Wetsuits

Wetsuits

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    The Wetsuits collection covers freediving, spearfishing, and scuba wetsuits built for the cold-water conditions found along the West Coast, from California up through Oregon and Washington, where water temperatures often call for 3mm, 5mm, or 7mm neoprene. This includes open-cell spearfishing and freediving wetsuits designed for flexibility and warmth on a breath-hold dive, as well as scuba-specific wetsuits. Blue Water Hunter also develops its own private-label wetsuit line alongside established dive brands, giving divers options across price points and fits. Wetsuit selection for West Coast cold water overlaps heavily between scuba and spearfishing, and proper fit is critical to staying warm on any dive.

    Wetsuits FAQ

    What thickness wetsuit should I get for Santa Barbara?

    Local water ranges from the low 50s to the upper 60s (°F) depending on the season.

    For freediving and spearfishing, a 5mm suit is the go-to for most of the year. Go 7mm for winter and spring, or if you run cold, and 3mm for warm late-summer days.

    For scuba, most local divers wear a 7mm wetsuit year-round, often with a hood. Some switch to a 5mm in late summer and fall.

    What's the difference between open-cell and closed-cell (lined) wetsuits?

    Open-cell neoprene is raw on the inside and seals directly against your skin, making it the warmest suit for its thickness and the choice of serious freedivers and spearfishers. It is also more delicate and needs lubricant to put on. Lined (closed-cell) suits have nylon on the inside, so they are tougher and easier to put on, but not quite as warm.

    How do I put on an open-cell wetsuit?

    Use a lubricant like diluted conditioner or a mix of water and mild soap. Pour it into the suit, and the neoprene will slide right on. Never pull on an open-cell suit with your fingernails, which can tear the neoprene.

    One-piece or two-piece wetsuit?

    Two-piece suits with a high-waisted pant (often a farmer john style) and a hooded jacket give you a double layer of neoprene around your core, where you need warmth the most. That is ideal for our cold water, and attached hoods prevent cold water from flushing down your back.

    How should a wetsuit fit?

    Snug everywhere with no gaps, especially at the lower back, armpits, neck, and crotch. Water that flushes through gaps steals your body heat and you get cold fast. It should be tight, but you should still be able to breathe deeply and move freely.

    Camo or black?

    Camo suits help you blend in with the reef and kelp, so fish are less spooked. They are the choice of most spearfishers.

    How do I take care of my wetsuit?

    Rinse it in fresh water after every dive, and occasionally wash it with a wetsuit shampoo. Hang it to dry inside out on a wide hanger, out of direct sunlight. Never put it in a dryer. Small nicks and tears can be fixed with neoprene cement.