Wetsuits
Why a Quality Wetsuit Matters on the Water
Whether you're carving wakes on a personal watercraft, wakeboarding, water skiing, or paddling a SUP, a well-chosen wetsuit is one of the most important pieces of gear you can own. Wetsuits do more than keep you warm — they protect your skin from abrasions, sun exposure, and impact, and they keep your core temperature regulated so you can stay on the water longer. Wetsuits trap a thin layer of water against your skin, which your body quickly warms to create a natural insulating barrier against heat loss, making them essential for year-round watersports in a range of climates.
Choosing the Right Wetsuit
Picking the right wetsuit comes down to a few key factors: neoprene thickness, suit style, fit, and intended activity. Thickness is typically expressed as two numbers — for example, a 3/2mm suit has 3mm of neoprene at the core and 2mm at the limbs, offering different levels of warmth and flexibility across the body. Thicker suits provide more insulation for cold-water riding, while thinner suits prioritize freedom of movement in warmer conditions.
- Full suits (steamers): Maximum warmth and full-body coverage, ideal for cooler water temperatures or PWC riding where spray and wind chill are a factor.
- Long Johns / Shorties: A middle-ground option that balances coverage with greater arm mobility, popular for wakeboarding and warm-weather jet skiing.
- Neo Vests: Lightweight neoprene vests that add a layer of thermal protection and abrasion resistance while pairing with a standard life jacket.
Fit is equally critical. A wetsuit that bunches, sags, or restricts movement will compromise both comfort and performance. Look for ergonomic panel construction, stretch neoprene, and suit styles designed for your specific activity — a freestyle PWC rider has different needs than a casual wakeboarder.
Top Wetsuit Brands
Slippery Wetsuits is one of the longest-running dedicated wetsuit brands in the powersports world. Founded in 1989, Slippery has spent decades crafting gear specifically for personal watercraft riders. Their lineup spans full race-oriented suits like the Breaker Pro to neo vests and PFD-style life vests, all engineered with an emphasis on fit and mobility. Slippery is particularly known for using soft, stretch-knit neoprene fabrics that minimize chafing and maximize comfort during active riding sessions.
Jobe Sports brings over 50 years of watersports heritage to the wetsuit market. Founded in 1974, Jobe has grown into a globally recognized brand spanning wakeboards, SUP, life vests, and wetsuits. Their suits utilize limestone-based neoprene — a material that is lighter, more flexible, and more durable than traditional synthetic alternatives — along with ergonomic paneling and drainage thermal inner linings to help retain body heat in cooler conditions. Jobe's range covers men, women, and children in thicknesses from 1.5mm to 4/3mm, making them a go-to choice for families and multi-discipline watersports enthusiasts.
Get On the Water Confidently
From casual lake days to serious PWC competition, the right wetsuit is an investment in both comfort and safety. Browse our full selection of wetsuits from Slippery and Jobe Sports to find the style, thickness, and fit that matches your riding conditions and activity.