How to choose a wetsuit for a child?

Comment choisir une combinaison de surf pour un enfant ?

How to choose a wetsuit for a child?

🏄 Introduction: the guide all parents have been waiting for

Choosing a wetsuit for a child may seem simple… until you are faced with different sizes, multiple thicknesses, materials that are not equal and a child who grows at the speed of light.

At ONE SURFING CO. , we have been equipping children and surfing families since Hossegor with premium Yamamoto neoprene , and we have built this guide to help parents make the best choice — without making a mistake and without overpaying.

🧒 1. Rule number 1: a suit must fit perfectly

A wetsuit that is too big lets water in.
A suit that is too small restricts movement.

For a child, a good fit is essential because:

  • stay warm

  • learn faster

  • avoid irritation

  • to feel confident

  • stay safe in the water

👉 A jumpsuit should fit snugly to the body, without creases, and allow the child to breathe naturally.

🌡️ 2. Choose the thickness: 3/2mm or 4/3mm?

3/2mm — Mild Spring/Summer/Autumn

Ideal for:

  • water between 16°C and 20°C

  • surf schools

  • summer sessions

  • children beginners

4/3mm — All year round / Autumn / Winter

Ideal for:

  • water between 12°C and 17°C

  • chilly children

  • long sessions

  • serious progress

💡 At ONE SURFING CO., both thicknesses are available by subscription , as a child can alternate depending on the season.

🧵 3. The material: classic neoprene or Yamamoto?

Most children's wetsuits use basic neoprene:
❌ less hot
❌ less flexible
❌ wears out quickly
❌ high environmental impact

The Japanese Yamamoto #40 , which we use, offers:
✔️ Exceptional warmth
✔️ natural elasticity
✔️ Buoyancy (children feel safe in it)
✔️ absorbs only 2% of water so remains very light even when wet.
✔️ Unparalleled comfort

👉 For a child, the difference is huge: he surfs better, longer, warmer and more motivated.

📏 4. How to choose the right size?

This is the number one difficulty for parents.

Here is the checklist:

✔️ No gap in the lower back
✔️ No creases at the crotch
✔️ No air bulges on the shoulders
✔️ Not too many folds under the arms
✔️ The child is comfortable to fully enjoy the joys of surfing.

💡 Important :
Children grow up fast.
That's why traditional purchasing is often a waste of money.

🔁 5. Why do children change their equipment so quickly?

A growing child:

  • grows 5 to 10 cm/year

  • change in morphology

  • demand for more mobility in surfing

  • wears out your equipment faster

A suit that fit in June may become too small in September.

👉 That's exactly why we created the ONE SURFING CO. subscription :
The outfit evolves with the child , not your budget.

🔥 6. What nobody tells you: a good combination makes you progress faster

A good wetsuit means optimal comfort in every maneuver and maximum warmth to stay in the water as long as possible.

  • It's warmer → it stays longer

  • He moves better → he succeeds at more maneuvers

  • He gets tired less quickly

  • He gains confidence in himself

  • He's focusing on the wave, not the cold.

🛡️ 7. And what about security? An often overlooked element

A well-fitting combination:
✔️ provides buoyancy
✔️ maintains body heat
✔️ Protects against board impacts
✔️ avoids energy loss
✔️ reassures the child

The Yamamoto #40 adds natural buoyancy, which is highly valued by surf schools.

♻️ 8. Recycling: another key criterion for parents

A basic children's jumpsuit: lasts 1 season.
A Yamamoto suit: lasts 2 to 3 times longer.

And at ONE SURFING CO.:
➡️ They are repaired
➡️ upcycled
➡️ recycled
➡️ redistributed

Nothing ends up in the trash. We transform 100% of used coveralls into new products thanks to partners in France and Europe. Discover it here .

🧭 Conclusion: So, how do we choose?

👉 Choose the correct thickness (3/2mm or 4/3mm)
👉 Choose Yamamoto if you want performance + comfort
👉 Prioritize the right fit
👉 Opt for a flexible solution if your child is growing fast

At ONE SURFING CO., we created the first subscription-based wetsuit , specifically designed for:

  • track growth

  • reduce costs

  • to offer professional equipment

  • supporting families in their progress

Give your child a jumpsuit that grows with them.

👉 Discover the subscription here .
👉 See sizes here .
👉 Learn more about the Yamamoto here .