With more companies than ever designing and developing wetsuits specially cut for, styled for and geared towards female surfers, it’s no surprise that the quality is really, really high – meaning the choice is also mind-boggling! We asked a few wetty experts how they design, make and test their suits to help you decide what to choose to see you through a wonderful, swell-filled winter.

Call: 02392465555 Web: www.billabong.com Email: officeuk@billabong.tm.fr

BILLABONG GIRL SG5 The all new SG5 utilises Billabong’s new zero gravity super-flex neoprene; increased cell size in the foam core makes this warmer, lighter and more flexible than ever before. Solar Mesh 5 acts in the same way as solar panels by absorbing the sun’s heat and trapping it within the cell structure of the mesh. It’s 30% warmer than any nylon-covered neoprene. It’s not only a light and flexible wetsuit, it’s also a durable one. Also features welded external and internal seams, overhead barrier and glide-skin collar. RRP: £200 (4/3), £230 (5/4/3 hood)

BILLABONG SYNERGY The Synergy is a perfect combination of quality , fit and performance. It’s a durable all-round suit at an unbeatable price. Features include 50% Airlite super-flex, silk touch jersey, ergonomic performance panelling and glide-skin collar. RRP: £125 (4/3), £130 (5/4/3)

Call: 01208 78845 Web: www.c-skins.com Email: info@c-skins.com

C-SKINS ANGEL 5/3 The Angel is the top of the range back-zip wetsuit from C-Skins. It’s for those girls who want the classic ease of wearing a back zip wetsuit but who don’t want any compromise on flexibility. Features 100% externally sealed watertight seams, 100% ultra-stretch C-Flex neoprene, Simulated Mesh Skin chest and back panels, Fire Core Thermal interior chest and back panel, back zip seal and internal barrier, liquid wrist and cuff seals. RRP: £189.95

Call: 01730 811460 Web: www.oneill.com Email: wetsuits.eu@oneillwetsuits.com

O’NEILL D’LUX MOD HOODED Designed by women for women, this suit has the UltraFlex Firewall in the chest and back, exterior fluid seam welding and feminine style lines. Features modular hood/Crew Closure System and 100% Superstretch neoprene with Krypto Knee Padz. Seamless lumbar and paddle zones. RRP: £235

O’NEILL PSYCHO 2 5/3 Known for flexibility and superior fit, the Psycho 2 continues to evolve with the new X-Type firewall, Double Fluid Seam Weld (no stitches) and new graphics. It uses the patented ZEN zip system and has a double super-seal neck, wrist and ankle seals and a key pocket. The panelling is seamless through the shoulders (extra flex) and lumbar (extra warmth) and uses a minimum number of panels. RRP: £260

Call: 01271 812442 Web: www.tikisurf.co.ukEmail: tiki@tikisurf.co.uk

TIKI TK90 HEATED 6/5/4 or 5/4/3, this stretchy, soft, comfortable suit is now available with the Tiki removeable heating system – all the quality and high performance you expect from Tiki, plus heating, all for the price of a normal winter suit. Also features Espan Extend neoprene, Ultraseal back system, glide-skin collar and hollow fibre lining. RRP: Check the website.

Web: www.xcelwetsuits.com Call: 01752 601410 Email: info@danielsurf.com

XCEL X-ZIP 2 5/4/3 This suit has been specifically developed for the female shape and is now made from limestone (eco-friendly) neoprene. The biggest change for the girls is the innovative development in neck entry, designed to make life easier by scalloping the front and back dams. The suit now incorporates Xcel’s fantastic bamboo and recycled plastic lining, giving you eco-conscious girls the best insulation possible. Comfort, warmth and perfect fit for the female surfer. RRP: £260 (hooded £280)

XCEL O-ZIP 5/4/3 For girls who want all the features of the Infiniti but prefer the back zip system, there is the O-ZIP, with its re-styled upper body shoulder design. No compromises here, all the best bits but with a zip slightly offset to give comfort and stretch where you need it. Not only does this make entry a lot easier, it also prevents any flushing. Xcel again use the bamboo lining and their specially-engineered girl fit. RRP: £200

Web: www.ripcurl.com

RIP CURL DAWN PATROL The new Dawn Patrol brings new levels of performance to the surfer who wants a quality wetsuit at an economical price. Rip Curl have re-invented, re-designed and re-named the Classic suit. Now featuring E3 (the lightest, warmest and stretchiest neoprene) in the arms, back, crotch and leg gussets along with durable high grade Ultralite Neoprene for all round performance. Rip Curl’s new Fireskin lining has been added to the chest for warmth and the new Blue Steel Zip and Soft Seal collar integrate for maximum water seal and comfort. RRP: £120

RIP CURL G-BOMB The ultimate wetsuit for girls, featuring the very best technology and materials. The third generation of top of the range Elastomax E3 Superstretch Neoprene which is lighter, warmer and more flexible plus Fireskin lining: thin, warm and light to wick the water away. RRP: £200

Call: 01566 783444 Web: www.aldersportswear.com Email: info@aldersportswear.com

ALDER STEALTH 5/4/3 Glued and blindstitched construction for water-tight seams, X-stretch neoprene on shoulders and sleeves for easy paddling, single-lined torso to prevent wind-chill and help maintain inner core body temperature, YKK metal zip slider for a long life, raw cuffs and ankles for easy entry, reinforced double layer PU knee pads and Lycra-bound collar for comfort and seal. RRP: £110

ALDER FLUID 5/4/3 Glued and blindstitched construction for water-tight seams, liquid seal on all seams, X- stretch lightweight neoprene throughout for easy paddling and comfort, raw cuffs and ankles for easy entry, pre-compressed neoprene and durable nylon knee pads for a long long life. 1mm neoprene bat-flap helps prevent flushing down the back; glide-skin collar for comfort and seal. RRP: £160

Call: 01208 262400 Web: www.gul.com

GUL VORTEX 5/4/3 The Gul Ladies Vortex is the top of the range women’s wetsuit. Blindstitched seams with full external liquid seams and 100% X-Flex super-stretch neoprene give maximum comfort and manoeuvrability. The Vortex has been improved with less panels to give extra stretch across the lower back. Thermospan chest and back panels help wick away water giving incredible warmth. The ultra barrier system inside the back panel helps to reduce flush through the zip, and the dura-skin front and back panels prevent wind-chill, allowing you to stay out in the water for longer. RRP: £180

Web: www.quiksilver.com

ROXY CYPHER This 5/4/3mm steamer is the top of the range suit and uses 100% Hyperstretch II neoprene with Vapour Stretch and hollow fibre panels for extra warmth where you need it most. Flexy and warm. RRP: £209

ROXY SYNCRO This 5/4/3mm steamer is economical, flexible and warm. 30% Hyperstretch II, 70% Freemax, and Stratamesh to reduce wind-chill. RRP: £125

Web: www.snuggwetsuits.co.uk Call: 01637 878488 Email: snugg@globalnet.co.uk

SNUGG SABOTAGE Features Ultraspan stretch neoprene throughout, hollow fibre chest panel, double-glued, blindstitched and heat-sealed taped seams, interlocking ’Y’-flap water barrier panel to prevent water entry through back zip, smoothskin neck, pre-bent arms and legs, Kanoko flex kneepads for comfort and durability. Made to measure for a perfect fit (stock sizes also available). RRP: £220