Kids Wetsuits

Start with when and where the wetsuit will be used. A shorty wetsuit can be ideal for warm summer beach days, splash sessions and holidays. A 3/2mm full suit is a more useful all-round summer option. A 4/3mm or 5/4mm suit gives more warmth for cooler spring, autumn and longer UK water sessions.

Fit matters more than buying room to grow. A wetsuit that is too loose will flush with cold water and feel colder. A suit that is too tight will be uncomfortable, restrict movement and be harder to put on. The best fit should feel snug but still allow the child to move, paddle, swim and play comfortably.

For younger children, choose something easy to get on and off. For older juniors doing SUP, kayaking, surfing, winging or regular watersports, warmth, stretch and durability become more important.

2mm shorty wetsuits

A 2mm shorty wetsuit is best for warm weather, beach holidays, swimming, bodyboarding and short summer sessions. It gives some warmth and sun protection while keeping arms and legs free.

3/2mm kids full wetsuits

A 3/2mm junior full suit is a good all-round summer wetsuit for UK watersports. It gives better coverage than a shorty and is useful for paddleboarding, kayaking, beach sessions and cooler summer days.

4/3mm and 5/4mm junior wetsuits

A 4/3mm or 5/4mm kids wetsuit gives more warmth for cooler water, longer sessions and early or late season use. These are better options for children who feel the cold, spend more time in the water or are doing regular watersports outside peak summer.

6/5mm hooded junior wetsuits

A thicker hooded junior wetsuit is for colder conditions and more committed use. It is not usually the first suit for casual summer paddling, but it can be a sensible choice for children who are in the water regularly through colder months.

Choose a shorty wetsuit if the main use is warm summer beach days, holidays, splash sessions, bodyboarding and short periods in the water. Shorties are easier to put on, less restrictive and often more comfortable in warm weather.

Choose a full wetsuit if the child will be paddleboarding, kayaking, swimming, surfing or spending longer in cooler water. Full suits give more warmth, more coverage and better protection from wind chill.

For UK family watersports, a 3/2mm full suit is usually the more versatile choice if you only want to buy one suit for spring/summer use. A shorty is a great extra for warm beach days.

Back zip kids wetsuits

Back zip wetsuits are usually easier to get in and out of, which can be a real advantage for younger children and quick family beach changes. They are a practical choice when simplicity matters most.

Front zip junior wetsuits

Front zip wetsuits can offer a more performance-focused fit and may reduce flushing when chosen correctly. They can feel a little harder to get into, but they are a strong option for older juniors who are doing regular watersports and need a warmer, more secure suit.

For casual use, back zip is often the easiest. For more committed young riders, front zip can be worth considering.

Kids wetsuit sizing can vary by brand, so use the product size guide wherever possible. Height and chest measurement are usually more useful than age alone, because children grow at different rates and body shapes vary.

A good wetsuit should feel close to the body without big gaps at the lower back, underarms, neck, wrists or ankles. There should be enough movement through the shoulders for paddling, swimming and climbing back onto a board or kayak.

Do not size up too much just to get extra years of use. A loose wetsuit lets water move through it and will feel colder. If you are stuck between sizes, contact us with the child’s height, weight, chest measurement and the suit you are considering.

This collection includes junior wetsuits from brands such as ION, Jobe and O’Neill. The best choice depends on the child’s fit, how warm the suit needs to be, how often it will be used and whether you want a summer shorty, all-round full suit or warmer junior winter wetsuit.

ION junior wetsuits

ION junior suits are a strong choice for children who are using the water regularly and need warmth, flexibility and durability. They are especially relevant for SUP, surf, wing, windsurf and active watersports use. For more detail on ION wetsuit construction, read our ION wetsuit technology guide.

Jobe kids wetsuits

Jobe kids wetsuits are practical family watersports options, well suited to paddleboarding, kayaking, swimming and beach sessions where value, comfort and easy use matter.

O’Neill youth wetsuits

O’Neill youth wetsuits are popular for surf, beach and general watersports use, with familiar shorty and full suit options for warmer and cooler conditions.

A wetsuit helps with warmth, but it is only one part of a sensible children’s watersports setup. For SUP, kayak and family water time, think about buoyancy, footwear, dry storage, changing and warmth before and after the session.

Useful next steps include kids and youth buoyancy aids, neoprene boots and shoes, changing robes, waterproof bags and wetsuit accessories.

For paddleboarding with children, do not treat a wetsuit as a safety device. A correctly fitted buoyancy aid, suitable conditions, close supervision and sensible planning all matter.

For paddleboarding

For kids’ SUP sessions, choose a suit that allows easy shoulder movement and keeps them warm if they fall in. A 3/2mm full suit is a useful summer option, with thicker suits for cooler months.

For kayaking

For kayaking, warmth and comfort when seated are important. Avoid a suit that feels restrictive around the shoulders, chest or knees, and pair it with a well-fitted buoyancy aid.

For surf and bodyboarding

For surf and bodyboarding, choose enough warmth for repeated immersion. Full suits are more useful for UK surf than shorties outside hot summer days.

For holidays and beach days

For summer holidays, a shorty wetsuit can be ideal. It offers light warmth, sun coverage and comfort for play, swimming and short water sessions.

Children’s wetsuits work hard, especially when used on beaches, around sand, salt water, mud and changing areas. Rinse the suit in fresh water after each session and let it dry naturally away from direct heat.

Avoid leaving wetsuits screwed up in a bag, boot or hot car. This shortens the life of the neoprene and can create odours. A changing mat, wetsuit hanger or wet kit bag can make family sessions much easier.

For more care items, browse our wetsuit accessories.

If you are unsure which kids wetsuit to choose, contact us with the child’s height, weight, chest measurement, age and what they will use it for. We will help you choose the most sensible thickness and size.

For delivery information, see our delivery information. For wider product or sizing support, use our contact page.

Need the full family setup? We can also advise on paddleboards, kayaks, buoyancy aids, footwear, changing robes and dry bags.