Most cold-weather paddlers eventually face this question, and many get the answer wrong the first time.
Here's the short version. A wetsuit is the right call for cool-to-cold water where you're going to get wet anyway and you want to move freely. A drysuit is the right call for very cold water, where staying dry matters more than staying flexible. Water temperature is the deciding factor, not air temperature.
It isn't a permanent choice either. Most paddlers who take cold seasons seriously end up owning both and picking based on the day.
One thing that gets overlooked in all of this: cold-weather paddling puts extra stress on your board too. Condensation, hard temperature swings, and rougher water add up over a season. We build every iROCKER board with welded seams and multi-layer composite PVC precisely so it holds up to that kind of use rather than just surviving summer.
Quick Comparison at a Glance
|
Feature |
Wetsuit |
Drysuit |
|
How it works |
Traps water, body warms it |
Keeps you completely dry |
|
Best water temp |
60–70°F (15–21°C), with a drysuit recommended below 60°F |
Below 60°F (15°C), and the practical choice below 50°F (10°C) |
|
Flexibility |
High |
Moderate |
|
Cost |
$80 to $400+ |
$500 to $1,500+ |
|
Best for |
Active paddling, warmer cold water |
Very cold water, long sessions |
|
Beginner friendly |
Yes |
Steeper learning curve |
How Wetsuits Actually Work
A wetsuit does not keep you dry. That is a common misconception.
What it does is trap a thin layer of water between the neoprene and your skin. Your body warms that water, and the neoprene insulates it. As long as that layer stays warm, you stay comfortable.
Thickness matters here. Common options include:
- 2mm shorty or spring suit: roughly 70°F and above (21°C+)
- 3/2mm full suit: roughly 65 to 70°F (18 to 21°C)
- 4/3mm full suit: roughly 55 to 64°F (13 to 18°C)
- 5/4mm full suit with hood: below 55°F (13°C), though at these temperatures a drysuit is the better choice
Wetsuits are easy to put on, widely available, and forgiving for beginners. For SUP touring in cool-to-cold conditions where you expect to be active and possibly take a dip, they are a practical starting point.
Close-up of a wetsuit worn by a SUP paddler preparing to hit cold water on an inflatable paddle board
How Drysuits Actually Work
A drysuit uses waterproof gaskets at the wrists, neck, and sometimes ankles to seal out water entirely. You stay dry even after a full immersion.
Because drysuits do not insulate on their own, you layer underneath. In moderate cold, a mid-layer fleece works well. In very cold conditions, a thermal base layer plus a mid-layer is the standard approach.
Drysuits are less flexible than wetsuits, but modern designs have closed much of that gap. They work best when:
- Water temperatures drop below 60°F (15°C), and especially below 50°F (10°C)
- You are doing long SUP touring sessions with less intense activity
- Staying dry is a safety requirement, not just a comfort preference
The main barrier is cost. Entry-level drysuits start around $500, and quality ones run $800 to $1,200. That price is justified for frequent cold-water paddlers, but it is a serious outlay for occasional use.
When to Choose a Wetsuit
A wetsuit makes sense for most recreational paddlers dealing with cool-to-cold water. Consider it when:
- Water temperature is between 55°F and 70°F (13°C to 21°C)
- You paddle actively and generate body heat
- You expect to fall in occasionally and are fine getting wet
- You want flexibility and ease of movement for SUP yoga or recreational paddling
For most people starting cold-weather SUP, a quality 3mm full wetsuit is the practical entry point. It handles a wide range of conditions without the complexity or cost of a drysuit.
When to Choose a Drysuit
Choose a drysuit when conditions push beyond what a wetsuit can reliably handle:
- Water temperatures at or below 60°F (15°C), and especially below 50°F (10°C)
- You are on the water for extended SUP touring sessions with lower activity levels
- Cold shock and hypothermia risk are real concerns where you paddle
- You paddle in the winter months regularly and need a long-term investment
Worth being blunt about this: cold water immersion is a serious hazard. A drysuit does not eliminate risk, but it buys you meaningful time in the water if you end up in very cold water unexpectedly.
Paddler on an inflatable SUP in very cold conditions where a drysuit provides essential thermal protection
What Most Cold-Weather Paddlers Actually Own
The honest answer is that committed cold-weather SUP paddlers end up with both.
A 3mm wetsuit covers shoulder-season paddling from fall into early winter. A drysuit takes over when temperatures drop hard and sessions get longer. Having both means you are not overdressed in October or underdressed in January.
That said, most people start with a wetsuit. It is the lower-risk financial decision and handles a wider range of common conditions.
Whichever way you go, buy for the water you actually paddle, not the water you paddle twice a year. A 3mm wetsuit and an honest look at your local water temperature will serve you better than an expensive drysuit you only pull out in January.
FAQs
Can I use a surfing wetsuit for paddle boarding?
Yes, though surf wetsuits are cut for prone paddling and can restrict shoulder movement during SUP strokes. A SUP-specific or kayaking wetsuit will feel more comfortable on longer sessions.
How cold is too cold for a wetsuit?
The practical line is 60°F (15°C), not 50°F. The American Canoe Association treats a wetsuit as mandatory at or below 60°F and strongly recommends a drysuit at the same threshold. Between 50 and 60°F, unprotected immersion causes maximum-intensity cold shock, so a drysuit is the safer call for anything beyond a short session close to shore. Below 50°F, wear a drysuit. Our cold water safety guide covers what happens to your body at each temperature band.
Do I need a hood, gloves, and booties too?
In water below 60°F (15°C), yes. Extremities lose heat quickly and cold hands affect your grip and reaction time. Neoprene gloves, a hood, and 3mm booties make a real difference.
Is a drysuit worth spending over $1,000?
For paddlers who go out regularly in very cold water, generally yes. For occasional cold-weather sessions, a quality wetsuit may cover your needs without the cost.
Can I paddle in cold water without either?
Short sessions in mildly cool water with a thick rash guard and quick-dry layers are possible, but not advisable in genuinely cold conditions. If immersion is a real risk, thermal protection is not optional.
Choose the Gear That Matches Your Water
The right cold-water setup is built around your actual conditions, not the most expensive option. A well-chosen wetsuit will serve most paddlers well through cool and cold seasons. A drysuit is worth the investment when very cold water is a regular part of your paddling.
Either way, the board under your feet matters as much as what you're wearing. The iROCKER CRUISER gives you a wide, stable platform that's forgiving when you're bundled in neoprene and less agile than usual. The ALL AROUND 11' is the better pick if your cold-season paddling means longer touring sessions.
Both are built with welded seams and multi-layer drop-stitch construction, backed by a 90-day guarantee and up to a 3-year warranty. Paddle it through a season before you commit.
Explore the full range at irockersup.com and find the board that fits where you paddle.
