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Surfing: How to Correctly Size Kids’ & Juniors’ 5mm Winter Wetsuits
Surfing – especially in colder months – relies upon using the right gear. This means a correctly fitting, warm winter wetsuit. This is especially true if your kids will be riding waves through the off-season.
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Kids & Juniors 5mm Winter Wetsuits (backzip)
Price range: £64.95 through £99.95
Kids & Juniors 5mm Winter Wetsuits (chest zip)
Original price was: £109.95.£89.00Current price is: £89.00.
Surfing & wetsuits – a sometimes tricky fit for kids.
Finding the right size surf wetsuit for kids can be tricky. Children come in all shapes and sizes, and when it comes to winter wetsuits, a snug and accurate fit is essential for warmth and comfort.
That’s why we recommend measuring carefully rather than relying on age or height alone. You can see NCW’s kiddy wetsuit in action in the video below.
How to measure your kids for correct wetsuit sizing.
The most accurate way to size up for a kids’ or juniors’ 5mm winter wetsuit (chest zip) is to measure from the lower ankle – where trousers would naturally end – up across the front of the body to the lower centre of the neck, where a crew-neck t-shirt would sit. This measurement, taken in centimetres, is what corresponds to the size chart pictured below.
NCW kid’s chest zip wetsuits vs back zip style
It’s important to note that NCW chest zip wetsuits do not size the same as back-zip styles, so always check measurements before ordering. While age guidelines are provided, they are only an estimate. For example:
- Junior Small (ages 10–11) – 107 cm
- Junior Medium (ages 11–12) – 116 cm
- Junior Large (ages 13–14) – 123 cm
- Junior XL (ages 14–16) – 135 cm (approx. 5′ to 5′5″)
- Junior XXL (ages 14–16) – 145 cm (approx. 5′5″ to 5′10″)
Both Junior XL and XXL fit up to a 33″ chest and 29″ waist (at a stretch).
The most common mistake
One of the biggest mistakes parents make is buying a size too big in the hope that it will “last longer.” Unfortunately, a loose wetsuit lets in water and won’t keep your child warm – defeating the purpose of a winter wetsuit. A close, tailored fit is the best way to ensure warmth and performance in cold surf.
Don’t forget: if your child needs a winter wetsuit, chances are they’ll need accessories too. Check out our kids’ wetsuit gloves, socks, and 3mm ankle boots to keep hands and feet warm in colder conditions.
Need advice? Call us on 01208 880839 – we’re here to help.
Check out the full range of kids and junior wetsuits and accessories in our online shop here.