Wetsuits in Charleston: Your Guide to What to Wear and When

The air temperature and water temperature vary greatly in Charleston. The water usually peaks at 87 degrees in August and September, and can get in the lower 40’s depending on the harshness of our winter. If you want to surf everyday and stay comfortable, here is a quick guide to which wetsuits to wear and when.

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What Brand Wetsuit Should I Buy?

As far as brand of wetsuits go, we strictly wear and use O’Neill wetsuits for our lessons. During the winter months and months when the water temperature is still a bit colder, we will provide a full O’Neill wetsuit for use. During the summer months, however, we only provide a rash guard.

As far as what type of O’Neill wetsuit to buy, we recommend Epics for newer surfers. These wetsuits will provide adequate coverage. If you are looking for a better wetsuit and don’t mind spending a few extra dollars, then consider purchasing an O’Neill Hyperfreak series wetsuit or Psycho series. The Hyperfreak and Psycho series wetsuits are warmer and will last longer.

What Thickness Wetsuit Should I Buy?

Wetsuits come in a variety of thicknesses. The thickness of the wetsuit will determine how much warmth it will provide. If you can only buy one suit, we recommend buying a 3/2 or a 4/3. Either of these should get you through 90% of Charleston days. The 3/2 may leave you cold some winter days and the 4/3 may have you sweating in the fall and late spring.

What Other Wetsuit Accessories Should I Buy?

Ideally you should have:

  • A 2mm springsuit: this wetsuit has short arm and leg sleeves and will provide warmth to your core

  • A 1.5mm wetsuit top: a wetsuit top will keep your arms and core warm without covering your whole body

  • A full suit 3/2mm: this will provide warmth for your entire body

  • A hooded 4/3mm: this will provide warmth to your head and ears

  • 3mm booties: this will provide warmth to your feet

  • 3mm gloves: this will provide warmth to your hands

This is the full set up. If you are just getting into surfing, then this may be a very expensive purchase. If you do purchase the full setup, you will want to put in some serious time and make sure surfing will continue to be a passion of yours. With the wetsuit variety above you will be able to stay comfortable no matter the water temperature.

How Do I Take Care of My Wetsuit?

if you buy an expensive suit make sure you take good care of it. Rinse it in fresh water after surfs and hang it to dry. Depending on how much you surf, a good suit that is taken care of can last years.

Peter MelhadoComment