If you are planning to surf in Yorkshire, choosing the right wetsuit is just as important as choosing the right surfboard. The North Sea is cold for much of the year, and even during summer the water can feel surprisingly chilly.
The good news is that you can surf Yorkshire’s beaches all year round if you have the right wetsuit and accessories.
This guide covers what wetsuit thickness you need, when to use it, and what else you should wear for surfing around Yorkshire, including Scarborough, Cayton Bay, Filey, Whitby and the surrounding North Yorkshire coast.
Quick Answer: What Wetsuit Do I Need?
For most Yorkshire surfers, a 4/3mm wetsuit is the best all-round choice.
However, your ideal wetsuit depends on the season:
| Season | Typical choice | What else you may need |
|---|---|---|
| Winter | 5/4/3mm or 6/5mm | Hood, 5mm boots, gloves |
| Spring | 4/3mm | Boots; gloves depending on conditions |
| Summer | 3/2mm or 4/3mm | 3–5mm boots optional |
| Autumn | 4/3mm | Boots; hood/gloves as temperatures drop |
These are guidelines rather than strict rules. Wind, air temperature, session length and how easily you get cold can make a big difference.
Yorkshire’s Water Is Cold!
Yorkshire faces the North Sea, so the water temperature remains relatively low compared with many popular surfing destinations.
Even on a sunny summer day, you shouldn’t assume that the sea will be warm.
This is particularly important for beginners. You may spend more time sitting or lying on your board waiting for waves, which means you can get cold more quickly than an experienced surfer who is constantly paddling and riding.
A good wetsuit should allow you to concentrate on surfing rather than thinking about how cold you are.
Winter Surfing in Yorkshire
December to February
Winter is when you need your warmest setup.
A typical Yorkshire winter surf setup would be:
5/4/3mm or 6/5mm winter wetsuit
plus:
- 5mm surf boots
- 5mm gloves
- hood or hooded wetsuit
- wetsuit changing robe
- warm clothes for before and after your session
For particularly cold conditions, a hooded 5/4/3mm wetsuit can be an excellent option because it reduces the amount of water entering around your neck.
Why go thicker?
Cold water can quickly affect your hands, feet and ability to concentrate. A thicker wetsuit provides more insulation and allows you to stay in the water for longer.
For winter surfing, being slightly too warm is generally preferable to being too cold.
Spring Surfing
March to May
Spring can be deceptive.
The weather may start feeling warmer, but the sea can remain very cold after winter.
A 4/3mm wetsuit is generally a good starting point.
You may also want:
- 3–5mm boots
- gloves early in the season
- hood on colder days
As spring progresses, you can gradually remove accessories depending on the water temperature and your own tolerance to cold.
Summer Surfing
June to August
Summer is when you can normally reduce wetsuit thickness, but Yorkshire is not a tropical surfing destination!
A 3/2mm wetsuit can be suitable for many summer sessions.
However, some surfers will still prefer a 4/3mm, particularly if they are doing long sessions or feel the cold easily.
A summer Yorkshire setup could be:
3/2mm wetsuit + optional 3mm boots
or
4/3mm wetsuit + boots
Don’t be surprised if you see surfers wearing boots during the middle of summer.
Your hands and feet lose heat quickly, and some people simply prefer the extra warmth and protection.
Autumn Surfing
September to November
Autumn is one of the best times of year for Yorkshire surfing.
The summer crowds start disappearing, Atlantic swells can become more frequent and the water can still retain some summer warmth.
A 4/3mm wetsuit is usually a good choice.
As autumn progresses towards winter, you can add:
- thicker boots
- gloves
- hood
By November, many surfers will be moving towards their full winter setup.
What Thickness Should a Beginner Buy?
If you’re new to surfing and want to buy one wetsuit for Yorkshire, I’d recommend looking at a good-quality 4/3mm full-length wetsuit.
It gives you a useful balance between:
- warmth
- flexibility
- durability
- year-round usability
You may eventually want separate summer and winter wetsuits, but a good 4/3mm is an excellent starting point.
For someone surfing regularly throughout winter, a dedicated 5/4/3mm winter wetsuit is a worthwhile upgrade.
Don’t Forget Your Surf Boots
Surf boots are particularly useful in Yorkshire.
They provide warmth, but they also protect your feet from:
- sharp rocks
- stones
- shells
- cold sand
- reef and seabed hazards
Summer
3mm boots can be comfortable for surfers who like wearing footwear.
Spring and Autumn
3–5mm boots are a good option.
Winter
5mm boots are normally preferable.
Make sure your boots fit snugly. A loose boot allows water to move around inside and can make your feet feel colder.
Do I Need Surfing Gloves?
Gloves become particularly useful during colder Yorkshire sessions.
A typical setup is:
Summer: Usually no gloves.
Spring/Autumn: 2–3mm gloves depending on conditions.
Winter: 3–5mm gloves.
Gloves can take a little getting used to because they reduce the feeling of your fingers when paddling.
However, cold hands can become a much bigger problem than slightly reduced sensitivity.
Do I Need a Surf Hood?
A hood can make a huge difference during winter.
A large amount of heat can be lost from your head, and a good surf hood can make a cold session considerably more comfortable.
You can choose between:
Separate hood
A standalone hood that you put on with your wetsuit.
Hooded wetsuit
The hood is permanently attached to the wetsuit.
For serious winter surfers, a hooded 5/4/3mm wetsuit can be an excellent Yorkshire setup.
