15 Fun Reasons to Wear a Wetsuit While eFoiling

Top benefits of wearing a wetsuit while eFoiling in the Florida Panhandle.

If you’re heading out for an eFoil session along the beautiful Emerald Coast, whether at Inlet Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, or Panama City Beach, there are plenty of reasons to suit up—even beyond just keeping warm. From protecting your skin to looking like a total pro, here are 20 fun and practical reasons why a wetsuit is the perfect companion for every eFoil session. Plus, we’ll spotlight some of Emerald Wake’s O’Neill’s top wetsuits to help you find the best fit for your eFoil experience.

1. Sun Protection: Built-In Rash Guard

Under the bright Florida sun, protecting your skin is essential, yes, even in the winter. Choosing the right thickness for the season goes a long way in keeping your skin healthy. When it’s not too cold, we recommend that use something thin as an extra layer of skin. A wetsuit like the O’Neill Reactor 2mm Shorty acts as a full-body rash guard, keeping you shielded from UV rays while you ride along the shores of Inlet Beach.

2. No More Board Rash

While this isn’t really that common of an issue while eFoiling, beginners with sensitive skin who spend lots of time on their stomach might find this useful. Spending long hours on your eFoil Any thickness suit will provide ample protection for your torso. Even in the summer, something like The Hyperfreak 2mm Top adds a comfortable layer, so you can ride along Panama City Beach without worrying about irritation.

3. Nature’s Armor: Protection Against Sea Life

Whether it’s avoiding floating seaweed or the occasional brush with underwater plants, a wetsuit keeps the mysteries of the Emerald Coast safely at a distance. Sometimes, you might even kick a fish swimming by! The benefit here is more psychological than anything, but there is something to it. If you’ve ever had to walk through sea grass or plants back to shore, having some booties and skin protection goes a long way. No one likes the feeling of muck, and who knows what is between their toes?

4. Warmth in Cool Breezes

Even on sunny days, those breezes can get chilly along the coast. The wind chill is a real thing, and it can cut sessions short. Especially in the winter or shoulder seasons. Those days when the mornings and evenings get a bit cooler. Having some thin neoprene won’t inhibit your movement, but it will keep you toasty all day long. Stay warm with something like the O’Neill Hyperfreak 3/2mm Full Suit.

5. Feel Like a Superhero (Cape Optional)

Something about suiting up feels empowering, especially when suiting up for a mission along the coast in our emerald-colored waters. Wetsuits are the closest socially acceptable outwear that looks like something out of a comic book. Jokes aside, there is a mental aspect to suiting up that gets your mind right to get into action. They say to dress for the job you want, and this is the standard waterman attire. When the weather gets cooler in December, we reach for something like the streamlined O’Neill Hyperfreak 4/3 Full Suit. Warmth, function, and style all in one nice little package.  

6. Smooth Recovery from Falls

Okay, this one might sound like a stretch, but there is something to it. Having an extra layer to stay warm, protect your skin, and give you a barrier against the elements really levels up your mentality. Everyone takes a spill now and then, but not being worried about it allows you to ride with an unparalleled level of freedom and expression. Flow state, anyone?  On the colder days, use something like the Hyperfreak 5/4 Hooded Full Suit. This will keep you cozy so you can jump back on your board quickly and charge on.

7. All-Day Sun Protection, No Reapplication

We mentioned sun protection earlier, but let’s talk about habits. When you’re playing in the water, Reapplying sunscreen is an essential yet universally forgotten step. It’s easy to remember our faces, but the shoulders and back, not so much. With a good layer over your skin, you won’t even have to think about it. Even in the middle of summer, something like The Hyperfreak 1.5mm Long Sleeve offers torso and full-arm protection, letting you cruise from morning to evening along the Emerald Coast without sunburn concerns.

8. The perfect gift for the family.

Okay, this isn’t a reason to wear a wetsuit, but it’s a good reason to consider them. eFoiling is often a great family sport, and with that means, buying small, useful gifts becomes a lot easier. Your husband, your wife, your kids, or anyone else who shares the experience with you will eventually need one.

9. Doubles as a Mini Flotation Device

While not a life jacket, wetsuits add a surprising bit of buoyancy. When you’re out there floating after a fall, you’ll notice the subtle but helpful difference. The less energy you spend swimming, the more energy you can put towards riding!

10. Gives You That “Pro” Look

Okay, so this one is also on the playful side, but seriously, a wetsuit adds that sleek, professional look. Even if you don’t know exactly what you’re doing yet, you’ll look the part lounging on the beach. You’ll be surprised at what a good conversation starter a wetsuit is in the parking lot. People are always curious about others who are living life to the fullest, and a wetsuit shows that you mean business.  

11. Glide Right Past the Jellyfish

A wetsuit can help you avoid minor stings from jellyfish. On certain beaches at certain times of the year, jelly’s can be lurking bellow. Having some skin protection can sometimes save you the hassle. Even if it’s warm out, something like The Hyperfreak Chest Zip Spring Suit provides lightweight coverage, letting you ride worry-free.

12. Eases That Cold “First Dip” Moment

You know what we’re talking about! That first “oooof moment” When you jump into the brisk water, and your brain screams at you for the abrupt wake-up. Sliding into the water doesn’t have to be a shock to your system. Even in the wintertime with the O’Neill Hyperfreak 5/4 Hooded Full Suit, your first dip into Santa Rosa Beach waters will be a smooth transition into the session.

13. Extra Comfort for Long Rides

Wind and water bring the temperature down. When you’re wet and riding for a while, that cooling effect is accumulated. If you want to stay on the water, you will need something to keep warm. For marathon sessions along Inlet Beach, a good three-season suit like the Hyperfreak 3/2mm Full Suit is your best friend, providing warmth and comfort that lets you stay out for hours.

14. Better Photos for the ‘Gram

Bet you didn’t see this one coming. You might not be eFoiling like a pro yet, but you can dress to impress. Show off to your friends and rock something like the O’Neill Hyperfreak Long Sleeve Top gives you that polished look that is ideal for action shots for the gram or whatever new social platform you’re using this week.

15. Shields from Elements Like Wind and Rain

We always talk about the different types of eFoilers. Weekend warriors and foil frothers love to challenge the elements. A little bit of wind and rain? No problem! Especially with the right wetsuit. It might be 55 and raining, but it’s always summer and sunny on the inside of a good wety, right? You might not be a frother but even if you’re a casual rider, you would be impressed at how comfortable you’ll stay with the right wetsuit for the conditions.

Wetsuits are an essential piece of gear.

All jokes and fun aside, ultimately, a wetsuit allows you to extend your sessions regardless of the weather and season. We do have a full article on how to choose the right wetsuit, which you can read here. Do I Need a Wetsuit for eFoiling?

Find the Perfect Wetsuit for the Emerald Coast

Whether exploring the emerald waters around Inlet Beach, cruising Panama City Beach, or riding along the scenic Santa Rosa Beach, O’Neill’s lineup has a wetsuit that fits your needs. From the lightweight Reactor Shorty to the cozy 5/4 Hooded Full Suit, you’re all set for the ultimate Emerald Wake eFoiling experience.

If you have any questions about wetsuits and need help deciding which is best for you, call 850-400-8500 or email us at [email protected] for a custom recommendation. We offer eFoil lessons, guided eFoil tours, eFoil demos, eFoil storage and delivery options, and more.