What Wetsuit Should You Wear This Season?
What Wetsuit Should You Wear This Season? A Guide for Surfing in New Zealand Waters
It’s Spring! In Wellington, New Zealand, that doesn’t quite mean springsuit weather (although I wish it did), so my 2.5mm full wetsuit is my go-to! It provides overall warmth but is thin enough not to cook me. Here are my suggestions on what gear you should wear based on the current sea temperatures—plus a bonus for those living in NZ, as I've added recommendations for some local surfing hot spots!
Choosing the right wetsuit for the season can make all the difference between a comfortable, enjoyable surf session and one that leaves you shivering. Whether you’re paddling out for a sunrise surf or catching waves at midday, here’s a quick guide to help you decide what to wear based on the current sea temperatures in New Zealand waters.
22°C / 72°F: Bikini Weather With a Twist
When the sea temperature warms up to around 22°C (72°F), you can easily get away with a bikini or one-piece surfing suit. But for those sunrise or sunset surfs, or when there’s a chill in the air, consider pairing it with a jacket, wetsuit shorts, or leggings for a bit of extra warmth. Expect these temperatures in mid-summer in places like Whangarei, Auckland, Tauranga, and Coromandel.
19°C / 66°F: Light Layers for Flexibility
As the sea temperature drops slightly to around 19°C (66°F), you’ll want a bit more coverage. A 2mm springsuit is perfect for this, and you can layer it with a matching bikini or swimsuit underneath. For early morning or late evening sessions, you might want to opt for a 2.5mm full wetsuit. These sea temperatures are common in mid-spring around Auckland and in mid-summer in Taranaki, Napier, and Christchurch.
16°C / 60°F: Full Wetsuit Season
At 16°C (60°F), you’re going to need more insulation to stay comfortable. A 2.5mm full wetsuit will keep you warm without restricting your movement. These cooler sea temperatures are typically found in mid-spring in Taranaki, Napier, and Coromandel, and during mid-summer in Wellington, Kaikoura, and Dunedin.
12°C / 54°F: Bundle Up
When the sea temperature drops to a brisk 12°C (54°F), you’ll want a 4/3mm full wetsuit to stay warm. These sea temperatures are common in mid-spring and mid-summer around Wellington, Kaikoura, and Dunedin. At this point, the extra thickness of the suit will ensure you’re protected from both cold water and wind chill, allowing you to surf for longer.
Make sure you're prepared with the right wetsuit for the season. Whether you're catching mellow summer waves in a bikini or braving cooler waters in a full suit, the key is dressing for comfort and performance. Stay warm, surf happy, and enjoy the ocean—whatever the sea temperature!