Our Favorite Men's Wetsuits for Surfing

The right suit can mean catching more waves. Catching more waves is always a good thing.

By: The Outbound Collective + Save to a List

When we're surfing, it's usually in the chilly (sometimes freezing) waters of Northern California. We get down to San Diego and Ventura when we can, but especially surfing our home break at Ocean Beach, it's important that your suit is toasty and durable. You never want to end a session because you're cold! You want it to end because you've just had way too much fun for one day and it's time for beers on the beach. These are the suits we use to make sure every session ends on our own terms.

Rip Curl Flash Bomb 3/2

"It's super warm and dries like a champ. It's definitely a bit pricier and when wet, heavier than some other brands, but the quality is second-to-none." - Grant Nyquist

O'Neill Epic 4/3

"I opted for the Epic when I first started surfing because of O'Neill's reputation and for the price. For such an affordable piece, it held up really well over a couple years of surfing breaks around the Bay Area. There are certainly warmer suits out there (see my Ride Engine review below), but this is a good suit for someone looking for more of a bargain." - Liam McNally

Patagonia R2 Yulex

"I love the fact that this wetsuit is made from natural rubber. It's super warm and stretchy. The downside is it is a bit heavier than traditional wetsuits." - Chris Engelsman

Ride Engine Apoc 4/3

"This suit is ridiculously warm and super comfortable. The fleece lining feels soft like your favorite hoody and the Strategic Stitching means the suit moves with me. So far this fall, I've needed to take regular dips and let some water fill inside my suit during every session because it's so damn warm." - Liam McNally

Isurus Alpha Evade 434

"This suit keeps me warm on the coldest days at Ocean Beach. The neoprene is flexible and stretchy, which keeps the paddling a little easier." - Tyler Drake

O'Neill Psycho Tech 4/3

"I love this suit. It's light, super flexible, and has a firewall that extends from the chest/back all the way down through the thigh, so it's super warm. Bonus points for the chest zip." - Brian Heifferon

Cover photo: Lucas Suarez

We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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