Kids Wetsuits

Jack's Surfboards carries kids and youth wetsuits from O'Neill, Xcel, Rip Curl, Body Glove and Manera, from a 1mm toddler springsuit up to hooded 5/4 winter suits in youth sizes to 16. Cold kids come out of the water early, and a suit that fits keeps them out there a lot longer. Use the size chart below, and if your kid is between sizes, our shop crew is happy to help you pick.

What size wetsuit does my kid need?

Go by height and weight, not age. Two eight-year-olds can be a full size apart. Measure your kid, then find the row where both numbers land.

Chart from O'Neill's youth wetsuit sizing. Other brands run close but not identical, so check the size chart on the product page too.

How it should fit

Snug everywhere, like a second skin. The sleeves and legs should end right at the wrist and ankle. If you see loose folds at the lower back or behind the knees, the suit is too big, and cold water will flush right through it. That's what sends kids in shivering.

What thickness wetsuit does a kid need?

Wetsuit thickness is listed in millimeters, core first, then arms and legs. A 3/2 is 3mm through the body and 2mm in the arms and legs, so your kid stays warm and can still paddle.

Ranges from O'Neill's wetsuit thickness guide for kids.

If your grom is always the first one out of the water, go one step thicker.

Is a chest zip or back zip better for kids?

Back zip suits are the easiest to get on and off, which matters a lot with little kids and wet sand. Chest zip suits have a shorter zipper up front, which seals out more water and gives the arms more room to paddle. For younger kids, Xcel makes the Axis with ankle zips to make getting feet through a lot less of a battle.

Which kids wetsuit should I buy?

• Toddlers: Xcel 1mm Short Sleeve Springsuit in sizes 1 to 5 for warm summer days.
• Everyday 3/2s: O'Neill Epic and Ninja, Xcel Axis, Rip Curl Omega and Dawn Patrol, Body Glove Phoenix, Manera Seafarer.
• Warmer 4/3s: O'Neill Epic and Hyperfreak, Xcel Axis and Comp+, Body Glove Phoenix.
• Winter: Xcel Comp+ Hooded 5/4, Xcel IconX 5/4, Body Glove Phoenix Hooded 5/4/3, Manera Seafarer 5/3.
• Top of the line: O'Neill Hyperfreak Fire, Xcel Comp+ and Rip Curl Flashbomb Pro, with warmer linings for kids who surf year round.

How do you make a kids wetsuit last?

Rinse the suit in fresh water after every session and hang it to dry out of direct sun. O'Neill also recommends a wetsuit shampoo every few uses. A rinsed suit lasts a lot longer than one left balled up in the back of the car.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I tell my kid's wetsuit size?

Measure height and weight, and chest if you can, then match all of them to the brand's size chart. For example, a kid around 4'5" and 65 pounds is usually a youth 8 on O'Neill's chart. If height and weight point to different sizes, call one of our shops and we'll help you choose.

Is it better to size up or down in wetsuits?

Size down if your kid is between sizes. A wetsuit has to be snug to work, and a suit bought big to grow into lets cold water flush through, which defeats the purpose. Hurley's sizing guide gives the same advice: when you're on the line, go with the smaller size for a snug, watertight fit.

Should I get a 3/2 or a 4/3 wetsuit for my kid?

It depends on the water. O'Neill's guide puts a kids 3/2 in water around 55 to 64°F and a 4/3 around 48 to 54°F. If your kid gets cold easily or surfs through winter, the 4/3 is the safer bet.

What is the best wetsuit for keeping kids warm?

The right thickness for your water temperature and a snug fit matter more than anything else. After that, look at the lining. Suits like the O'Neill Hyperfreak Fire, Xcel Comp+ and Rip Curl Flashbomb Pro use warmer linings, and hooded suits like the Xcel Comp+ Hooded 5/4 and Body Glove Phoenix Hooded 5/4/3 keep heat in on the coldest days.

Do you have wetsuits for toddlers?

Yes. The Xcel 1mm Short Sleeve Back Zip Springsuit comes in toddler sizes 1 to 5. It's a light suit for warm summer water and beach days, not cold water.

Do you carry girls wetsuits?

Yes. The O'Neill Girl's Epic 3/2 back zip comes in sizes 4 to 16, and most of our youth suits are unisex, so the size chart works for boys and girls. You can also browse girls wetsuits and boys wetsuits on their own.

What type of wetsuit is best for a beginner?

For most kids starting out, a back zip fullsuit is the easy choice. It's the simplest to get on and off, and you just match the thickness to your water temperature: a 3/2 for water around 55 to 64°F, or a 4/3 for colder water.

Do you have hooded wetsuits for kids?

Yes, for the coldest days. We carry the Xcel Comp+ Hooded 5/4 in youth sizes 10 to 16 and the Body Glove Phoenix Hooded 5/4/3 in sizes 8 to 16.