Best Wetsuits for Tall, Lanky, Big Divers and Surfers
As a 6ft7 free-diving enthusiast, I’ve had my struggles over the years finding a wetsuit that fits. Whether you’re tall and lanky like an eel or long and large like an orca, we understand the challenges. Fear not, we’ve got the right wetsuit options for you.
Whether you’re into diving, windsurfing, or catching waves – a wetsuit is an absolute essential. These suits are crafted from neoprene material, providing insulation against the inevitably harsh temperatures of deep waters. Beyond that, they enhance buoyancy, adding some bounce to your underwater experience, and shielding you from pesky sea creatures like jellyfish.
Now, when it comes to finding the right wetsuit, fit is everything. The catch is that taller surfers and divers often find it challenging to locate suits that match their stature precisely. Go too short or tight, and you’ll find yourself battling the waves. Opt for something too baggy, and your suit’s functionality takes a hit – leaving you chilly, slow, and likely regretting your choice.
Not to worry – you have two possible solutions. First, you can order a custom wetsuit – usually costs a fortune. On another hand, you can buy off-the-rack wetsuits with the hope that they’d size your towering frame.
To make life easier, we’ve sorted out the guesswork. Check out my top 7 picks for wetsuits that embrace the tall and lanky crew.
Ready to dive in? Let’s roll…
7. Lemorecn Neoprene Full-Body Wetsuit
The Lemorecn Wetsuit is a versatile multi-sport wetsuit designed for various water activities. Constructed with premium neoprene, the wetsuit offers a comfortable and athletic fit, ensuring both warmth and flexibility with its 3/2mm neoprene thickness.
Key Features:
- Spot-taped stress points and flatlock seams for maximum comfort and longevity.
- Premium neoprene material
- 3/2mm neoprene thickness
- Convenient features include an easy-reach, extra-long leash and a heavy-duty YKK back zipper.
What I Like About This Wetsuit
The Lemorecn wetsuit stands out as a reliable choice. The front zipper design not only adds a touch of convenience but also addresses sizing concerns for larger folks. It’s also commendable that the wetsuit is effective in providing warmth without sacrificing comfort. Its value for money, especially in cold weather paddleboarding, attests to its snug fit and flexibility.
What I Don’t Like About This Wetsuit
While the Lemorecn wetsuit boasts some commendable features, it falls short in certain areas. The experience of certain components coming off raised durability concerns, a crucial factor for potential buyers to consider. Additionally, there is a flushing through the back zipper in colder conditions highlighting a potential drawback, hinting at the need for supplementary gear.
Pros
- Affordable
- Adjustable Fit: The front zipper allows for personalized tightness
Cons
- Material Concerns: Reports of straps breaking, and patches detaching
- Zipper Challenges
Takeaway
In my assessment, the Lemorecn wetsuit emerges as a commendable option for those seeking affordability and functionality. The front zipper, accurate sizing (if chosen wisely), and positive feedback on warmth and flexibility make it a contender. However, the potential issues with quality, and flushing should prompt potential buyers to weigh their priorities carefully.
6. Ho Stevie! Superstretch Surfing Wetsuit
This Ho Stevie! Men’s Surfing Wetsuit caters to surfers seeking a practical and lasting water gear companion. Rafted with limestone-based neoprene in a black 3/2mm design, it delivers warmth with a 4/3mm thickness suitable for 51°F and above. Featuring SuperStretch neoprene for flexibility and a chest zip closure, it ensures maneuverability while preventing water ingress.
Key Features
- Limestone-Based Neoprene
- SuperStretch neoprene for arm endurance.
- Chest zip for better flexibility
- Key loop behind chest zipper
What I Like About This Wetsuit
I’m genuinely impressed with its performance. The flexibility provided by the SuperStretch limestone-based neoprene is great, allowing for extended surf sessions without tiring out my arms. The chest zip design enhances flexibility further while preventing cold water leaks, a feature I found particularly useful. Also, the addition of a key loop behind the chest zipper is a thoughtful touch for practicality during water activities.
What I Don’t Like About This Wetsuit
While my overall experience with the Ho Stevie! Wetsuit was positive, there were a few drawbacks. The neck entry design, while effective in minimizing water leakage, posed challenges during both wear and removal.
