Dane Reynolds needs no introduction in the surfing world. Born and bred in southern California, Dane is known for his “go for broke”, intuitive, progressive and explosive style, making him one of the most exciting and imaginative surfers today.
“I like it because it’s very flexible, got really good neoprene, no lining which I prefer for the flexibility- The 3/2 really is the perfect suit for California.” – Dane Reynolds
Summer is rapidly approaching, bringing warmer water and longer sessions. But that doesn’t mean you can skip the suit altogether. Whether you’re chasing waves at sunrise or shredding in the wind on an evening foil session, the right summer wetsuit makes all the difference. Fit, flexibility, warmth, and style all come into play (and yes, there is a perfect suit for your local conditions.)
This guide breaks down what to look for in a Manera summer suit for both men and women, helping you find the ideal balance of protection and performance. Continue reading for an insider opinion from Surfers‘ very own Chris Dodds.
What to consider
Water temp and wind conditions
65–75°F (18–24°C): You’re in shorty or 2mm territory.
Above 75°F (24°C): Go sleeveless, short-sleeved, or even a neoprene top.
Add wind and your call changes—foilers and wind sports athletes often need more coverage due to wind chill.
Activity
Surfing: Prioritize paddle flexibility.
Kiting/Wingfoiling: Choose protection from impact and wind chill; consider longer legs or sleeves.
SUP/Long paddles: Go for breathable neoprene, flatlock stitching, and quick-dry liners.
Fit is everything
A suit that’s too loose flushes with water. One that’s too tight won’t flex or breathe. Manera suits are cut anatomically for movement—try before you buy, or check size charts carefully.
The new SEAFARER SHORTY 2.2mm provides excellent freedom of movement while maintaining essential core warmth. It is packed with the same technologies as the HYBRID 2.2mm but features cropped sleeves and legs. Stretchy, comfortable, and robust, it is perfect for summer sessions in warmer waters.
The SEAFARER brings us back to the essentials of what makes a good wetsuit, nothing more, nothing less: warmth, stretch, durability. It’s a no-bullshit wetsuit with MANERA’s renowned fit and construction.
If you are looking for a high-performance wetsuit at an affordable price, this is the right choice.
SURFER shoutout:
Read the article HERE: 8 Favorites: The Men’s & Women’s Summer Gear Guide
“I’m stoked to say I’ve now worn a spring suit for a majority of my most recent sessions and damn it feels good. I’ve even seen people trunking it, which seems like a good idea when the sun is pumping but, to be honest, none of them have lasted very long in the water. The happy medium for enjoying the sun but not feeling the chill after a long lull is a solid spring suit.
I recently grabbed the Manera Seafarer Shorty 2mm and it’s been perfect for the combo of warm sun and chilly(ish) water. It even kept me warm during a recent session up in Ventura which was a few degrees colder than my home spots in San Diego. Manera is relatively new on the scene here in the US but they’re doing it right in every which way–they use natural rubbers, they have suits especially made for women, they fulfill their online orders through local surf shops, and they even signed Dane Reynolds. What’s not to love?”
We design our neoprene tops like we design our wetsuits: in 3D.
It fits like a second skin so you can forget about it as soon as you’re on the water.We only use premium materials: our high-quality tops are made to be warm, because there’s nothing more frustrating than being cold in summer. It’s a no-bullshit top with Manera’s renowned fit and construction that will be your favorite partner all summer long.
For those ultimate warm days, consider the Manera Wetshirt Sunshell LS. It is a lightweight, long-sleeve rashguard designed for sun protection and comfort during water activities. Its ultra-stretch, fast-drying fabric offers a loose tee-shirt fit, making it feel like you’re wearing nothing both in and out of the water. The inner plush lining provides warmth without the bulk of neoprene, and the windproof material shields against wind chill, ensuring you stay comfortable during your sessions.
Women’s Summer Picks
Manera’s women’s cuts aren’t just smaller men’s suits—they’re designed for real body geometry. From chest seams to waistlines, they move with you, not against you.
If you’re looking for a versatile summer wetsuit that doesn’t compromise on warmth or flexibility, the Shorty Hybrid is an excellent choice. Designed with long sleeves and short legs, this suit provides essential protection against wind chill while allowing for maximum mobility in warmer waters. Constructed from the same premium materials as Manera’s full-length steamers, it features the X10D fleece lining for superior thermal insulation and comfort. The front-zip entry ensures easy on and off, and the suit’s 3D design offers a second-skin fit that moves seamlessly with your body. Ideal for activities like surfing, kitesurfing, or stand-up paddleboarding during the summer months, the Seafarer 3/2 Shorty Hybrid combines performance and comfort in a stylish package.
