The Warm Grip Of Winter And The World’s Best Wetsuits

You feel that tightening of the earth in Oz? That cooling air? Winter is, in most parts of the world, a terribly good time to be a surfer. Autumn, too, come to that. And in most places, your enjoyment of those seasons can be dictated by one thing: Your choice in wetsuit. Because we adore well-composed pieces of surf equipment, and most particularly those which so enhance the surfing experience, Stab curated the world’s best neoprene from our favourite makers, and photographed the suits in the environment they were designed to flourish in; Anything below 16 drips. Consider this gallery a How-To on embracing the warmth of winter.

Quiksilver, AG47 Performance 4/3mm Chest Zip Steamer, $520.
The Dry Flight Far Infrared Heat thermal lining retains body heat, the F¹n Lite neoprene provides flexibility and the inner Red Seal seam is the lightest system. 
Shop here.

Patagonia, R2 Yulex FZ Full Suit, $650
The world’s first neoprene-free wetsuit with yulex natural rubber.
Shop here.

Hurley, Phantom Limited 202, $600

Contoured, water-tight zipperless entry and seamless shoulders for minimal bulk and a natural, streamlined fit. Ergonomic seams maximize range of motion.

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Billabong, 302 Revolution Tri-Bong, $400
Evolution chest zip entry system, premium heritage stretch, superflex neoprene, GBS sealed seams, bonded neotape, hallow yarn thermal lining and chest and back panelling.
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O’Neill, Psychofreak Fuze 3/2mm, $650
Super seal neck, double super seam weld, TechnoButter 2-air firewall neoprene, super seal cuffs, plasma wrist and ankle seals, F.U.Z.E zip closure system with drainhole.
Shop here.

Rip Curl, Flashbomb Zip Free 3/2, $600
Now with E4 Neoprene, this wetsuit is 30% more flexible and 20% lighter. It’s the World’s fastest drying wetsuit.
Shop here.

NCHE, 32 Pewter Full Suit, $390
Its a performance suit, fully taped GBS seams, zipperless entry with minimal branding.
Shop here.

Narval, Dion Agius Signature Wetsuit, $465
Durable and super stretchy neoprene. Unbelievable warmth, less water absorption and quick drying. 100% hand made, one by one.
Shop here.

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Wanna win a two-pack of new suits? We’re after insightful feedback about your last wetsuit purchase.
In the comments below, tell us where you live, the typical water temperature, what suit you wear (brand, model, year), and what you like and don’t like about it. The best response (in 300 words or less, as judged by Stab) wins the neoprene.*

*Details: Entries close next Friday (June 24), winner announced Monday (June 27). Open to readers anywhere in the world.* We’ll torch any comments that are unnecessarily derogatory. And yes, the wetsuits are brand new, but they’re mediums.

*Initially we stated only open to Australia and New Zealand, but realised that’s kinda silly, we can Fedex these suits wherever*