Best Wetsuits for SUP

Roxy Syncro 2/2 Spring BZ Flatlock Wetsuit

As the temps outside are warming up it’s time to start dragging out some of that summer gear. But it’s not 75 and sunny everyday yet, at least not up here in the north. The water is still cold and the wind can come up on short notice and if you’re on the water it can get cold in a hurry.

One way to combat that is to grab your wetsuit to give yourself some defense against the cold and having the right wetsuit can make or break your next outing. If you’re looking for the best wetsuits for SUP then we’ve got you taken care of.

Jet Pilot Flight Spring Wetsuit

Paddle boarding is an active sport and you’re bound to work up a little heat just paddling but some parts are doing more work than others and so you’ll want your wetsuit to breath a bit so you stay comfortable, not too hot not too cold.

Shorty wetsuits, as they’re called, cover you up to your elbows and knees and are great options as they give you the freedom of movement, ventilation, and warmth that you need if you’re going to paddle board when less then tropical out.

Below we’ll look at our favorites for both men’s and women’s wetsuits and we’ve also got some that came in close behind.

Armed with this you’ll be able to grab your favorite, head for the water and dive in. No matter the water temps. And if you’re in the market for some new gear be sure to check out our pages about the Best PFD for Paddle Boarding, SUP Hydration Packs and the Best Paddle Board for Beginners.

Click either of the categories and jump to our favorites

Best Wetsuits for SUP – Men’s

Best Wetsuits for SUP -Women’s

When we looked at different wetsuits there were a few characteristics that we liked to see. They had to be well reviewed, they could only be up to 2 mm so that you won’t overheat, and had to have the right blend of features and specs to make them right for paddle boarding.

Best Wetsuits for SUP – Men’s

O’Neill Reactor

O’Neill Wetsuits Men’s Reactor 2mm Spring Suit

The Reactor from O’Neill took the top spot in the Men’s category for the Best Wetsuit for Sup. O’Neill has been around the block, that is to say since the 1960’s making wetsuits and testing in the cold waters off northern Cali.

The Reactor is the synthesis of O’Neill hardcore testing and commitment to a superior product. This wetsuit is awesome!

At 2mm the Reactor has got the thickness to keep your vitals warm while allowing your legs and arms the freedom to move and more importantly, vent some of that heat you built up paddling out.

The top sleeve and under sleeve are made of a material O’Neill calls FluidFlex. FluidFlex is warmer and more flexible than traditional wetsuit foam and that makes it perfect for SUP allowing you to articulate your arms better to get those long digs.

Get more information and buy now at Amazon.com

The rest of the suit is built using a blend of 30% FluidFlex and 70% Fluid Foam, giving you a nice blend of flexibility and heat retention.

The Reactor is built using Flatloc construction which let’s the seams breath letting your body heat transfer a little easier when compared to traditional wetsuits.

One issue some reviewers had was that the sizing of the Reactor takes some looking over. Be sure to dial in what size you need before locking it down.

O’Neill has added a hidden key compartment to the Reactor as well adding just that much more convenience to an already great suit.

Yup, we’re stoked on the O’Neill Reactor and it’s our winner for the Best Wetsuit for SUP in the men’s division.

Features

2mm FluidFlex/Fluid Foam construction gives you heat retention and flex
Single Superseal neck locks out water and is super comfortable
Flatloc construction lets the suit breathe and that keeps your paddling longer
Back zipper with pull leash for easy entry and exit
YKK back zip, because ya know, who doesn’t want that

Buy the O’Neill Reactor on Amazon.com now

Here’s some other great men’s wetsuits

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Best Wetsuits for SUP – Women’s

Body Glove Women’s Pro 3 Spring Wetsuit

Body Glove Women’s Pro 3

For the women’s category it’s the Pro 3 from Body Glove that takes the top spot in our selection for the best wetsuit for SUP. This women’s specific suit is designed just for the ladies and comes packed with features that are perfect for paddle boarding.

The Pro 3 comes with something that Body Glove calls Quadra Flex incorporated in the shoulders, sleeves, and underarms for full range of movement. Quadra Flex is Body Glove’s proprietary material that they use in the high motion areas of this suit. Having the ability to move freely while you’re out on the water is super crucial for when you need to catch that next wave or when you’re navigating down river.

Get more details on Amazon.com and buy here

Body Glove has, like it’s O’Neill counterpart, has used flatlock stitching to allow the suit to breathe really well and incorporated raglan sleeves and a smoothskin collar so you’ll be super comfy while spending the day on the water.

Another similarity is the key holder that built in so you can get back into your ride when you’re done on the water.

Features

Interior key pocket so you can get back home when the paddling is done
Heavy duty zipper makes the suit fit like a glove. Hey! Maybe like a Body Glove??
Velcro neck closure secures out water and it’s soft construction means it’s comfy too.
Quadra Flex sections in shoulders, sleeves, and underarms means you’ll have all the range of movement you’ll need for SUP
2-millimeter body and legs for warm retention
1.5-millimeter collar gives it more flex and more comfort
Fairskin chest and back panels let you glide really well once you’re in the water
Flatlock stitching means you’ll be comfortable for longer
Anatomically cut for women. This isn’t some unisex offering.
Raglan sleeves provide extra heat dissipation, sun protection and comfort

Yup, safe to say that the Body Glove Pro 3 is our choice for the best wetsuit for SUP in the women’s category. This thing has got everything you need to stay comfortable out on the water the next time you paddle out.

Buy the Body Glove Pro 3 on Amazon.com Now