Winter wetsuit season is nearly upon us. When the cold weather hits you need a wetsuit that’ll do the job right. For this review, we focus on North Coast Wetsuits’ 5/4/3mm hooded chest zip and 5/3mm back zip wetsuits.

Pics: David Maffin, Anna H, Oscar P

North Coast Wetsuits

North Coast Wetsuits is a family-owned UK wetsuit brand and surf shop based in St. Endellion, Cornwall. Established in 2004, NCW have been designing and supplying wetsuits to all manner of watersports enthusiasts. Their ethos is: premium quality wetsuits without the premium price tag.

For wind sports, NCW winter wetsuits gear works perfectly and are certainly worth a look.

North Coast Wetsuits 5/4/3mm Chest Zip Hooded Winter Wetsuit

When the UK winter bites, few things matter more than a wetsuit that can take the chill out of a session while keeping you comfortable and mobile. North Coast Wetsuits (NCW), a company born and based on the rugged shores of Cornwall, knows this better than most. Their 5/4/3mm chest zip hooded winter wetsuit is a prime example of how practical design, premium materials, and real-world testing combine to create something truly special.

Kernow Through and Through

Designed and tested in the cold Atlantic waters around Cornwall, this suit was clearly built for real-world conditions — not just for the lab or showroom. NCW’s focus has always been on creating wetsuits that perform across multiple watersports, and during wing foiling sessions, the hooded chest zip proved itself a versatile, high-performing ally.

The suit is made from Yamamoto neoprene. For the uninitiated, Yamamoto is considered the gold standard of neoprene — light, stretchy, and incredibly warm. The 5/4/3mm combination means you get excellent insulation in the torso and legs, while slightly thinner panels in key movement areas ensure unrestricted flexibility. It’s immediately noticeable how supple the material feels, even before hitting the water.

Chest Zip Winter Wetsuit Technique

Putting on a chest zip suit can sometimes be a struggle, until you know teh technique. Once you know the right technique, it’s surprisingly easy to slip into. The zip and shoulder entry sit neatly across the chest, minimising flush points and ensuring a snug seal. The integrated hood is a welcome addition — it can be worn up for those biting cold sessions or folded down when conditions mellow out. During testing, it kept wind chill at bay without restricting head movement, making it a brilliant addition for riders who stay out in harsher conditions.

Inside, the suit’s thermal lining feels plush and luxurious. It’s soft to the touch, quick-drying, and does an excellent job of trapping heat close to the body. Even after long foiling sessions, there was minimal water ingress and virtually no cold flushes — a testament to NCW’s quality construction and attention to seam sealing. Every seam feels tight, precise, and durable, giving you confidence that this suit is built to handle multiple seasons of use.

Additional Touches

Another nice touch is the Cornish Celtic band detail around the left wrist seam — a subtle nod to NCW’s local roots and heritage. These small design flourishes give the wetsuit personality without being over the top.

In the water, the chest zip hooded suit delivers outstanding performance. The freedom of movement through the shoulders and torso makes it perfect for active disciplines like wing foiling, where upper-body mobility is key. The balance of warmth, flexibility, and comfort means you can stay out longer and focus on progression rather than the cold.

In short, the NCW 5/4/3mm chest zip hooded winter wetsuit offers premium warmth and performance, backed by thoughtful Cornish craftsmanship. It’s a standout choice for anyone wanting to tackle cold-water sessions with confidence — all at a price point that’s refreshingly fair.

North Coast Wetsuits 5/4mm Back Zip Winter Wetsuit

For riders who prefer a more traditional fit and feel, NCW’s 5/3mm back zip winter wetsuit strikes the perfect balance between familiarity and usability. Like its chest zip counterpart, it’s been designed and tested in Cornwall’s Atlantic ocean environment, ensuring that it performs in real-world conditions where cold water, wind, and rugged use are the norm.

Again, NCW uses premium Yamamoto neoprene throughout, delivering excellent thermal insulation, flexibility, and durability. This material not only keeps you warm but also provides impressive stretch and comfort — ideal for active sports like wing foiling, surfing, and windsurfing, where range of motion is crucial. During testing, the suit moved effortlessly with every pump, carve, and foil touchdown, offering that second-skin feeling NCW has become known for.

Easy Entry

The back zip entry makes for easy donning, appealing to riders who appreciate simplicity and speed when getting changed in chilly car parks or on blustery beaches. The internal barrier system beneath the zip helps prevent flush-through, and the fit around the neck and cuffs remains snug without feeling restrictive. Once zipped up, the suit feels sealed, secure, and ready to handle whatever winter throws your way.

Inside, the same thermal lining provides a soft, cosy layer against the skin. It dries quickly between sessions and maintains warmth even after long immersions. Water ingress was minimal during testing, and the snug panel design kept the suit feeling dry and warm throughout multiple foiling runs.

What really sets the back zip model apart visually is the artwork decal on the right ankle, created by Cornish artist Lip E Syms. The graphics bring a splash of local artistry to the design, reflecting the connection between NCW and the creative culture of Cornwall’s coastal communities. Combined with the Celtic wrist detail, it’s another reminder that these suits are designed by and for those who live and breathe the Cornish surf lifestyle.

From a construction standpoint, both suits share the same high standards — robust stitching, strong glued seams, and a feel of overall reliability. You get the impression that NCW suits aren’t disposable; they’re built to last, ready to withstand multiple winters of rough use. And if you ever want to boost warmth further, both models pair perfectly with thermal rash vests or layering garments.

Winter Wetsuits Affordability & Value

When it comes to value, NCW’s philosophy is refreshingly straightforward: “Premium wetsuits without the premium price tag.” That’s not marketing fluff — it’s reality. Both suits deliver the kind of performance and comfort you’d expect from high-end global brands but at a far more accessible cost.

Final Thoughts

Whether you prefer the adaptability of the chest zip hooded model or the classic comfort of the back zip winter wetsuit, North Coast Wetsuits has crafted two winter wetsuits that stand shoulder to shoulder with the best on the market. Designed, tested, and inspired by Cornwall’s cold Atlantic waters, they offer the ideal combination of warmth, flexibility, and durability — perfect for anyone braving winter conditions on a foil, board, or sail.

Check out both via the links below –

NCW 5/3mm back zip winter wetsuit – £239

NCW 5/4/3mm hooded chest zip winter wetsuit – £279

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