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Paddle boarding is not just a summer sport. Equipped with the right accessories, paddleboarders don’t have to stay at home even in colder temperatures.

If you have a perfect drysuit, you can make the waters unsafe on a paddle board all year round without being in risk of health issues.

The main difference from regular every day or sportswear and wetsuits is that these full bodysuits are completely waterproof.

A number of different plastics are used in the manufacture of paddle boarding dry suits. You simply slip into the suit and seal it with a zipper. Water does not get in.

A SUP drysuit keeps you dry, but not warm. Therefore, additional layers of clothing must be worn under the drysuit. The number and thickness of the layers depends on the outside temperature and the weather. It’s best to go for a proper drysuit base layer.

Recommended
MEETWEE Men’s Thermal Underwear
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The best SUP dry suits

Choosing a drysuit is not always easy. On the one hand, the selection of available models is quite large. On the other hand, a SUP drysuit is also quite a considerable investment. If you want to buy a drysuit, it is best to orientate yourself on our best list. The following buying guide offers more tips for selecting a drysuit.

Bestseller No. 1
Prolimit Mens Nordic SUP Stand Up Paddle Boarding U-Zip Drysuit Dry Suit - Steel Blue Indigo - Easy...
  • 4 layer, waterproof, breathable, supple and lightweight...
  • Adjustable neoprene collar
  • Dry seal neoprene wrist and leg cuffs. Taped inside...
  • Made out of 4-layer light weight waterproof breathable...
Bestseller No. 2
Dry Fashion Women's and Men's Dry Suit SUP Performance, Colour: Black/Pink, Size: L
  • Very light and highly breathable dry suit, approx. 850...
  • DFX3 material: 3-layer / (outer material: 100% nylon,...
  • Neoprene neck and arm cuffs, latex foot cuffs, extended...
  • YKK zip/adjustable waist adjustment with Velcro...
Bestseller No. 3
Prolimit Womens Pure Girl Nordic SUP Stand Up Paddle Boarding Front Zip Drysuit Dry Suit - Indigo...
  • 4 layer, waterproof, breathable, supple and lightweight...
  • Adjustable neoprene collar
  • Dry seal neoprene wrist and leg cuffs. Taped inside,...
  • Made out of 4-layer lightweight waterproof breathable...
Bestseller No. 4
Prolimit Mens Nordic SUP Stand Up Paddle Boarding Front Zip Drysuit Dry Suit - Steel Blue Indigo -...
  • Made from 4-layer, lightweight, waterproof, breathable...
  • Easy to put on thanks to a flexible, dry front zip.
  • 4-layer, waterproof, breathable, supple and lightweight...
  • Dry seal neoprene wrist and leg cuffs. Taped with...
Bestseller No. 5
Dry Fashion Unisex Dry Suit SUP-Advance Sailing Suit Waterproof Colour: Black/Pink, Size: M
  • Dry Fashion SUP-Advance Dry Suit - Waterproof,...
  • DFX3 material: 3-layer system / outer material: robust...
  • Sailing suit with YKK front zip / pleasantly soft...
  • Inner pocket with zip, neoprene arm cuffs and latex...
Bestseller No. 6
Starboard All Star Women's SUP Suite/Dry Suit, XS
  • Brand: Starboard – comfortably warm paddling even on...
Bestseller No. 7
Kayak Dry Suit Waterproof With Latex Orange Drysuit Fullsuit For Men Expedition Paddling Rafting SUP...
  • ✬✬Total Waterproofing and Comfort: Our dry suit is...
  • ✬✬Complete Waterproofing: To keep you completely...
  • ✬✬Durable and Lightweight: We've constructed our...
  • ✬✬Versatile and Easy to Use: Our dry suit is...
Bestseller No. 8
Gul Womens Dartmouth Eclip Zip Drysuit Dry Suit & Underfleece - Blue Geo - 3 Layer Dry Suit...
  • 100% Waterproof heat taped seams. Hard wearing seat and...
  • Contoured body panels reduce snagging, bulk and reduce...
  • Fully taped, its high specifications provide full wet...
  • GCX3 Breathable, waterproof, hard wearing 3 layer...
Bestseller No. 9
Gill Verso Drysuit - Fully Taped & Waterproof for all Watersports Dinghy, Sailing, Kayaking,...
  • Size - L - Average Height 5'10"-6'1" (178-186) - Chest...
  • The ultimate protection in our Verso Drysuit featuring...
  • Feel comfortable and protected all day with the...
  • Secure your key accessories in the PFD friendly zip...

What to Consider When Buying a Drysuit

For paddle boarding tours in cold water, a drysuit is enormously important. The best drysuits don’t have to cost a fortune, but you should still pay attention to the material, the quality of the zipper, and a few other features. These features and also the particular design can affect the overall price.

Fit

Wearing comfort is very important for dry suits for paddle boarders. Above all, the suit should not fit too tightly. Drysuits are not warming. For this reason, there must still be enough room under the drysuit for an undergarment.

Manufacturers offer their drysuits in different sizes and often as a version for women and men. When deciding on a size, it’s best to use the size charts provided by the vendors as a guide. Otherwise, simply choose the size that is closest to your normal clothing size.

The cuffs need to be tight so that they really don’t let any water in. However, if they are really too tight, you can widen them or cut them open yourself.

Material

SUP drysuits are made of waterproof materials. Most commonly, polyester, nylon, or Gore-Tex are used in manufacturing. Gore-Tex costs a little more, but is also very breathable. In comparison, nylon is much cheaper. SUP drysuits made of nylon are usually multi-layered, which makes for extra durability.

