Kids Wetsuits

Children at play seem to have a natural tolerance for cold water but kids wetsuits allow for far more enjoyment. They can also give your child enough water time at some of the "cooler" locations so they can progress to other things...like surfing.

How to Choose a Kids Wetsuit

The first thing you need to determine is the water temperature your child will be playing in. This will be your primary consideration for selecting one of the two primary wetsuit types.

65-75 Degrees Fahrenheit - Shorty Wetsuit: These have more flexibility than full wetsuits due to the short arms and legs. This also makes them easier to get in and out of. Of course, they won't have as much warmth as the fullsuit. For frolicking at the water's edge they can also work in colder temps for a period of time. These are also know as "springsuits" or "spring wetsuits". Most of these are 2mm in thickness.

50-65 Degrees Fahrenheit - Full Wetsuit: The Full length of the wetsuit also provides more warmth than the short wetsuit. These also are better for extended duration in the water even at higher water temps, where the "chill" can start to set in. Warmer end of the range will require a 3/2mm thick wetsuit, while towards 50 Degrees a 4/3mm works best. Below that there are 5/3mm wetsuits but that is probably just too darned cold for kids anyway. As far as my own experience goes, my kids, ages 7,5 and 3 have so far only used shorty wetsuits in the SF Bay Area beaches where the water temps are around 52 degrees Fahrenheit. They have not really done "full immersion" or "extended duration" in the ocean, but for splashing in the white wash they work fine. This assumes air temps in the 70's. Even still that chill does set in after a while. I just purchased the 7 year old a full wetsuit. her swimming has progressed and she is ready to ride white wash and small waves which requires a little more insulation. I can also hand that wetsuit down to the smaller kids later, provided I maintain it correctly.

Kids wetsuits offer more than just insulation. They also have SPF protection, so you don't have to slather on as much lotion, a bonus for any parent. Kids wetsuits also offer added protection from scrapes and abrasians. Full wetsuits in particular offer added protection including those little elbows and knees.

Sizing is always an issue so make sure you consult the manufacturer's sizing chart. Some will prove height and weight recommendations and others will also prove some basic measurement ranges. Childrens of course grow quickly so you can choose the wetsuit where the child falls into the lower edge of the range, leaving them room to grow into it a little. Not too loose, however, or you just won't get that same warmth.

Wetsuit Warehouse has a large selection of kids wetsuits at great prices with cheap shipping. They also have extensive sizing charts to help you pick exactly the right wetsuit for your child.

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