What is the best wetsuit on the market for surfing in southern california in the winter?

Question

What is the best wetsuit on the market for surfing in southern california in the winter?

Answer 1

These days, it's tough to go wrong.

Just to start out with some perspective, during the winter in Southern California the water gets down to the mid to high 50's. Sometimes it'll pop back up to the low 60's for a few days. Other days it'll drop down to the low 50's.

And since (as you well know) water temps are controlled by currents and ocean swells, even in the summer it can get pretty chilly.

So, with that said, here are my suggestions:

For the winter months, get yourself a good 2/3 fullsuit (most surfing wetsuits are a different thickness in the arms/legs than in the torso, the logic being that your arms and legs need more flexibility). A 2/3 has 2mm thick arms/legs and 3mm thick torso.

The best fullsuits on the market are widely considered to be the Rip Curl "Bomb" series and the O'Neill "Psycho" series. Xcel, Hotline, Hurley, Quiksilver and Billabong all make good suits, but 80% of the guys in the water here wear Rip Curl or O'Neill.  

The Rip Curl "Bomb" series comes in two versions - the "E-Bomb" and the "F-Bomb". They're basically identical suits except that the F-Bomb is coated inside the torso section with this fuzzy insulation stuff, which supposedly keeps your mid-section a bit warmer. The E-Bomb doesn't have the coating and is 100% pure "Elastomax", which is this super squishy, stretchy neopreme.

Right now I'm using a 2/3 E-Bomb. I find it to be astonishingly warm. However, I also have a 2/3 O'Neill Psycho II. It's made of an almost identical super stretchy material.

6 months ago I would have suggested the O'Neill over the Rip Curl because they always seemed to be better constructed (the Rip Curls have always been more flexible, but had a tendency to start falling apart after a few months). However, with this new E-Bomb, I stand corrected. It's just as sturdy as the Psycho II. Maybe even better.

One more factor to consider is the fit. I've always found O'Neill wetsuits to be a bit tighter fitting than the Rip Curl. Then again, I'm on the bigger side (at least as far as surfers go). While you want your suit to be as snug and form-fitting as possible, a few wrinkles here and there can sometimes equal a bit of extra free movement.  

Again though, I'm nit-picking. Bottom line:

2/3 O'Neill Psycho II

2/3 Rip Curl F-Bomb

You can't go wrong with either one. If you get cold easily, go up one thickness. OR, just pick up some booties for those really cold mornings.

Check out the Rip Curl store in San Clemente or check out Jack's Surfboards in Huntington Beach. Both have a MASSIVE selection of suits. Or just order online.

Quick note: If you plan on surfing in the Fall/Spring, your 2/3 fullsuit will still work beautifully and keep you extra warm.

BUT, if you have the extra cash and like the idea of shedding a little rubber when the conditions warm up, get a short-sleeved "comp" (used to stand for "competition wetsuit" back when they inroduced them in the 80's). The only drawback to the comp is that you can get a nasty farmer's tan on your arms. Another option is a long-sleeve springsuit or short-arm springsuit.

For the summer, get a thin wetsuit top to wear with your boardshorts. Keeps you warmer than a rashguard and keeps you from having to find someone to smear sunblock on your back.

Probably more information that you wanted, but there's a LOT to choose from and the conditions can vary quite a bit. But with the links below, I think you'll be all set.

See you in the water!

Answer 2

O'niel or Rip Curl. In Southern Cali use a "Spring Suit". In Northern Cali "Spring-Full". Booties are optional!