It's finally time to either get back in the water for some poeple for the first time this year, or for the rest of us to shed our heavy winter wetsuit and slip into something a little more comfortable!

There is a lot of choice out there so we're here to help.

If 'Summer' starts for you in June then you'll be looking for a long armed and long legged wetsuits with 3mm thickness in the body panels and 2mm in the arms and legs.

This is called a full suit or steamer and will keep you in the water for as long as you need to be in there.

This kind of suit will be warm enough for surfing, bodyboarding, kayaking or just generally mucking about in the water.

As with most things the more money you spend the better the product you end up with.

'Better' in this case means more flexible neoprene, stronger seams and generally a better fit

You dont have to break the bank, but if you want to be surfing for 3 hours you'll need something better than if you're only playing around in the shallows.

There are lots of different brands out there and we carefully select a range to fit an assortment of body shapes and sizes.

Everyone is different so we handpick suits to make sure the tall skinny lady or the short stocky guy have an option. We wear what we sell so feel free to ask our advice.

So let's have a look at the Top 5 list starting with men's suits

1. O'Neill Hyperfreak 3/2mm chest zip

Shop O'Neill Hyperfreak Wetsuits

Hands down the most comfortable, flexible easy to wear wetsuits for the warmer months.

This wetsuit is constructed with super light Techno Butter 3 neoprene, in wetsuit terms this is as flexible as it gets.

The minimal seam construction = more flex, improved durability and more warmth

The key features include "unfinished" kiw-profile cuffs, durable KryptoKnee Pads, patented Front Upper Zip Entry, Pre-Stretched TB3X lightweight neoprene that sheds water rapidly and increases warmth, Blind stitched and Triple Glued watertight seams for better durability

This beautifully presented men's summer wetsuit will happily take you from Spring right through to Autumn here in the UK and would be a great hoice for a Southern European/Canarian Winter season.

2. Vissla 7 seas 3/2mm chest zip

Shop Vissla 7 Seas Wetsuits

We love Vissla wetsuits because the design ethos is cool, paired down and minimalist.

This kind of disguises the fact that the suits are super functional andvery very comfortable to wear.

This particular suit, the 7 seas model is the choice of the younger hippier crowd.

The suits are as good in terms of warmth and comfort as anything else out there, maybe they dont have quite the same stretch as the O'Neill Hyperfreak but then not everybody is looking at that as a key factor.

The 7 seas wetsuit features a watertight easy chest zip entry, triple glued and blind stitched seams which feature internal Vissla super stretch tape for unrestricted movemtent and comfort.

The Supratex knee pads are made from an abrasion resistant jersey for flex, durability and comfort

The ankle and wrist cuffs have liquid tape seals that stop flush and prevent the suit from riding-up in wipe-outs.

Hard to go wrong with on of these

3. O'Neill Reactor 3/2mm back zip

Shop O'Neill Reactor Wetsuits

The O'Neill Reactor is the biggest selling men's summer wetsuit, it represents incredible value for money.

A premium brand product for a price that is on par with a lot more inferior wetsuits out there.

A new and improved panel layout, Fluid Foam and UltraFlex neoprenes, The Reactor II Fullsuit should be warm enough to take you from late May right through to September here in the UK.

Perfect for a multitude of watersports applications; surfing, bodyboarding, paddle-boarding, windsurfing, kayaking or just messing about in the water, the Reactor II is comfortably up to the job.

This entry level summer fullsuit is constructed with breathanle Flatloc seams so if you feel the cold you might be better off with a Glued and Blindsticthed or Fluid Seams welded wetsuit.

The Reactor II is engineered for performance in a vlue driven package.

Constructed with a combination of FluidFoam and UltraFlex neoprene, with a fully adjustable double super seal neck, and Krypto Knee Padz.

This Wetsuit is versatile, durable, warm and affordable and has a great new look this year.

4. Billabong Furnace Absolute Comp chest zip 3/2mm

Shop Billabong Furnace Absolute Comp Wetsuits

Billabong have been around forever and it shows, every year they totally nail it with their wetsuit programme.

The Furnace Absolute Comp is constructed with a Light Foam, High Stretch (250% of its resting state) neoprene which has excellent thermal properties and is made from up cycled car tyres!

The large front and back panels are lined with Billabong's Furnace Quick Dry Lining; a new double knit jersey which creates pockets of air trapping body heat as well as allowing it to shed water really fast between sessions.

What you're getting is a fully glued and blind stitched suit with internal taping, Bong use the very latest materials with plenty of stand out features to keep your water time at a maximum.

Billabong's unique dislocating chest zip creates a large step in opening and means the suit is nice and easy to get on and off.

