What wetsuit should I use for surfing in Scotland?

What thickness of wetsuit is needed for surfing in Scotland?

In Scotland, our sea temperature ranges from a cool 4°C in winter to 16°C towards the end of summer, and therefore requires a good wetsuit year round. A  ‘good wetsuit’ depends on a whole host of factors; material, thickness, seams etc, though we are just considering the thickness of wetsuit material here.

Given we have cold water year round, we recommend a wetsuit thickness of 5/4mm. Generally speaking, the 5/4 refers to 5mm of material in the torso and thighs, and 4mm on arms and legs.

This thickness is the best balance between warmth and flexibility, which is needed to paddle out and surf efficiently. Any thicker such as 6mm material and flexibility is compromised, whereas warmth is compromised on a thinner 3/2mm wetsuit.

In summer, a 5/4mm is still a great choice as you can regulate your body temperature by not using wetsuit gloves, boots and hood.