The Best Wetsuits for Spring

As winter comes to a close and we bid farewell to those icy mornings and bone-chilling winds, it’s time to get prepped for spring. When the sun shines stronger, the ocean starts warming, and you can start ditching your steamer for something a little lighter. That’s right—it’s time to sort out what type of wetsuit you’re going to need to make the most of your spring surf sessions.

Spring surfing is unique. You won’t experience the extreme cold of winter or the warmest temps of summer. Suit flexibility and thickness will make a big difference in your level of comfort.

To help, we’ve put together the ultimate wetsuit guide for spring. Discover a quick overview of the different kinds of spring wetsuits, a deep dive into each, and some tips for ensuring the best spring suit fit.

Best Spring Wetsuits at-a-Glance

Here are the top spring wetsuit styles to consider as the weather gets warmer:

Let’s dive deeper into what makes each style unique.

Most Versatile: Short Arm Short Leg

The short arm short leg spring wetsuit is a classic choice, and for good reason: It’s super versatile. A quality short arm short leg can be worn through most of the spring season and will take you right to summer. If you live in a warm climate, this style can be worn comfortably year-round.

The short arm short leg is designed to keep your core and upper body warm, while providing flexibility where you need it most. It’s best for those who surf in moderate climates or prefer a bit more flexibility rather than more restrictive, longer-sleeved options.

Our men’s E-Bomb 2mm Zip Free Short Sleeve Springsuit is the ultimate stretch wetsuit, made from premium lightweight E6 neoprene that takes the chill off and feels like a second skin when you wear it. You could also opt for the Dawn Patrol 2/2 Chest Zip Springsuit, made with E5 neoprene for that extra warmth you’ve been out in the water for hours.

The Dawn Patrol 2/2 Short Sleeve Springsuit is a great spring wetsuit for women, made with 2mm E5 neoprene and designed with short arms and legs, ideal for long sessions in the surf. For the hottest spring days, opt for a Steph Gilmore G-Bomb Sleeveless 1.5 Springsuit Wetsuit. The E5 neoprene will provide total comfort and flexibility while keeping your core warm so you can stay out longer.

Best for Warm Late Spring: Short John/Jane

The “Short John” (or “Jane”) springsuit style is a lighter option wetsuit for warmer waters. Since the suit doesn’t cover your shoulders, it’s a great choice for warm spring or summer days when it’s nice and sunny outside, adding an extra layer of neoprene between you and the water.

The Short John provides ultimate flexibility and will keep your core warm during your surf. It’s also great for paddling, since there’s no neoprene resistance around the shoulder area.

For men, the Dawn Patrol Short John is perfect if you’re surfing up North in a warmer climate, or towards the end of spring when the water is starting to heat up. For women, the Steph Gilmore G-Bomb 1.5mm Short Jane provides the same benefits with a classic, retro flair.

Either suit is a great choice for reef-breaks where you just want an added layer of protection.

Best for Cool Mornings: Short Arm Long Leg

Opting for a steamer with a short sleeve is perfect for the transition into spring, when it’s not quite warm enough for a short arm short leg. This style of spring suit will keep you warm and protect you from the cool water, while the exposed forearms won’t affect your paddling and will help regulate your temperature if the sun comes out.

Our E-Bomb 2/2 Zip Free Short Sleeve Springsuit is a great spring wetsuit for men. It’s made with E6 super stretch neoprene, and designed to keep you warm on those cooler spring days, delivering massive stretch and a smooth, streamlined fit with optimal arm flexibility.

The G-Bomb 2mm Long Jane is a long leg sleeveless spring suit for women—and a great option for keeping you warm in cool waters. The 2mm E5 neoprene offers advanced stretch and flexibility, so you can confidently head out for hours on those crisp spring mornings.

Best for Windy Days: Long Arm Short Leg

The long arm short leg is a standard springsuit that features full-length sleeves. This style is great for days when the water is warm, but the skies are windy: It helps cut out the wind chill factor by protecting your upper body. The short leg also delivers maximum flexibility, as there’s less neoprene resistance in the legs to hold you back—especially in some women’s models.

A great option for men is Rip Curl’s Dawn Patrol 2/2 Long Sleeve Chest Zip Springsuit. This suit is perfect for surfing right when those cool spring winds hit. It keeps your upper body sheltered without compromising your flexibility and movement—so you can surf comfortably all day.

Longsleeve springsuits are our most popular spring suits for women. They offer an extra layer of warmth and are designed with flexible neoprene that delivers ultimate stretch. The G-Bomb 1.5mm Long Sleeve Front Zip Full Coverage Springsuit is great for a spring climate as it offers 1.5mm of neoprene protection over the arms where you need it, while simultaneously giving you a full range of motion in your lower body. You could also opt for our Dawn Patrol 2/2 Long Sleeve Springsuit for more coverage on your upper legs and thicker neoprene (2mm) all over.

How to Choose the Best Spring Suit Wetsuit

When comparing wetsuit options for spring, it’s important to focus on the elements that have the biggest impact on comfort. For most surfers, those elements are wetsuit fit and thickness. The climate you surf in is also critical.

If you’re surfing in warmer spring waters, a short sleeve or short John/Jane option might be best. If you’re anticipating some colder weather, a long sleeve or leg might be necessary.

Proper care is also essential. Maintaining your wetsuit and being mindful of the warranty information will help you get the most out of your gear, year-round. See our wetsuit guide for more information on fit, temperature, accessories, and other factors that can impact your comfort and safety—and style!—in the spring and on surfs throughout the year.

Explore Rip Curl Springsuits Today

Surfing in the spring is a different beast from frigid winter waters or balmy summer days. It requires flexibility and springsuit styles designed to meet your specific needs.

The best spring wetsuit options to consider are short arm short leg, short John/Jane, short arm long leg, and long arm short leg models. Each has its unique benefits and trade-offs, and every surfer will gravitate towards the model that’s right for them. Fortunately, Rip Curl provides a variety of styles for everyone, so you’re guaranteed to find your perfect fit.

Explore our men’s wetsuits and women’s wetsuits today to get back out in the water sooner.

FAQs About Best Spring Wetsuits

What is a spring suit wetsuit?

A springsuit is a kind of wetsuit designed for moderate temperatures between winter and summer. It’s warm without being overbearing to maximize comfort while surfing in spring.

What is the best spring suit wetsuit?

The best kind of springsuit depends on a surfer’s preferences for thickness and flexibility. Top options include short arm short leg, short John, short arm long leg, and long arm short leg.

Does a springsuit keep you warm?

Springsuits do keep surfers warm during spring surfs. However, they’re designed for less warmth than steamers, fullsuits, and other options made for surfing in the coldest weather.

When should you wear a springsuit?

Most surfers find springsuits comfortable in water temperatures of around 70°F (21°C) or warmer, though some will wear them in slightly cooler conditions depending on wind, sun, and personal preference.