Swimming Wetsuits: Your Guide to Open Water Performance (and Why They're Different from Surf Suits)

Hey surfers! We all know the feeling. That crisp bite of cold water as you paddle out before dawn, or the gradual chill that creeps in during a long session when the sun ducks behind a cloud. For us, wetsuits are as essential as our boards. They're our second skin, keeping us warm and allowing us to spend hours immersed in the ocean we love.

But what about swimming? Not just paddling for waves, but proper, head-down, open-water swimming? Maybe you're looking to boost your paddle fitness, thinking about a triathlon, or just want to explore a different facet of the water world. If so, you might have heard about swimming wetsuits. And if you have, your first thought might be, "Wait, aren't they just... wetsuits? Like, the ones I already have?"

Great question! And the simple answer is: no, they're definitely not the same. While both types of suits are designed to keep you warm in the water, the engineering, materials, and fit are optimized for completely different activities and body positions. Trying to surf in a swimming wetsuit or swim long distances in a typical surf suit would quickly reveal their distinct purposes.

So, if you're curious about open water swimming, cross-training, or simply expanding your understanding of aquatic gear, you're in the right place. In this post, we'll break down what makes swimming wetsuits unique, how they stack up against your trusty surf rubber, why you might consider adding one to your quiver (yes, it's a water quiver!), and what key features to look for. Get ready to explore the nuances of buoyancy, flexibility, and hydrodynamics – all applied to gear that can unlock new ways to enjoy the water.

We recommend: Hevto Men Wetsuits 3/2mm Neoprene Wet Suit for affordability if you plan to use the suit for surfing and swimming

The O'Neill Men's Reactor-2 3/2mm for a more tried and tested neoprene suit

and the Synergy Triathlon Wetsuit 3/2mm for a pricier but true triathlon/open water swimming use

Beyond the Break: Understanding the Swim Suit Difference

Okay, let's get into the nuts and bolts. Why can't you just grab your go-to 4/3mm hooded surf suit and hit the open ocean for a proper swim? It comes down to fundamental design differences driven by the distinct demands of surfing versus swimming.

1. Buoyancy is King (for Swimming): This is perhaps the most significant difference. Swimming wetsuits are specifically engineered to add buoyancy, particularly in the core and legs. Why? Because in open water swimming, maintaining a high, horizontal body position is crucial for efficiency and speed. Think of it like this: a surf wetsuit keeps you warm while you're lying prone on your board or sitting up. A swim wetsuit helps you float higher and flatter in the water while you're swimming freestyle. Thicker neoprene panels (often 5mm) are typically concentrated in the torso, hips, and thighs, while thinner panels (as low as 1.5mm) are used elsewhere. This buoyancy helps lift your legs, reducing drag and making it easier to maintain good form over long distances. Surf suits offer some buoyancy by default (neoprene floats!), but they aren't designed to strategically position your body in the water for swimming efficiency.

2. Flexibility is Non-Negotiable (Especially in the Shoulders): While flexibility is increasingly important in modern surf suits (especially performance ones), it is absolutely critical in swimming wetsuits, particularly around the shoulders, arms, and lats. A freestyle stroke requires a massive range of motion in the shoulder joint and upper back. A restrictive suit here will fatigue you quickly and limit your reach, slowing you down. Swimming wetsuits use extremely flexible neoprene, often premium grades like Yamamoto, sometimes with different types of coatings (like SCS - Super Composite Skin) and intricate paneling specifically designed to allow maximum arm rotation with minimal resistance. Surf suits prioritize durability and insulation across the whole suit, and while flexible, they don't offer the hyper-focused flexibility needed for hundreds or thousands of swim strokes.

3. Durability vs. Speed: Surf wetsuits are built tough. They need to withstand paddling friction on a wax-covered board, encounters with reef or rocks (ouch!), pulling on/off frequently, and general wear and tear in a dynamic environment. Swimming wetsuits, on the other hand, are used for continuous motion in open water or pools. They don't face the same abrasion challenges. Therefore, their focus shifts from brute durability to hydrodynamics and flexibility. The ultra-smooth coatings and thin, flexible neoprene used in high-end swim suits are less resistant to snags or tears from fingernails, reef, or even rough pool edges. This is why swim wetsuits often come with care instructions emphasizing careful handling.