Waterproofness

The material makes a drysuit waterproof. However, for this to happen, the drysuit must also have waterproof seals at the wrists, neck and legs. Ideally, the seals are made of neoprene, as these seal particularly tightly and feel comfortable.

Zippers can be a weak point. However, most suits use a metal or hard plastic zipper that rarely gets stuck and has a long life. In practice, zippers with large cramps (large teeth) in particular excel, as they are less likely to snag.

Putting on and Taking Off

It is not difficult to put on a dry suit. There is a large zipper on the front or back. The suit can be put on through this zipper. A helper is usually not required for this.

Color and Design

Dry suits are usually one-piece suits that are available in different colors. When deciding on a model, it should also be noted that reflectors or bright colors are better perceived. Other water sports enthusiasts and boats will be able to spot you better from a distance.

Some SUP drysuits have socks already integrated into the drysuit. This is convenient because your feet stay dry without having to purchase SUP socks. One problem, however, is that if the socks are damaged, the whole drysuit is no longer waterproof. It’s best to wear shoes anyway.

Budget

Make sure you don’t go over your budget. But know that most drysuits cost around 500 £.

With or Without Booties

Both options are available. Know that for the models without booties you need adequate shoes for the cold season. In addition, there is always a small predetermined breaking point at the interface between the shoe and the suit, where water can enter.

Reviews

Are there already reviews for the model you have chosen? You can use them to get an even better idea of the dry suit you want.

Proven

By means of a review, in a blog or in the exchange of forum members you can very quickly come across proven products. They have already been tried by other paddle boarders. Rely on their expertise. Buy the tried and tested, especially in the beginning. You will definitely do well with it.

FAQ

What do you wear under a drysuit?

Drysuits keep the water out, but they can’t keep you warm. In low temperatures or adverse weather conditions, stand up paddlers need to wear additional clothing under the drysuit. Special drysuit underwear is best.

The best underwear is made of cotton, is very comfortable and keeps warm really well. The number and thickness of additional layers of clothing should depend on the outside temperatures.

Learn more about dry suits for paddle boarding.

What is the difference between a wetsuit and a dry suit?

The difference in the way wetsuits and drysuits work is most obvious in the English translation. Wetsuits are called wetsuits in English, while drysuits are called drysuits. Wearers of a wetsuit get wet.

Wetsuits are not waterproof, but are made of special fabric that allows a certain amount of water into the suit. The water can no longer escape. Within a very short time, the thin layer of water is warmed by the body temperature and forms an excellent insulation against the outside world.

A drysuit does not provide direct warmth, but only keeps the water out. Wearers of a drysuit therefore dress according to the onion principle. Several layers on top of each other keep you warm because the enclosed air heats up and in this way – completely dry – shields you from the outside world.
The number and thickness of the layers should be adapted to the air and water temperatures. The best option is a drysuit underlayer.

Learn more about dry suits for paddle boarding.

How to take care of a SUP drysuit?

For a long life of the drysuit, thorough care is important. After each use, the drysuit should therefore be rinsed with performance water. From time to time, the suit should also be cleaned in the washing machine. Please follow the washing instructions.
Furthermore, you should be careful when handling the zippers. Improper handling could otherwise cause damage to the zippers. You should also dry the drysuit properly after each use.

Learn more about dry suits for paddle boarding.

Conclusion

A SUP drysuit significantly expands your options. Instead of depending on good weather, with a drysuit you can throw yourself into the water all year round! Choose one of the drysuits presented here, and you won’t go wrong.

Hi, my name is Max. In 2016, on my first SUP trip, I was still a bit shaky on the SUP board. But quickly the ambition grabbed me and my passion for SUP was ignited. That’s why I founded stand-up-paddling.org the same year. Our mission is to help beginners discover this sport and bring more transparency into the market with our in-depth product reviews.

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Stephan

Hey dear team of stand-up-paddling,
a question about winter equipment:

I bought a dry suit with integrated latex feet, because it is important to me that the feet stay dry. in addition, i bought neoprene shoes 5mm, so that they stay warm.

Do you have experience with this: is the combination functional in practice or does it still get cold on the feet due to wet neoprene and therefore you would definitely need waterproof neo shoes?

Would be grateful for your feedback, best regards
Stephan

Benjamin

Hey Stephan,

Great that you also want to go paddle boarding in the winter. The combination is perfectly adequate. Maybe you also have in the booties if necessary still place for normal, warming socks….

The latex socks keep your feet completely dry and the neoprene of the shoes you mentioned is also very thick with 5 mm…that should definitely fit!

Have fun on the water and best regards,

Benjamin

Moritz

Hi, thanks for the dry suit suggestions. I want to buy one and am not sure what else I need to paddle board on the lake in the winter without getting wet/cold. Can you answer this for me? And for specific product recommendations on Amazon I would be very grateful.

Benjamin

Hi Moritz,
besides the drysuit and the normal paddle board equipment you don’t need that much.

To put on underneath, normal sports clothes are actually enough in the fall and spring. I just waer long jogging clothes. In the winter, however, several layers / thicker clothing can not hurt here. Dry suit under layers are best.

Gloves you usually do not need. The movement actually keeps your hands warm. Very important, however, is a cap and shoes (eg neoprene shoes) or SUP socks are also practical. That’s it then. We have listed some suitable cloth here: Best Paddle Board Accessories (Must-have SUP Gear)

Best regards,
Benjamin