Courtesy of Ohana SUP star Jeff Henise
Wetsuits!!!!! I like this topic.
So many models to choose from! In general full suits range from $150 - $600 new. What you get as they get more expensive: lighter weight/more flexible material, a design with less leaks that is warmer (example: taped/glued/stich-less seams, water tight zippers or smaller or no zipper at all).
It must fit tight for max warmth, but the tradeoff it that is harder to get on and off, and some folks prefer a loose fit, less restrictive, cooler feel. I think rather than a specific brand getting something that fits you well is more important, and some of the features that are less desirable for max warm in the water (like a long back zipper) can be advantages in paddle boarding allowing you to cool off a bit if you get too warm.
In general I don't think one needs the top shelf stuff for paddle boarding since you aren't sitting in the water, but there are some exceptions described below.
Flexibility is worth something especially on thicker suits as they can feel a bit like springs are attached to your arms and can be a little annoying at first. Looser fit although cooler can feel less restrictive, and generally more expensive lighter/more flexible neoprene can be nice.
Here is what I run.
Level I
Two piece thin (1-2mm) neoprene leggings and top. Works well for colder windy days where you don't fall in the water or fall in little. Also good for leisure paddling where you don’t generate much heat. For the bodega bay race a few weeks ago the air was so cold I raced in this, but generally this is too hot for hard effort like that. Also two piece are nice because you don't have to wear both pieces. Often I tie the top around my waist to throw on if it gets chilly. I find keeping the core warm works better than just the legs for me. But there are options.
Examples:
Level 2
A thin full wetsuit (like a 3/2). Good for most paddle surfing, falling in more often, and colder foggy windy days. There are some options here too. The older/cheaper back zipper style can be handy because you can pull the zipper down to cool off if you get too hot, although the back zip will leak more in the water. I recently got a 3/2 zipper-less, with fully glued seams. It fits tight light a glove, pretty much doesn't leak at all, is very flexible, and pretty toasty for a 3/2! This works great for more casual surf days where you spend more time on the board then water. Probably also great for most in-the-bay downwind and stuff like that.
Example: O'Neill Hyperfreak Comp 3/2
Level 2.5
Somewhere between level 2 and 3 is the 4/3 wetsuit avail with hood or no hood, back zipper, front zipper, no zipper (being cooler to warmer in that order). I have never owned one of these but many people surf in them here year round and like less bulk/restriction then a full on 5/4. The 4/3 is very popular.
Level 3
Max warmth: 5/4 hooded. Here is where buying the best starts to make more sense. Cheap loose leaky 5/4 wetsuits can still be cold in cold water! Use for anything in the open ocean (year round really) where more time is spent in the water, also windy cold days on the bay where you want to be nice and cozy. Winter wind some falling in is NO PROBLEM at all! You can pull the hood down if you get two hot too. I use this for pretty much anything in colder 49-62 oF water year round. These can also add a decent amount of buoyancy. This is also what you want for safety if you may be stuck in cold water in an emergency, like crossing the bay, open ocean down wind, heavy durf days, ect. Being immersed for 4 hours or more is no problem at all for a good 5/4 suit.
I have run the models (below). The oneill is a very light flexable material, and the excel is thick heavy and indestructible, both are very warm! in fact I was a bit too warm at ocean beach yesterday with the hood down doing sup surf with hard paddling. BUT no complaints! Being a little warm is generally better then feeling cold, and you can always pull the neck open and flush some water through if you get too hot.
O'Neill Psycho Tech 5/4 Hooded
Booties!
A good pair of 3 or 5mm booties can be used year round and my feet never feel too hot. I have even worn 5mm booties in 75 degree water in Costa Rica since I don't like stepping on a lot of things in the ocean bare foot, and never felt uncomfortable! I love them even for summer paddles if you have to walk around on rocks/mud and stuff like that and carry your board. Pair these with any set up above.
Gloves and Hoods
There are also gloves and hoods that can be paired with anything. I have no experience with gloves and free hoods, only wetsuits with built in hoods. For some reason my hands never feel cold, and by the time I feel like I need the hood It is time to put on the 5/4 hooded anyway! But here are more options to play with!
The next level
Although they exist I don't really know anyone that run a suit thicker than 5mm in our area for surfing type activities...