5. Rip Curl Aggrolite chest zip 3/2mm

Shop Rip Curl Aggrolite Wetsuits

We're loving this brilliantly equipped wetsuit, it looks to be the perfect summer steamer with all the relevant tech in place for flexible, restriction free water time.

Its constructed with Rip Curl's legendary E4 Neoprene in the arms and shoulders, its super flexible.

Seam and stitch free underarms make for comfortable and unrestricted paddling or swimming.

The FreeFlex neoprene throughout the rest of the wetsuit combined with glued and Blind Stitched seams will keep you warm and extend the lifespan of your wetsuit.

Rip Curl's chest zip entry is excellent; with a large step-in opening, super lightweight zipper and elasticated toggle adjustment at the shoulder for a good seal and comfortable fit.

The sleeves and legs have "unfinished" cuffs which create the best seal against the skin and reduce flush during wipe-outs.

The knee pads are soft and comfortable and at the same time really durable and comfortable.

Overall a winner, especially for the price!

Kids

1. Saltskin

Shop Saltskin Wetsuits

Fun with functionality is key with kids suits and these guys have nailed it.

These suits are far from being a gimmick they are really well put together and are made from a soft and supple 3mm neoprene, they are 3mm thick throughout, warmer than the standard 3/2mm you'll find on most kids summer wetsuits.

These suits will keep your little ones warm, comfortable and protected from extended exposure to UV.

Flatlock breathable stitching allows the wetsuit to breathe and prevent overheating on hot summer days and the long back zip makes getting in and out a breeze.

The hard wearing and soft knee pads protect the kids knees and help extend the lifespan of the wetsuit.

You’ll always be able to spot your little cherub in the crowd in one of these wetsuits!

2. O'Neill Kids Reactor II back zip 3/2mm

Shop O'Neill Kids Reactor II Wetstuits

The Reactor II Fullsuit is warm enough to go from late May through to September here in the UK.

Perfect for a multitude of waters ports including surfing, bodyboarding, paddle-boarding, windsurfing, kayaking or just messing about in the water, the Reactor II is comfortably up to the job.

This entry level summer Fullsuit is constructed with breathable Flat loc seams so is comfortable and flexible to wear.

Constructed with a combination of Fluid Foam and Ultra Flex neoprene, with a fully adjustable double super seal neck, and Krypto Knee Padz this is great value for money.

Constructed with a YKK back zip, strategic seamless paddle zones, and those all-important wind resistant smooth skin chest and back panels its everything you could possibly want in an entry level wetsuit including a scary price tag.

3. O'Neill Hyperfreak comp 3/2mm zipless

Shop O'neill Hyperfreak Comp

If you are looking for a wetsuit for your little ripper that will make him or her surf better and improve faster this might be the answer!!

It’s a firm favourite with the O'Neill Team riders for good reason, it’s the best performance suit out there...probably!

This awesome wetsuit ticks all the boxes, lightweight, fully sealed seams, and ridiculously comfortable in fact it’s as close as you'll get to surfing naked while wearing a full long arm and long leg wetsuit.

Key features include O'Neill's Zipless overhead closure system, a 360 Barrier with drain holes, Techno Butter 3X pre-stretched neoprene with the featherlight ENVY foam rubber core, the lightest, softest, most flexible material ever created!

It’ s O'Neill's stretchiest neoprene ever and has TBX3 taping applied to triple-glued seams to keep you warmer for longer.

The Hyperfreak Comp is designed with larger panels and less seams delivering insane flexibility, fit and function.

As performance wetsuits go this is it!

4. Vissla 7 Seas chest zip 3/2mm

Shop Vissla 7 Seas Wetsuits

Hot on the heels of the O’Neill Hyperfreak is this beauty, a cracker of a suit, main difference being that it features a chest zip entry system.

It’s a beautifully clean and uncluttered wetsuit made from 100% Super Stretch, lightweight neoprene with a Thermal Hollow Fibre lining which insulates and dries fast.

These flexible wetsuits have an immaculately tailored fit which is the key to warmth and comfort.

The suit boasts triple glued and blind stitched seams with internal Vissla super stretch tape for unrestricted movement and comfort.

Supratex knee pads are made from an abrasion resistant jersey for flex, durability and comfort.

The ankle and wrist cuffs have liquid tape seals that stop flush and prevent the suit from riding-up in wipe-outs.

Your kid will love you forever once you’ve presented them with one of these suits!

5. O'Neill Original chest zip 3/2mm

Shop O'neill Original Wetsuits

The O'Riginal family from O’Neill has rapidly become a best-seller, classic uncomplicated looks and plenty of modern technology along with the best fit in the wetsuit industry.

