What kind of wetsuit do you need, and how thick?

Start with where you surf

Australia has a lot of coastline and the water temperature isn't the same everywhere. A suit that makes sense in winter in Victoria is a very different proposition from one you might wear in summer in Queensland.

Check the usual water temperature for your local break and the season you surf. If you're travelling, check that too.

What do 2/2, 3/2 and 4/3 mean?

The numbers refer to the thickness of the neoprene, with the first number usually describing the thicker panels around the torso and the second the thinner ones (legs and arms). A 3/2 is therefore generally warmer than a 2/2, while a 4/3 is warmer again.

More thickness isn't automatically better. It adds warmth but can also add weight and reduce flexibility. You want enough suit to stay comfortable, not the thickest one in the shop.

Full suit, springsuit or just a top?

A full suit (steamer) covers your arms and legs completely and is the obvious choice when the water is properly cold. A springsuit leaves the arms or legs partly exposed and can be useful when you need some warmth without a full winter suit.

A rash vest or wetsuit top can be enough in warmer water, particularly if you're mainly trying to avoid sun, wind or a bit of chill.

Fit matters.

A wetsuit should feel close and snug without making it difficult to breathe, paddle or move your shoulders. You don't want loose areas where water can flush through, but you also shouldn't be fighting the suit every time you paddle.

Try it on before buying if you can. Different brands and cuts suit different bodies, even when the stated size is the same.

Chest zip, back zip or zip-free?

Chest-zip and zip-free suits can give a good seal around the neck and tend to be warmer, but they're also harder to get on and off. Back-zip suits are usually easier to get into, which is not a trivial advantage when you're standing in a cold car park trying to get changed.

How is a wetsuit constructed?

Different wetsuits use different seam and lining constructions, and these can make a difference to warmth, flexibility and durability.

Flatlock seams are stitched all the way through the neoprene. They're comfortable and flexible but allow some water through, so they're more common on suits intended for warmer conditions.

Glued and blind-stitched seams are glued together and then stitched without stitching all the way through the neoprene. This keeps more water out and is generally warmer than flatlock construction. Some suits also have taped seams, where tape is added over the inside of the seam for extra water resistance and strength. More advanced suits may use liquid-welded seams.

The lining matters too. Different materials are used to improve comfort, drying time and warmth, and some suits have thermal linings designed to help retain more heat in colder water.

When is spending more worth it?

Better neoprene and construction can make a noticeable difference in warmth, flexibility and durability. But you don't need the most expensive suit just because it's the newest one.

If you're surfing once a month in warm water, your priorities are different from someone who is in the water several times a week all winter.

When should you replace your wetsuit?

Some surfers replace their wetsuit every season, particularly if they're surfing a lot. Others get several years out of the same suit.

Even if you don't surf very often, though, don't assume a wetsuit will last forever just because it spends most of its time in the cupboard. Neoprene ages, loses its flexibility and can become brittle, while seams and glue can deteriorate with age.

If your suit is getting stiff or cracked, has seams that keep letting in water, or just isn't keeping you as warm as it used to, it's probably time to think about replacing it. A small tear or a single failed seam can often be repaired, so it doesn't necessarily mean you need a new suit straight away.