Choosing wetsuit hoods
A good hood makes a big difference once the water turns cold, and the right one comes down to style and thickness. Wetsuit hoods cover your head and ears and give you the most protection when the water is coldest. If you want something lighter, the beanies and caps in this range include the C-Skins Storm Chaser 2mm Beanie, the C-Skins Session 2mm Cap, the C-Skins Swim Research 3mm Cap and the Alder Stealth 3mm Surf Hat.
What thickness of surf hood do I need?
Our hoods run from 1.5mm to 3mm. Thinner hoods such as the O’Neill Psycho 1.5mm Single Lined Hood, the Rip Curl E-Bomb 2mm Hood and the C-Skins Wired Adult 2mm Hood suit milder days, while the C-Skins Legend 2.5mm Hood sits in between. For the coldest sessions, look at the 3mm options, including the O’Neill Psycho 3mm Single Lined Coldwater Hood, the C-Skins Wired+ 3mm Hood, the Rip Curl Flashbomb 3mm Hood and the O’Neill Squid Lid 3mm Hood. A hood should feel snug without being tight. Sizes vary by product, so check each product page and our sizing charts before you order.
Wetsuit hoods by brand, for adults and juniors
Alder offers the biggest choice here, including the Stealth Hood and the Plasma Fast Dry Hood. C-Skins has the Wired, Wired+ and Legend hoods, O’Neill has the Psycho, Squid Lid and Ultraseal, and Rip Curl has the E-Bomb and Flashbomb. For younger surfers, there’s the Alder Junior Plasma Fast Dry Hood, the Alder Junior Stealth Hood, the C-Skins Wired 2mm Junior Hood and the Alder Youth Stealth Surf Hat. Pair them with a kids’ winter wetsuit for colder days.
Complete your winter kit
A hood works best as part of a full cold water set up. Browse our men’s winter wetsuits and women’s winter wetsuits, or see everything in all wetsuits. Add wetsuit boots and wetsuit gloves for the coldest sessions, a thermal rash vest underneath, and ear plugs for extra protection. For more, see all our wetsuit accessories.
Looking after your hood
Rinse your hood with fresh water after each session and dry it away from direct heat. Our storage and care products will help your kit last, and a wet and dry bag keeps everything separate on the way home.
