Learn more about our gear review policy here. Wetsuits have come a long way since they replaced the wool sweater in the 1950s and ’60s as an inventive way for surfers to keep warm in cold water.

One of the earliest surf brands to gain major success, O'Neill began life in a San Francisco garage during the 1950s. Its founder, Jack O'Neill, is credited by many with inventing the modern ...

Love wild swimming but can’t stand the cold? We've tested wetsuits with a panel of simmers to find the best. Shop our winners now.

Conclusion The minimum recommended water temperature for racing is 12°C in wetsuits and 16°C without wetsuits. International Triathlon Union rules for racing were changed accordingly (January 2017).

So where to turn? Time to break out the springsuit. Springsuits, also known as “shorty” wetsuits, bring you a bit of extra warmth when it’s needed without the cumbersome bulk of a wetsuit ...