What About Changing Conditions?
Yorkshire’s weather can change quickly.
A sunny morning doesn’t necessarily mean warm water, and strong winds can make you feel much colder once you leave the water.
Think about the whole session rather than just the water temperature.
For example:
10°C water + 15°C air + light wind
can feel very different from:
10°C water + 8°C air + strong offshore wind.
This is why experienced surfers often have several wetsuit and accessory options.
How Much Should I Spend?
You don’t necessarily need the most expensive wetsuit on the market.
For beginners, I’d prioritise:
- Correct thickness
- Good fit
- Good flexibility
- Good seam construction
- Quality zip and entry system
- Durability
A cheaper wetsuit that fits properly can be warmer than an expensive wetsuit that is the wrong size.
Getting the Fit Right
The most important thing about a wetsuit is fit.
A wetsuit should feel tight when you first put it on.
It shouldn’t:
- have large gaps around your lower back
- balloon around your stomach
- have loose areas around your arms
- allow large amounts of water to flush through the neck
But it shouldn’t restrict your breathing or movement either.
Remember that wetsuits stretch considerably once you’re wearing them.
Don’t buy one that’s too big just because it’s easier to put on.
A loose wetsuit allows water to circulate between your body and the neoprene, reducing its ability to keep you warm.
Yorkshire Wetsuit Guide by Surfing Location
Different Yorkshire beaches can have different conditions, but your wetsuit choice should primarily be based on the season and water temperature, rather than the individual beach.
Scarborough
Scarborough provides several areas where surfers can find waves depending on swell direction and conditions.
For most of the year, a 4/3mm wetsuit is a useful option, with a winter setup required during the colder months.
Cayton Bay
Cayton Bay is an exposed North Yorkshire beach that can produce good surf when the swell arrives.
Because you may be surfing in windy and exposed conditions, having appropriate winter accessories can make a significant difference.
Filey
Filey can provide different surfing conditions from some of the more exposed beaches.
A standard seasonal Yorkshire wetsuit setup works well here.
Whitby
Whitby’s surrounding coastline can offer a variety of surfing conditions.
As with the rest of Yorkshire, don’t judge your wetsuit requirements by the air temperature alone.
What Should I Wear After Surfing?
A warm post-surf setup is just as important as your wetsuit.
Consider taking:
- changing robe
- towel
- dry clothes
- woolly hat
- warm socks
- waterproof footwear
- flask of hot drink
- spare clothes
A changing robe is particularly useful during winter.
It gives you somewhere warm and private to change while protecting you from Yorkshire’s wind and rain.
How Long Can I Stay in the Water?
There isn’t one universal answer.
Your safe session length depends on:
- water temperature
- air temperature
- wind
- wetsuit thickness
- wetsuit fit
- your experience
- your body size
- how hard you are paddling
- whether you have appropriate boots, gloves and hood
If you start becoming excessively cold, particularly if you experience significant shivering, numbness or loss of coordination, get out of the water and warm up.
Don’t try to prove how tough you are by staying in the water.
My Yorkshire Wetsuit Setup
If I were putting together a simple wetsuit collection specifically for surfing Yorkshire, I’d build it around three setups:
Summer
3/2mm full wetsuit
Optional 3mm boots.
Spring/Autumn
4/3mm full wetsuit
3–5mm boots depending on conditions.
Winter
5/4/3mm or 6/5mm wetsuit
5mm boots + 3–5mm gloves + hood.
This gives you a setup for practically every season without needing a huge collection of wetsuits.
One Wetsuit to Rule Them All?
If you only want to buy one wetsuit, go for a good-quality 4/3mm.
It is probably the most versatile option for a Yorkshire surfer.
However, if you’re planning to surf throughout winter, eventually investing in a dedicated winter wetsuit and accessories will make those cold sessions much more enjoyable.
Final Yorkshire Wetsuit Guide
The simple rule is:
Summer → 3/2mm
Spring/Autumn → 4/3mm
Winter → 5/4/3mm or thicker
Then adjust your boots, gloves and hood according to the conditions.
Most importantly, buy for the water, not the weather.
Yorkshire can give you beautiful sunny days with very cold water. The right wetsuit means you can make the most of the waves without spending your session shivering.
Whether you’re learning to surf at Scarborough, chasing waves at Cayton Bay, surfing around Filey or exploring the Yorkshire coast, getting your wetsuit right is one of the best investments you can make.
Frequently Asked Questions
What wetsuit thickness do I need for Yorkshire?
A 4/3mm wetsuit is a good all-round option. For winter surfing, move up to a 5/4/3mm or 6/5mm wetsuit.
Can I surf Yorkshire in a 3/2mm wetsuit?
Yes, a 3/2mm can be suitable during summer, particularly for shorter sessions or surfers who don’t feel the cold easily.
Do I need boots for Yorkshire surfing?
Boots are highly recommended during colder months and can also provide useful protection from rocks and stones.
Do I need a hood in Yorkshire?
A hood is strongly recommended for winter surfing and can make cold-water sessions considerably more comfortable.
Is a 4/3mm wetsuit good for beginners?
Yes. A quality 4/3mm full wetsuit is an excellent starting point for someone learning to surf in Yorkshire.
Is Yorkshire too cold for year-round surfing?
No. Yorkshire has surfers in the water throughout the year. The key is having suitable equipment for the season and conditions.
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