When the water starts to turn colder in autumn, winter wetsuits become essential kit for anyone who wants to stay in the water longer, feel more comfortable and keep doing the activities they love — whether that’s surfing, bodyboarding, paddleboarding or open-water swimming. At Ocean Sports Board Riders we stock a wide range of winter wetsuits, all made to help you brave cooler waters in the UK and beyond.
A 5mm wetsuit refers to how thick the neoprene material is around the torso, giving you that extra insulation against cold water temperatures that are typical of autumn, winter and early spring. Most winter suits you’ll find here combine 5mm neoprene in the body with slightly thinner neoprene in the limbs — often 4mm on arms and legs — so you don’t just stay warm but also retain freedom of movement. That balance matters because you want your suit to move with you, not restrict you.
You’ll find classic full-length suits with back zips for ease of entry, and chest zip designs which are great at keeping water flushing to a minimum — meaning less cold water sneaks in and more warmth stays where it should. The brands we offer cover different styles and fits, so whether you’re stacking up sessions or just want a dependable suit for weekend adventures, there’s a shape and construction to suit you.
Heating up isn’t the only challenge in colder conditions. Wind chilling your torso as you paddle out, cold spray hitting your shoulders, and dipping under waves all place extra demands on your gear. A well-chosen 5mm winter wetsuit does more than just keep you warm at your core; it’s built with seams and neoprene panels that reduce water flushing, block cold wind and give you confidence to stay out longer. Many suits also include features like ergonomic panelling, flexible knee protection and key loops so that you’re not just warmer, but comfortable and secure from first paddle to last.
At Ocean Sports Board Riders you’ll find winter wetsuits in all sizes, from more budget-friendly options to high-end performance suits with advanced thermal linings and stretch panels. Our team are here to help you think about fit, thickness and how you plan to use the suit — because the right gear doesn’t just improve performance, it lets you make the most of your time in the water, whatever the weather.
C-Skins wetsuits are a name you’ll hear again and again in British watersports circles — especially among surfers, bodyboarders, paddleboarders and open-water swimmers who want gear made by people who truly understand cold-water conditions. Born from a passion for the sea and tested in some of the harshest waters of northern Europe, C-Skins has been refining wetsuit design and construction for decades so that when you’re in the water, your kit feels like a reliable partner, not just another piece of clothing.
O’Neill wetsuits are among the most iconic and trusted wetsuits in the world of watersports, built on a legacy that goes right back to where modern surfing and wetsuit design began. The brand’s story starts with Jack O’Neill, who is credited with inventing the neoprene surf wetsuit in the 1950s so surfers could stay out longer and enjoy the water even when temperatures dropped. That pioneering spirit — a desire to extend sessions and make cold water more welcoming — still shapes every suit the company produces today.
Rip Curl wetsuits are among the most recognised and respected wetsuit ranges in watersports, known for their blend of heritage, innovation and performance. Born in 1969 in Torquay, Australia, Rip Curl began as a surf company that quickly became deeply involved in wetsuit design — pioneering many of the technologies riders now take for granted. This long history of development means Rip Curl gear often feels familiar and trustworthy to surfers, bodyboarders and open-water adventurers alike.
