Wetsuit Thickness Guide: Choose the Right Equipment for Australian Waters

Volte Wetsuits | The Craft of Defiance

You wouldn’t paddle into heavy winter swell wearing a summer jacket—so why wear the wrong wetsuit for the conditions?

Knowing which wetsuit to wear isn’t just about comfort—it’s about performance, protection, and staying in the water longer. This guide breaks down wetsuit thickness recommendations for major Australian surf zones, season by season, so you can surf smarter and push harder.

Because at Volte Wetsuits, we don’t just make wetsuits.
We craft equipment for defiant surfers.

Understanding Wetsuit Thickness

Wetsuit thickness is usually written in two numbers, like 3:2.

• First number = torso thickness (where warmth matters most)

• Second number = arm and leg thickness (for freedom of movement)

So a 3:2 chest-zip steamer means 3mm around your core and 2mm on the limbs—offering warmth without sacrificing flexibility.

What to Wear: Australian Regions + Wetsuit Recommendations

Sydney, NSW

• Summer (Dec–Feb)
  Water: 23°C
  Recommended: 1.5mm jacket
  Volte Pick: Premium 1.5mm Back-Zip Jacket — Pair it with Volte Boardshorts for lightweight protection and unrestricted movement.

• Autumn (Mar–May)
  Water: 22°C
  Recommended: 1.5mm jacket or 2mm springsuit
  Volte Pick: Vital 2mm Back-Zip Springsuit

• Winter (Jun–Aug)
  Water: 19°C
  Recommended: 3:2 steamer
  Volte Pick: Premium 3:2 Chest-Zip Steamer

• Spring (Sep–Nov)
  Water: 19°C
  Recommended: 1.5mm jacket or 2mm springsuit

Gold Coast, QLD

• Summer (Dec–Feb)
  Water: 26°C
  Recommended: 1.5mm jacket
  Volte Pick: Premium 1.5mm Back-Zip Jacket — Ideal with Volte Boardshorts for warm water days and wind protection.

• Autumn (Mar–May)
  Water: 25°C
  Recommended: 1.5mm jacket

• Winter (Jun–Aug)
  Water: 22°C
  Recommended: 2mm springsuit
  Volte Pick: Vital 2mm Back-Zip Springsuit

• Spring (Sep–Nov)
  Water: 23°C
  Recommended: 1.5mm jacket

Bells Beach, VIC

• Summer (Dec–Feb)
  Water: 18°C
  Recommended: 3:2 or 4:3 steamer
  Volte Pick: Premium 3:2 or 4:3 Chest-Zip Steamer

• Autumn (Mar–May)
  Water: 17°C
  Recommended: 4:3 steamer
  Volte Pick: Premium 4:3 Chest-Zip Steamer

• Winter (Jun–Aug)
  Water: 14°C
  Recommended: 4:3 or 5:4 steamer + booties
  Volte Pick: Premium 4:3 Chest-Zip Steamer
  For colder days: Supreme 5:4 Steamer + Volte Split-Toe Booties

• Spring (Sep–Nov)
  Water: 14°C
  Recommended: 4:3 or 5:4 steamer + booties

Hobart, TAS

• Summer (Dec–Feb)
  Water: 16°C
  Recommended: 4:3 steamer
  Volte Pick: Premium 4:3 Chest-Zip Steamer

• Autumn (Mar–May)
  Water: 15°C
  Recommended: 5:4 steamer + booties
  Volte Pick: Supreme 5:4 Steamer + Split-Toe Booties

• Winter (Jun–Aug)
  Water: 13°C
  Recommended: 5:4 steamer + booties
  Volte Pick: Supreme 5:4 Steamer + Split-Toe Booties
  

• Spring (Sep–Nov)
  Water: 13°C
  Recommended: 5:4 steamer + booties
  Volte Pick: Supreme 5:4 Steamer + Split-Toe Booties
  

Perth, WA

• Summer (Dec–Feb)
  Water: 22°C
  Recommended: 1.5mm jacket
  Volte Pick: Premium 1.5mm Back-Zip Jacket — Combine with Volte Boardshorts for comfort and coverage in the sun and breeze.

• Autumn (Mar–May)
  Water: 23°C
  Recommended: 1.5mm jacket
  Volte Pick: Premium 1.5mm Back-Zip Jacket — Combine with Volte Boardshorts for comfort and coverage in the sun and breeze.
  

• Winter (Jun–Aug)
  Water: 20°C
  Recommended: 2mm springsuit
  Volte Pick: Vital 2mm Back-Zip Springsuit

• Spring (Sep–Nov)
  Water: 19°C
  Recommended: 2mm springsuit
  Volte Pick: Vital 2mm Back-Zip Springsuit
  

No Compromise in Cold or Heat

From steamy summer sessions to winter slabs, Volte Wetsuits are engineered to keep you comfortable, mobile, and focused on performance. Use this guide to select the right equipment for your zone—and paddle out knowing your wetsuit won’t hold you back.

Your body. Your limits. Our craft.

#CraftOfDefiance | #VolteWetsuits