to 13°C | 4/3 or 5/4 wetsuit, boots often needed |
| Summer | 15°C to 19°C | 3/2 wetsuit, sometimes 4/3 on windy days |
| Autumn | 12°C to 17°C | 4/3 wetsuit, add boots when it cools down |
France Atlantic, Brittany, Vendée, Hossegor, Biarritz
France varies strongly by region. Brittany is colder, while the southwest stays milder for longer.
| Season | Water feel | Recommended setup |
|---|---|---|
| Winter | 10°C to 13°C | 4/3 or 5/4 wetsuit, boots recommended |
| Spring | 12°C to 15°C | 4/3 wetsuit |
| Summer | 18°C to 22°C | 3/2 wetsuit, shorty on warmer days |
| Autumn | 15°C to 20°C | 3/2 or 4/3 wetsuit |
Portugal, Ericeira, Peniche, Lisbon coast, Algarve
Portugal is milder, but Atlantic water can still feel colder than expected, especially with wind or long sessions.
| Season | Water feel | Recommended setup |
|---|---|---|
| Winter | 14°C to 16°C | 4/3 wetsuit |
| Spring | 15°C to 17°C | 3/2 or 4/3 wetsuit |
| Summer | 17°C to 21°C | 3/2 wetsuit |
| Autumn | 17°C to 20°C | 3/2 wetsuit, 4/3 if you get cold quickly |
Spain, Basque Country, Galicia, Cantabria, Canary Islands
Northern Spain can be similar to southwest France. The Canary Islands are warmer, but still often require a light fullsuit.
| Region / season | Water feel | Recommended setup |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Spain winter | 12°C to 14°C | 4/3 wetsuit, boots optional |
| Northern Spain summer | 18°C to 21°C | 3/2 wetsuit |
| Canary Islands winter | 18°C to 20°C | 3/2 wetsuit |
| Canary Islands summer | 21°C to 23°C | 2mm spring suit, shorty, or light 3/2 |
Cold water accessories
A wetsuit is only one part of your cold water setup. In winter, accessories can make the difference between a short uncomfortable session and a proper surf.
Wetsuit hoods
Important for winter surfing, especially when wind and water temperatures drop.
Ponchos and towels
Make changing warmer, easier, and more comfortable before and after your session.
Behind The Pines advice: if you only want one wetsuit for Dutch and Northern European conditions and you do not surf deep winter, choose a high-quality 4/3. If you surf winter, go 5/4 and add boots, gloves, and a hood.
Wetsuit hoods
Essential for winter surfing, especially when water and wind temperatures drop.
Ponchos and towels
Make changing easier and keep you warm before and after your session.
Neoprene quality and performance
Not all neoprene is the same. Higher-end wetsuits use lighter, more flexible, and better insulating materials.
Premium materials like Yamamoto neoprene offer a higher level of comfort, stretch, and warmth compared to standard neoprene.
CKTH wetsuits: built with Yamamoto neoprene and exceptional construction quality. Designed for maximum flexibility, warmth, and durability.
Patagonia Yulex® wetsuits
Patagonia wetsuits use Yulex® natural rubber instead of traditional petroleum-based neoprene. This material is derived from natural rubber sources and reduces environmental impact without compromising performance.
Yulex wetsuits are known for their durability, consistent warmth, and long-term reliability. They often feel slightly different compared to traditional neoprene, with a more structured feel, but they perform extremely well in real conditions.
For surfers who value sustainability without giving up performance, Yulex is one of the most advanced alternatives available today.
Our wetsuit selection
At Behind The Pines, we focus on wetsuits that balance performance, durability, and clean design.
Our range includes Vissla, Sisstrevolution, Patagonia, and CKTH. Each offers a different approach, from sustainable materials to high-performance construction.
Explore our full wetsuit collection.
Cold water essentials
Wetsuit boots
Wetsuit gloves
Wetsuit hoods
Ponchos and towels
The Behind The Pines wetsuit method
- First: check water temperature and season
- Second: choose thickness (3/2, 4/3, 5/4)
- Third: focus on fit and neoprene quality
- Fourth: add accessories if needed
Explore wetsuits at Behind The Pines
From summer suits to high-end winter wetsuits, our collection is built for real conditions and long-term use.
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