Surfing wetsuits can be expensive. Fortunately, you can buy a used wetsuit to get you out in the water without breaking your bank account.
However, there are some things you should know before you buy a used wetsuit. After all, you want to make sure you get a decent wetsuit at a fair price. In addition, you might consider buying a new wetsuit.
I’ve been surfing casually for 8 years and have owned several new and used wetsuits. These are my tips for how to buy a used wetsuit and if a new wetsuit might be the better choice.
1. Assess your goals
First things first, decide if you want to buy a wetsuit. If you are set on surfing and you need a wetsuit because of the chilly water temperatures, then you’ll need to buy a surfing wetsuit.
You can rent a wetsuit and other surf gear, but if you are surfing more than a few times a year, it is more cost effective to buy it. Wetsuits are also needed for boogie boarding and for snorkeling.
Be aware that there are different types of wetsuits for surfing and scuba diving. Scuba diving wetsuits are less flexible and won’t work well for surfing.
2. Decide if you want to buy a used or new wetsuit
Once you decide you want to buy a wetsuit, evaluate if a used wetsuit is right for you. For many, it is worth it to buy a new wetsuit, but they are expensive. Used wetsuits are usually much more affordable, but they can be lower quality.
There are a number of pros and cons for purchasing new and used wetsuits.
| New | Used | |
| Pros | Good quality Longer lifespan No hassle/uncertainty/waiting | Affordable Less worry about damage |
| Cons | Expensive More worry about damage | Lower quality (usually) Shorter lifespan (usually) More hassle/uncertainty/waiting |
| Price | $150-$400 | <$150 |
If you are short on cash, or not sure if you want to pursue surfing regularly, then a used wetsuit might be a good option. In addition, if you’re willing to be patient, then you might find a great deal on a used wetsuit.
If you need a wetsuit on shorter notice and you have the cash, then a new wetsuit is the way to go. New wetsuits are really nice, and will last a few years at least. You can also get the exact size and thickness that you want, which is of course harder to find in a used wetsuit.
My recommendation: new wetsuits are obviously preferred but used wetsuits can save you money. Give it a shot to find a used wetsuit before looking for a new one. But read this rest of this article first to learn how! Also, you can read more about how to save money while surfing.
3. Determine what kind of wetsuit you want
When choosing a used wetsuit, one can’t be too picky. That being said, there are some decisions to make when choosing a wetsuit, whether it’s new or used.
The big factors in a wetsuit are the size, the thickness, the zipper/hood orientation, and whether it’s a full or partial body coverage.
Wetsuit Sizing
Wetsuits are tight fitting and therefore it can be hard to find one that’s exactly your size. However, there is some flexibility with sizing. The wetsuit can be a little bigger or a little smaller than ideal but will still work.
Usually, wetsuit sizes range from extra small to extra-large with “small” and “tall” variations of each size. For example: medium-tall. Of course, there is variation between brands, so it can be inconsistent. I highly recommend trying on a wetsuit before you buy it.
Wetsuit Thickness
You want to make sure you stay toasty depending on how cold the water is where you surf. Surf wetsuit thickness is measured in millimeters, with the torso typically being 1mm thicker than the arms and legs.
For example, a 5/4 wetsuit is 5mm in the torso and 4mm in the arms and legs. Sometimes there can be a three thickness sizing setup, such as a 5/4/3: 5mm torso, 4mm legs, 3mm arms.
See the chart below to find out what thickness of wetsuit is best for you. Also realize that a thicker wetsuit is harder to paddle with, so you don’t want to go thicker than you need.
| Water Temperature (F) | Water Temperature (C) | Wetsuit Thickness mm body / mm arms, legs |
| 64 – 75 | 18-24 | 2/1 |
| 54 – 66 | 12-19 | 3/2 |
| 48 – 57 | 9-14 | 4/3 |
| 43 – 52 | 6-11 | 5/4 |
| < 46 | <8 | 6/5 |
Wetsuit Features
The zipper and hood configuration is another factor. Some wetsuits have hoods and others don’t. Some have chest zippers and some have back zippers. In my experience, the chest zipper with a hood is the preferable setup. Back zippers are fine too, but these wetsuits usually don’t have hoods, which is okay depending on the water temperature.
Some wetsuits are cut off at the thigh and the biceps. Some are long sleeves but end at the thigh. These are called shorties and are suitable for warmer waters.
4. Find a wetsuit
Fortunately for you and me, there are many ways to buy a used wetsuit.
Online listings
Websites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace are good resources for finding anything used, not just wetsuits. You can search for wetsuits in your area, then go meet the seller to look at it in person.
Keep checking your area everyday and use keywords like “surfing”, “wetsuit”, “surf suit”. Check areas closer to the coast if you live further inland. You may have to be willing to drive a bit. As soon as you see one that might work, you can go to the next step!
Local Facebook groups about surfing, free stuff, or outdoor gear trades might also be a good option. My mom is a wizard at finding free stuff from her local “buy nothing” Facebook group.
Surf shops
Surf shops sometimes sell used gear including surfboards and wetsuits. Call around to see what surf shops near you sell used gear and what they have available.
