Both taping and seam seals increase the waterproofing and longevity of a suit, but can reduce the overall flex. They understand that surfing should be fun, and I see more and more of their wetsuits in the lineup all the time. The lining was comfortable, and it’s got some rad features I’ve never seen in a wetsuit before like rib pads (which as a skinny surfer I’m stoked on) and calf holes to help water drain from the suit.

The red-cell insulation from the chest down kept me incredibly toasty, almost too warm in early-fall waters here in SF, and I was impressed with the stretch of the unlined neoprene in the arms and shoulders. Born in Cornwall and built for rough waters, it's the perfect jack-of-all-trade wettie, ideal for swimming, surfing, paddle-boarding or anything else you might want to use it for.I generally prefer a key loop inside of the front zipper as it can accommodate both my car’s small valet key as well as the larger fob in a waterproof case. Supersilke Seam Tape - A durable high stretch taping is used to reinforce key areas of wear and eliminate leaks. However, it feels good against the skin, and Finisterre says its suits become more flexible after 10-15 wears, so the more you take it out, the easier it'll be to put it on. We found the suit incredibly easy to get in and out of, but even a hardy front zip closure system didn't completely negate the 'flushing' sensation that occurs when cold water enters the back of the suit.

That means there's plenty of give under the arms to allow for easier paddling motions, while panels in the legs make it simple to pop up on a surfboard or dig deep on a SUP.Surfing and swimming right through a British winter used to be the kind of thing only serious diehards would contemplate, but improved wetsuit technologies now make it more than possible for everyone to enjoy aquatic adventures all year round.