Pros
- SuperStretch Neoprene for flexible surfing
- Chest zip enhances flexibility, prevents leaks
Cons
- Neck Entry Challenge
- Zipper and Seam Issues.
- Neck Tightness Causing Discomfort
Takeaway
Ho Stevie! delivers a bang for the buck with a solid wetsuit offering warmth, flexibility, and durability. Slight inconveniences with the neck entry and reported zipper issues are outweighed by the overall quality and great fit options. A trustworthy choice with responsive customer service, making it an excellent value for money.
5. Hevto Coldwater Wetsuit
The Hevto full wetsuit is your go-to for cold-water escapades, with a 3/2mm neoprene for top-notch comfort and flexibility. . The upgraded tank zipper ensures a hassle-free experience, saving you time for more water thrills. The Square-Chested Longline Wonder adds a touch of confidence and style, embracing your body with clean lines and a bold silhouette for a flattering fit.
Key Features
- 3/2mm neoprene
- Upgraded tank zipper puller for quick and hassle-free access
- Wind and warmth protection for various water activities
- Square-Chested Longline Wonder with clean lines and a bold silhouette
What I Like About This Wetsuit
Having tested the Hevto wetsuit in various conditions, I’m impressed by its capability to make cold water activities, even in icy conditions, accessible and comfortable.The affordability of the Hevto wetsuit is a major plus, enabling users to create a comprehensive setup with additional gear for an enhanced experience. The blind stitching and taped seams contribute to its overall comfort, proving its worth against higher-priced brands.
What I Don’t Like About This Wetsuit
There is a distinct smell to the Hevto wetsuit, which persisted even after multiple uses. This could be a potential drawback for long-term use and might require extra care.
Pros
- Affordable
Cons
- Persistent odor
- Zipper challenges
Takeaway
The Hevto wetsuit is a solid choice for those seeking a reliable and budget-friendly wetsuit but may not be the most durable option for more intense use.
4. Divmystery Full Body Wetsuit
Divmystery offers a 3/2mm full body wet suit for men, designed for various water sports like surfing, diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The wetsuit features super stretchy neoprene material, an improved front zipper design for easy wear, and a commitment to affordability and quality, backed by a 30-day free return and exchange service.
Key Features
- Affordable pro experience
- Professional-grade flexibility
- Improved front zipper
- SBS zippers, durability focus
What I Like About This Wetsuit
I gotta say, I’m pretty stoked about the Divmystery wetsuit. First off, the price caught me off guard – in a good way. In practical terms, the wetsuit was flexible, providing a decent experience for water activities. The front zipper convenience, highlighted by its ease of use during surfing, stood out as a practical feature. Plus, it held up well in chilly weather, keeping me cozy.
What I Don’t Like About This Wetsuit
While the wetsuit is good, there were a couple of drawbacks worth mentioning. The cut of the suit, specifically around the throat area, felt off and exerted some discomfort when fully zipped up. The front zipper, though convenient, was a little too short, causing challenges during doffing, especially when the suit was wet. Additionally, the absence of expandable zippered cuffs added some effort to the donning and doffing process, particularly when dealing with a wet suit.
Pros
- Affordable
- Convenient front zipper for surfing
- Effective in cold weather
- Durable with reinforced areas
Cons
- Uncomfortable throat cut
- Short front zipper for doffing
- Lack of expandable cuffs
Takeaway
The Divmystery wetsuit impresses with its affordability and practical features. The front zipper adds convenience, and it performs well in maintaining warmth during cold weather. Despite these nuances, the wetsuit offers great value, making it a solid choice for water enthusiasts looking for a balance between cost and functionality.
3. ZCCO Ultrastretch Wetsuit
The ZCCO Ultra Stretch wetsuit is a budget wetsuit with a sizing chart that fits tall and lanky divers. It has become popular in the water sports community for its affordable price and astonishingly exceptional quality.
Key Features
- Ultra Stretch neoprene
- Zippers at arms, and legs and a front zipper
- Anti-abrasion knee pad
What I Like About This Wetsuit
Let’s talk fit – the sizing chart caters to our tall and lanky comrades, stretching all the way to 4XL. Surprisingly affordable, this wetsuit flexes its muscles against pricier competitors! Durable zippers, stretchy neoprene, and a cloud-like linen lining – it’s the trifecta of comfort.