4. Fit and Panel Placement: The fit of a swimming wetsuit is skin-tight, designed to minimize water entry and maximize the hydrodynamic effect of the smooth outer coating. The paneling is tailored for the swimming posture and stroke – reinforcing buoyancy where needed and providing maximum stretch where the body articulates during swimming. Zippers are often reverse-entry or specifically designed to lie flat and reduce drag. Surf suits, while also aiming for a close fit, have paneling optimized for paddling on a board, standing up, and enduring wipeouts.

Why Would a Surfer Use One?

Okay, so they're different. But why would you, a dedicated wave-rider, want one?

• Cross-Training: Open water swimming is fantastic for cardiovascular fitness, shoulder strength, and endurance – all things that directly benefit your surfing. A swimming wetsuit allows you to train comfortably in colder conditions.
• Triathlons/Events: Maybe you're keen to try a triathlon, an ocean swim race, or a similar event. A swimming wetsuit is essential gear for these, often providing a significant advantage in terms of warmth and speed.
• Exploring Beyond the Waves: There's a whole ocean out there! Maybe you want to swim across a bay, explore calm coves, or just enjoy the peace of swimming through open water. A swim suit makes this accessible and comfortable in various temperatures.
• Paddle Training: While not a direct substitute for paddle fitness on a board, dedicated open water swimming builds lung capacity and arm/shoulder endurance that absolutely translates to better paddling power and stamina in the surf zone.

Key Features to Look For:

If you're considering a swimming wetsuit, here's what to keep in mind:

• Neoprene Thickness: Look for varying thickness. Common configurations are 5mm body/legs, 3mm lower legs/back, and 1.5-2mm arms/shoulders. This provides buoyancy where needed and flexibility where motion is critical.
• Flexibility: Pay close attention to the shoulder and arm panels. Look for high-quality, flexible neoprene like Yamamoto (often graded #38, #39, or #40 for increasing flexibility). Brands often highlight specific technologies for maximizing shoulder mobility.
• Coatings: SCS (Super Composite Skin) or similar hydrophobic coatings are common on higher-end suits. They reduce friction with the water, making you faster, and also help the suit slide on/off.
• Buoyancy Panels: While thickness helps, some suits have specific panels or internal materials to enhance buoyancy in key areas like the core and upper legs.
• Fit: This is paramount. A swim wetsuit should fit like a second skin, with no significant wrinkles or baggy areas, especially in the arms and shoulders. However, it shouldn't restrict breathing. Trying one on is highly recommended.
• Zipper: Most use a standard back zip, often with a reverse orientation (zips up from bottom to top) to prevent it from coming undone during a swim. Look for a reliable YKK zipper.
• Brands: Reputable brands in the swimming/triathlon world include ROKA [Affiliate Link Indicator], Orca [Affiliate Link Indicator], Zone3 [Affiliate Link Indicator], TYR [Affiliate Link Indicator], and Huub [Affiliate Link Indicator]. Each offers a range of suits from entry-level to elite, catering to different budgets and performance needs.

Caring for a swimming wetsuit is similar to a surf suit – rinse thoroughly with fresh water after each use, especially if used in chlorinated pools or saltwater. Hang to dry away from direct sunlight, and store flat or loosely folded to avoid creasing the specialized neoprene and coatings.

Ready to Make Waves?

So, there you have it. While your trusty surf wetsuit is perfectly designed for riding waves and paddling out, a swimming wetsuit is a specialized piece of gear built for efficient, comfortable open water swimming.

They offer superior buoyancy to optimize your body position, unparalleled flexibility in the crucial shoulder and arm areas for unrestricted stroke, and a hydrodynamic design focused purely on moving through the water as fast and efficiently as possible.

For surfers looking to boost their fitness, explore new aquatic challenges like triathlons or ocean swims, or simply enjoy the meditative experience of swimming in open water, a dedicated swimming wetsuit can be a game-changer. It's not a replacement for your surf rubber, but rather a valuable addition to your water gear arsenal, enabling you to perform optimally in a different element of the liquid world we call home.

Consider your goals, research different brands and features, and if possible, try one on to feel the difference in flexibility and fit. Whether you're training for an event or just seeking a new way to connect with the water, a swimming wetsuit might just open up a whole new frontier of aquatic adventures.