For women seeking a summer wetsuit that combines performance with a sleek design, the Bikisuit stands out. Crafted from high-quality 2mm limestone-based neoprene, it offers warmth without compromising flexibility. The suit’s interior features the X10D jersey, providing a soft, silky feel against the skin while ensuring maximum stretch and lightness. Its glued and blind-stitched (GBS) seams enhance waterproofing and durability, making it ideal for extended sessions in cooler summer waters. The front-zip entry allows for easy on and off, and the suit’s design ensures it stays in place during active movements, preventing any unwanted shifting or discomfort .
The best summer wetsuit is the one you forget you’re wearing. It lets you move freely, protects you just enough, and keeps you in the water longer. With Manera’s blend of function, fit, and thoughtful design, your summer sessions are set to level up, no matter where or how you ride.
This past week, Surfline reviewers, John and Lauren took the Seafarer out for a spin in Santa Cruz, CA. They paid special attention to the 3-D fitting of the suit, the warmth and durability over a long surf session, and overall aspects of the 4/3. Check it out below!
“Wetsuits are an essential and expensive element of surfing. The wrong choice can hurt your wallet and your experience. This week, two Northern California reviewers geared up at Pleasure Point in Santa Cruz to try Manera’s latest Seafarer+ Steamer 4/3 wetsuit.”
“Manera designs their wetsuits in 3D to better contour the body. To simplify, the difference between 2D and 3D is depth. Outside of Manera, wetsuits are made with 2D patterns, which are flat, non-dimensional patterns that only account for height and length. 3D patterns add depth to create space for the body’s curves, allowing it to move with you as a second skin.”
How Does the Seafarer Fit?
“John: I found the sizing pretty consistent. This is a really buttery, supple suit. I think other suits can feel kind of stiff. In comparison to other 4/3’s I’ve had, this one actually felt thinner. Sometimes it feels like there’s a lot of rubber and you feel like the Michelin Man. With this suit I noticed it less, it almost felt like I was wearing a 3/2.
Lauren: It’s a tight snug fit, yet flexible, which comes with its pros and cons. It’s not an easy suit to get in and out of, but once you’re in, it’s airtight and waterproof. The closure on the chest zip got stuck in my hair a few times, so tie your hair up before pulling it over.”
Post Surf Session Review
“John: This was my first time putting on the Seafarer+. I had surfed the two days prior in my previous 4/3 and the Seafarer+ felt easier to paddle and move in. On top of that, I was super warm in it and I didn’t have any problems with flushing. It felt really fitted to my body and I was able to move very naturally. This suit is sealed really nicely, which to me, matters more than anything else.
Lauren: I’ve been surfing in it for a couple of months now. I didn’t get cold the entire session, and I’m always the first one on all my friends to get out of the water. I totally agree with John, this suit feels more like a 3/2 in terms of mobility but kept me warm like a 4/3.”
Who Needs the Seafarer?
“John: This is a good daily suit to have. I’ll wear it with a detachable hood on colder days. Over the weekend, I put this wetsuit in my suitcase and noticed how lightweight and compact it was. It’s actually making me question if that thick fleece lining in other 4/3’s is necessary or if it’s just extra bulk.
Lauren: If you’re a cold water shortboarder, I’d recommend a hood with this suit. If it had a hood, this would have been the perfect suit for me because it would give me that head to toe warmth, and I think flushing would happen less. This is a great wetsuit anyone who doesn’t need to worry about the cold water as much, surfs smaller waves, or uses a board with more volume.”
These essentials are weapons against the elements. They are designed to make you ride longer & in more comfort whether it’s to fight the cold, the wind or the UV rays.
You can ride without but you’ll always feel better with them!
Magma Plus Technology
Our MAGMA material is one of the warmest on the market. Besides, it is highly stretchable, which brings an unmatched freedom of movement to the suits.
Its plush loops work as effective insulators and heat generators while providing a smooth and soft feeling that makes the suit incredibly comfortable. It also dries extremely fast.
The MAGMA GLOVES
MAGMA gloves are preformed for a better grip in the hand and to avoid forearms fatigue. Outside glide-skin is waterproof and windproof to fight wind-chill effect, while the inside is lined with our MAGMA fleece for an unbeatable warmth and fast drying.
