Wetsuit buying guide
Rider Shack carries Rip Curl and O'Neill wetsuits for every condition in Southern California. The Pacific off Venice Beach, Santa Monica, Malibu, and the South Bay runs 58–65°F in winter and spring and 66–72°F in summer and fall. That means most surfers in LA need a wetsuit for most of the year.
What thickness do I need?
3/2mm — the standard LA wetsuit. Works year-round at most local breaks. Summer through fall you'll be comfortable; spring and winter it keeps you in the water longer.
4/3mm — winter sessions from December through March when the water drops below 62°F. Significantly warmer than a 3/2mm.
2mm springsuit or jacket — summer mornings, warm days, or layering under a fullsuit.
Read our full wetsuit buying guide for water temperature guidance, model comparisons, and zip entry types.
Rip Curl wetsuits
Flash Bomb — world's fastest drying wetsuit, FlashDry lining dries in 30 minutes. E7 and E6 Flash Lining neoprene.
Flash Bomb Fusion — Flash Bomb with Fusion Dry Seam Technology. 96% stitch-free, eliminates water seeping at seams.
E-Bomb — ultimate super-stretch wetsuit. E7 neoprene throughout, 100% internally taped seams.
Dawn Patrol — high-performance everyday wetsuit at an accessible price. E6 neoprene, sealed seams.
Omega — Rip Curl's entry-level wetsuit. A reliable, properly built suit at the most accessible price point.
Browse all Rip Curl wetsuits.
O'Neill wetsuits
Hyperfreak Fire — O'Neill's warmest performance wetsuit. TB4 neoprene with graphene fibers that recirculate body heat.
Hyperfreak — O'Neill's most flexible performance wetsuit. TechnoButter 3 neoprene, feels like surfing naked.
Psycho Tech — premium cold-water warmth. TB4 Firewall technology with graphene heat-retention.
Heat — performance mid-range. TechnoButter 3, 20% lighter and 30% less water absorption than standard neoprene.
Epic — O'Neill's best-value wetsuit. 100% UltraFlex neoprene, back zip, great for beginners and regular surfers.
Reactor — entry-level springsuits and jackets in 1.5mm and 2mm.
Browse all O'Neill wetsuits.
Wetsuit accessories
Booties · Hoods · Gloves · Changing ponchos · Changing mats · Wetsuit care
Size guide
Wetsuit sizing is brand-specific and has nothing to do with clothing sizing. Measure height, weight, and chest before buying. See our wetsuit size guide for Rip Curl and O'Neill men's, women's, and kids' charts.
