Best Wetsuits 2020: Manera Seafarer

Watch the complete 2020 Best Wetsuits test here.

Never heard of Manera? Neither had I—until last year, when the French kiteboarding brand wiggled its way into surf, sponsoring aeronauts Dion Agius, Brendon Gibbens, and Pete Devries. 

Likely the result of their European roots, Manera puts a premium on style and design. Straight out of the box, their Seafarer suit both looked and felt amazing. Super sleek, a few delightful easter eggs hidden throughout, and just the right shade of not-black. It immediately made me want to go surf. 

I just so happened to surf the Seafarer on the nicest day of our 2020 Best Wetsuits test. It was sunny, 75 degrees (24 C), and playful, blue peaks bounced up and down the beach. For these conditions, I couldn’t imagine a better suit. It was super loose, maneuverable, and never felt stuffy. A true performance leotard.

However, it’s not the suit most geared toward warmth. The second I submerged myself, I felt a bit of water pour in through the seams. This was pleasantly refreshing given the circumstances, but in more frigid conditions, it could have been a session-killer. 

The takeaway: this is a suit you’ll truly enjoy wearing when conditions are peachy. But if those dark clouds come rolling in, you might require something with a bit more heft.  

Official Scorecard
Warmth: 29/50
Comfort: 41/50
Bonus: 5 for accoutrements 
Total: 75/100

Manera Seafarer 3.2 ($279)

Manera Seafarer 3.2 ($279)