January 13, 2026

Choosing the Right Wetsuit, Hiker or Skiff Suit

Sailing and windsurfing in the South of the UK offers some of the best conditions in the country — from breezy Solent race days to blustery Weymouth training sessions and thermals along the south coast.

For dinghy sailors in particular, the decision between a wetsuit, hiking pants, or skiff suit can make the difference between hiking hard all day or calling it early due to cold, fatigue, or discomfort.

Here, we break down what to look for, based on real UK conditions, and give some top tips to finding the right kit.

1. Understand South Coast conditions first

Before choosing any sailing wetsuit or technical clothing, consider:

Water temperature (often colder than the air, even in summer)
Wind chill, especially in exposed venues like Hayling Island or Portland Harbour
Session length — short races vs all-day training
Boat type — ILCA/Laser, 420, 470, skiff, foiling dinghy, Windsurfing, Wing Foiling
Activity level — hiking, trapezing, repeated dips

In the South of the UK, sailors benefit most from layering systems rather than one thick garment. View more on layering systems here.

2. Choose the right thickness of wetsuit

2–3mm wetsuits are ideal for summer dinghy sailing and windsurfing.
3–4mm wetsuits are better for spring and autumn, especially in colder water.
And 5mm wetsuits are best for winter sailing.

For active sports like dinghy sailing and windsurfing, too much thickness can reduce mobility, so either team your suit with a thermal base layer, or look for innovative neoprenes with four-way super stretch.

3. Understand wetsuit features and what they're for

Unlike surf wetsuits, sailing wetsuits should have:

Pre-bent legs and arms for hiking comfort
Stretch panels behind knees, hips, and shoulders
Minimal seams in pressure points
Reinforced knees and seat for cockpit wear
Fleece-lining for a dry feel against the skin when out of the water

Fit tip: A wetsuit should feel tight when dry. Any looseness will worsen once wet and reduce warmth.

4. Hiking pants (Hikers) are great for Dinghy Sailor’s

Hiking pants are hugely popular with UK hiking dinghy sailors, especially in classes like the ILCA, Finn, and 470. A common mistake is choosing hikers that feel comfortable standing up but dig in once hiking. Always test them in a seated, leaned-back position.