Generally, the used gear sold at surf shops is good quality. At the same time, this means it will be a slightly higher price than some of the other options. Also, the employees know the value of the gear, so you may be less likely to find a discount compared to the other options.
Used outdoor gear stores
Used gear shops are awesome for all used outdoor sporting gear. They are generally seasonally focused, so you’ll have better luck with wetsuits in warmer parts of the year.
In Portland, Oregon where I’m from, a used outdoor store called Next Adventure has a full basement of used outdoor gear. They even have a tub of wetsuits. My dad bought some for us when we were kids and they worked great for skimboarding and boogie boarding.
Garage Sales
Garage sales are amazing, or at least I think they are. Browsing other people’s junk is a great way to spend a weekend spring afternoon.
You can find good deals on wetsuits that people need to get rid, but only if you’re lucky. The odds are against you but that’s okay. There’s lots of other fun stuff to buy at garage sales.
5. Ask questions
Once you’ve found a wetsuit that might be right for you, you should find out more. Ask the seller questions about the wetsuit to learn if it is a good option. It can be hard to determine if there’s something wrong or if you’re getting a good deal, especially if you don’t know what to look for.
Quick aside – Like any meeting with a stranger, make sure you do it safely. Here are some general guidelines:
- Meet in a public place
- Go to the meeting location with a friend or family member
- If you can’t, tell people where and when you are going. Maybe call a friend during the encounter
- Call the seller ahead of time to get a sense of the person’s character
- Try to spot any sort of spam or misleading information in the online posting
- Trust your gut
Ask questions about the quality of the wetsuit, as well the reason it is being sold. See some example questions below:
- Why are you selling the wetsuit?
- What is the brand?
- You can look up the make online to get an idea for quality/fair price
- What size and thickness are the wetsuit?
- How long have you owned the wetsuit?
- Did you buy it new or used?
- Is there any damage?
- You can ask about any specific type of damage in the list below
6. Check for quality/damage
From first glance, you might not be able to tell if the quality is good, so check closely for these types of damage. You should look at the entire wetsuit and turn it inside out to see the inside.
Wear
Over time, the wetsuit will wear down. Areas of high wear include the butt, inner thighs, and knees. Check if the thickness of the material feels weak or thinner than the other areas.
I once rented a wetsuit in Morocco where the neoprene in the butt was so worn out that the chilly water rushed in and out without any trouble. Needless to say, all four of my cheeks were cold.
Seams
The seams, or the area where sections of neoprene are connected, can come apart over time. Usually, the seams are sewn and sometimes taped too. If you can’t see the sewing, then it’s probably taped over, which adds extra durability.
The main idea is to check if the seams look solid. Whatever kind of seam it is, look at every inch and feel with your fingers to make sure they are strong. A small hole is easy to overlook if you don’t check closely and can come back to bite you later.
Neoprene quality
If the wetsuit wasn’t cared for well, the neoprene might be degraded. Neoprene doesn’t play well in the sun for long periods of time, and the fibers themselves can break down when exposed to ultraviolet rays.
Salt water exposure over a long period of time can damage the neoprene. That’s why it’s important to rinse your suit off with fresh water after each session.
Check if the color of the wetsuit looks too faded or the fibers themselves are flaky and breaking. These are signs that the neoprene wasn’t cared for well.
Also, not all neoprene is created equal. You can feel the quality of a good wetsuit. Even if you are buying a used wetsuit, it can be helpful to get your eyes and hands on a brand new one to compare the quality.
Holes
Whether in the seams or not, holes in a wetsuit is a big red flag. Even a small hole will let in a lot of cold water, and they can be difficult to repair depending on the size.
However, holes can be repaired by sewing or gluing DIY style. It might be worth it to make the repair yourself if it’s small enough and you get a good price on the suit.
7. Negotiate
Now you can get down to business. So you’re interested in the wetsuit, but it might be priced a little high for your taste. Negotiation typically only applies to informal sellers, but don’t be afraid to negotiate and real stores too.
When you are checking for damage, make mental notes of any problems or things you can use as leverage during bargaining. Mention these out loud to the seller so they know that you are aware of the issues.
Knock down $20 or $30 off the asking price and see what the response is. You might be surprised!
8. Know when to walk away
You don’t want to be too picky, but know that you can walk away at any moment. Don’t feel pressured into the deal just because you want to satisfy the seller or you feel there won’t be another opportunity.
If it doesn’t feel right, don’t buy it. There will always be another option in the future. At the same time, you can’t afford to be too picky with a used wetsuit. Try to feel out the right balance for your situation.
9. Try it out!
Congratulations on your new old wetsuit. Now all you have to do is get out there and use it. Remember, you might need to get some gloves or booties too. Sometimes hoods can also be purchased separately from the suit. You will know the first few minutes in the water if you need these additions.
Heads up! Surfing is awesome but it can be dangerous! Learn more about how to stay safe and avoid dangers while surfing. If you are a beginner surfer, check out my other articles about surfing and my ultimate guide to learning how to surf.