This front entry wetsuit is constructed from O'Neill's UltraFlex neoprene with the Carbon Firewall thermal lining backing the SmoothSkin chest and back panels. Seams are Glued and Blind Stitched and taped creating a watertight and durable wetsuit.

It’s perfect for a full season from May right through to October.

Key features are the O'Neill's F.U.Z.E Front Upper Zip Entry with drain holes to keep you flush-free and with a full range of movement.

The Ultra Flex stretch neoprene is super soft, durable and seriously high-performance.

Smooth Skin Carbon-Firewall in the chest and back; the interior thermal lining absorbs body heat in core areas and holds on to it while the exterior sheds water and reduces wind chill.

The Triple-Glued and Blind Stitched Seams are taped internally too.

A great value suit moving towards that longer lifespan in Spring and Autumn.

Ladies

1. Billabong furnace synergy 3/2 back zip

Shop Billabong Furnace Synergy Wetsuits

Here for looks as well as function the Furnace Synergy summer steamer is made from lightweight neoprene, has a high stretch neoprene with excellent thermal retention and the ability to stretch 250% beyond its resting state.

This wetsuit also boasts the Furnace Carbon lining in the upper chest and back panels improving heat retention and comfort and speeds up the drip-drying process.

The Furnace Synergy series has been a stalwart of the Billabong wetsuit line-up for quite a while and has been treated to top-draw materials and the very latest construction techniques.

The Furnace Synergy 3/2mm fullsuit will take you from the end of April right through to September/October here in the UK.

2. Rip Curl G Bomb Long Sleeved Shorty

Shop Rip Curl G Bomb Wetsuits

Obviously a wetsuits for high summer or use overseas this is the top seller in the functional fashion wetsuit world.

This 1mm spring suit is designed for surfing and watersports in warm-water destinations when a true wetsuit is too warm and a bikini is not warm enough or doesn't offer enough protection.

Its constructed from the softest and most flexible 1mm E4 neoprene with a simple front zip and breathable E-Stitch seams which allow water to transfer.

Stunning!

3. O'Neill Bahai 3/2mm back zip

Shop O'Neill Bahia Wetsuits

Looks so much better in the flesh than on a screen, if only O’Neill would splash the cash and get some decent photos taken this would be the no.1 seller!

The Bahia fullsuit is constructed from 100% UltraFlex neoprene with breathable Flatloc seams and an easy entry back zip.

Its normally warm enough to take you from June right through to September here in the UK and would be absolutely perfect for Spring Summer and early Autumn in southern Europe.

Perfect for a load of watersports - surfing, paddle-boarding, windsurfing, or kite surfing, the Bahia does it all with a little more personality and style.

Its engineered for performance and function with Seamless Paddle Zones, External Key Pocket with Loop, Double Super Seal Neck, Krypto Knee Padz and 100% UltraFlex and 100% UltraFlex neoprene.

This wetsuit has the perfect combination of chic styling and absolute function.

4. Billabong Spring Fever Long Armed

Shop Billabong Spring Fever Wetsuits

Another high season winner from the team at Bong.

Made from 90% Neoprene 10% Nylon blend making it unbelievably soft and flexible with "Boy Leg" cut, Flatlock breathable seams and a regular, easy to use YKK back zip.

Looks great doesn’t it?

5. O'Neill Bahia Long Sleeved Short

Shop O'Neill Bahia Wetsuits

This Bahia short leg spring suit would be comfortable to use here in the UK on balmy high-summer days when the water temperature is at it's highest and the sun is shining.

It’d be perfect for those warmer water destinations in Southern Europe and further afield too.

Perfect for surfing, SUPing, body boarding and swimming; the Bahia does it all with a little more personality and style.

Engineered for performance and absolute function with Seamless Paddle Zones, External Key Pocket with Loop and made from 100% UltraFlex super-soft neoprene.

This ladies wetsuit has the perfect combination of chic styling and absolute function.

Summary

So there it is our guide to wetsuits to use in the ‘summer’ months.

Summer means different things to different people depending on where you live so the choice of wetsuit is just as varied.

If you’re lucky enough to be at the hotter sunnier end of the weather spectrum you’ve got some great looking wetsuits to choose from, if like us you’re at the colder end then function and warmth plays a greater role.

Some people really worry about the idea of buying a wetsuit online not having tried it on but use our in detail size guide on each product page to help iron out those concerns.

No matter what age you are, or what shape you are getting in the water in any way is one of the best things you’ll ever do, and luckily we’ll have a wetsuits to suit your needs.

When you buy from Boardshop you get an extra years warranty for FREE, a £10 gift voucher to use on your next purchase and the option to buy on 0% finance or benefit from our loyalty scheme.

Our full range is online but we can always order in sizes or colours that we might be missing so call us on 0044 1243 674250 or email [email protected] for more info or to ask questions