The glove has a “donut” cuff to avoid water flushing. We have implemented a V reinforcement in the cuff so you can pull to put it on without damaging it.
Most of us delay the “boots time” as much as possible: We feel like we lose the board feeling, we’re less precise, our feet slide inside… Many reasons that pushed us to design our own range.
We offer boots for those who don’t like boots: They keep you warm and comfy, but they are made to be forgotten once in the water while still offering great foot support.
XTEND hood is built in the same material as our XTEND wetsuits: It is made to be forgotten while keeping you warm. Its flexibility and lightness allow a very good mobility, this is the perfect accessory if you don’t like bulky hoods.
The XTEND inside layer is the most flexible material you can find on a suit, it makes you feel stretch and light, with a good feeling on the skin.
Protecting your head is key to a good session, but also in the long term to prevent “surfer’s ear”. Hoods are often not the most adapted tools for wind sports, as they can be kind of restrictive when you are always looking right or left.
The Seafarer Cap is a light and comfortable thermal protection that will save you from brain freeze on these chilly days.
We always refused to make bulky, hard helmets because they are very uncomfortable to wear in the wind and horrible to surf with. They could even be dangerous as they make the impact in the water even harder for your neck.
The S-FOAM helmet uses an innovative material that allowed us to create a soft, fitted helmet that is very comfortable to ride with.
After an amazing season with five freestyle events worldwide, we are stoked for Swiss Manera & F-One team rider, Maxime. He finished off the ’23 competition season with two second places, and a final third on podium at the 2023 Qatar Airways GKA Freestyle Kite World Champions.
Maxime says,
“Feels good to stand on the box after missing it very slightly in the last couple of years! See you next year beloved kiteboarding!”
romantsovaphoto
Major Congratulations to Maxime! We can’t wait to see what next season brings.
Check Out Maximes’ Gear Favorites
HALO HARNESS – KITE
It all started from an analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of current harness technologies, regarding in particular the softshell (the classic flexible harness) and the hardshell (the rigid shell harness).
By separating the functions of “effort management” and “comfort”, we have created a harness that adapts perfectly to your body type and your movements, while offering unparalleled support.
Best of both worlds, the 4.3mm X10D allows unrestricted movements while keeping you warm during mid-season.
The X10D is the ultimate performance wetsuit. In addition to excellent thermal protection, the X10D fleece interior gives flexibility and lightness while providing great comfort. It is perfectly adapted to any discipline where you need maximum flex because of its ability to follow the body’s movements.
Our love story with salt water often begins in childhood.
MANERA’s main goal has always been to create products for everyone to enjoy the ocean. So, we are proud to now launch our GROMS wetsuit line, dedicated to the younger generation.
Available in 3.2, 4.3 and 5.3, our Seafarer GROMS wetsuits use the exact same materials and technologies as our adult range, all paired with MANERA’s renowned 3D fit. Warmth, comfort and durability; it’s all there.
We made no compromise so our youngsters can tackle the elements and grow their passion for our favorite sports.
Our love story with salt water often begins in childhood.
MANERA’s main goal has always been to create products for everyone to enjoy the ocean. So, we are proud to now launch our GROMS wetsuit line, dedicated to the younger generation.
Available in 3.2, 4.3 and 5.3, our Seafarer GROMS wetsuits use the exact same materials and technologies as our adult range, all paired with MANERA’s renowned 3D fit. Warmth, comfort and durability; it’s all there.
We made no compromise so our youngsters can tackle the elements and grow their passion for our favorite sports.
The SEAFARER brings us back to the essentials of what makes a good wetsuit, nothing more, nothing less: warmth, stretch, durability. It’s a no-bullshit wetsuit with Manera’s renowned fit and construction.
If you are looking for a high-performance wetsuit at an affordable price, this is the right choice.
Some areas are very sensitive to friction, tensions and tearing. All MANERA wetsuits have been designed with a demanding brief including:
. Avoiding seams in tensions area, to maximize flexibility and strength. . Making sure the seams are stretched vertically and not sideways. . Removing seams from friction areas, which avoids rash and increases stretch capacity. . Reinforcing strategic parts and panels right where it needs to be.
The neoprene layers are glued together and then “blind-stitched” (the needle does not go through the neoprene layer completely). In addition to being 100% waterproof, this type of stitching offers a high level of flexibility.