Finally, the abundance of zippers makes it easy to don this wetsuit without getting into a cloth scuffle.
What I Don’t Like About This Wetsuit
Taking it off might require a bit of a dance. The absence of a back zipper makes it stressful to remove this wetsuit after a swim. As a warning, this wetsuit is only suitable for “tall and lanky guys” even though it’s available up to 4XL. If you’re a huge guy, more specifically, over 200 pounds, you may find it extremely difficult to fit in this drysuit.
Pros
- Very affordable
- High-quality material
- Comfortable inner lining
- Easy to wear with zippers on arms and legs
Cons
- Difficult to take off
- May not fit huge guys over 200 pounds
Takeaway
The ZCCO Ultra Stretch wetsuit is a great choice for a tall and lanky diver on a budget. It’s a 3mm thick wetsuit so it may restrict its use to tropical and warm waters.
2. O’Neill Epic Wetsuit
O’Neill is one of the big names in the world of wetsuits, if not the biggest. The O’Neill Epic wetsuit is no exce
ption to its legacy and is, in fact, one of the most popular wetsuits on the market for divers and surfers.
Key Features
- Ultraflex torso
- Fluidflex arms and legs
- Glued and blindstitched seams
- Krypto knee pads
What I Like About This Wetsuit
The sizing chart is spot-on, providing a custom-like fit. Perfect for large surfers or tall guys, the Reactor wetsuit delivers on size. The insulation is impressive, keeping you warm even in chilly 50-degree waters.
What I Don’t Like About This Wetsuit
While a great wetsuit, the neoprene has a persistent odor, reminiscent of the O’Neill Reactor. Unfortunately, no amount of washing seems to eliminate the smell until it’s well-worn.
Pros
- Easy on and off
- Remarkable insulation
- Suitable for huge tall guys
- Water-tight back zip system with zipper closure
Cons
- Foul smell
Takeaway
The O’Neill Men’s Epic 4/3 stands as a premium wetsuit suitable for every tall guy, ensuring a superior fit. Ideal for cold-water diving, it combines ease of use with top-notch insulation, despite the lingering neoprene odor.
1. Xcel Drylock Hooded Wetsuit
The Hawaii Drylock is one of the latest releases from Xcel. This version is engineered to fit like a glove, rock in cold waters, minimize flushing, and even feature a hood.
Key Features
- Japanese limestone neoprene
- Chest zip
- Dry Lock seal
- Fusion X taped seams
- Gaskets at wrists, collar, and ankles
What I Like About This Wetsuit
Even before getting into the water, , you can tell that the Xcel Drylock isn’t your run-off-the-mill wetsuit. It feels unbelievably light and fits snugly on the body. In the water, it effectively gives warmth, making it feel like you’re surfing the tropics, whether you are or not.
Also, it features an Xcel exclusive Drylock ankle seal. The ankle seal is designed in a seamless donut shape that minimizes flushing. Plus, the added hood keeps you extra warm and dry while diving or surfing.
Last but not least, Xcel wetsuits come in a bigger range of sizes than most other brands. So if you are a tall guy and weigh in a lot of pounds, you wouldn’t go wrong with this or any other Xcel wetsuit.
Before hitting the water, the Xcel Drylock sets itself apart. It’s incredibly light and fits snugly on the body. In action, it brings warmth, making you feel like you’re surfing tropical waves, even in colder conditions. The Drylock ankle seal minimizes flushing, and the hood adds an extra layer of warmth.
Xcel’s range of sizes is a big win for tall and heavy guys, ensuring a perfect fit.
What I Don’t Like About This Wetsuit
No serious issues, but a back zipper for easier entry and removal would be a nice addition.
Pros
- Quality construction
- Drylock and hood drastically minimize flushing
- Dries fast
- Easy entry with front zipper
Cons
- Expensive
- Hard to take off
Takeaway
The Drylock Hooded wetsuit is ideal for a professional or enthusiastic diver or surfer. It packs all the essential features, and most importantly, has a wide range of sizes for tall guys.
Watch the video below explaining the history of wetsuits. Interested in further reading? Check out our recent list for the best flippers/fins for big feet.
