7 Best Shorty Wetsuits For Open Water Swimming for Speed

Choosing the right open water gear for your child is a balancing act between fostering their athletic growth and managing the reality of rapid physical development. A high-quality shorty wetsuit can significantly improve a young swimmer’s confidence and speed by providing essential warmth and buoyancy. This guide helps you navigate the technical options to ensure your athlete feels supported, not restricted, in the water.

Roka Maverick Shorty: Top Choice for Speed

When your teenager starts taking competitive open water swimming seriously, they often notice that their traditional pool gear creates too much drag. The Roka Maverick is designed for elite hydrodynamics, effectively helping them slice through the water with less effort.

While this is a premium investment, its construction is built to last through multiple seasons of intense training. It is best reserved for the 13–16 age range, where the child has committed to the sport and has finished their most rapid growth spurts.

Orca Openwater Core: Best for Buoyancy

If your child is still working on their body position and tends to let their legs sink during longer swims, the Orca Openwater Core is a game-changer. The added buoyancy helps keep their hips high, which is a fundamental skill for maintaining speed in open water.

This model is particularly helpful for the 10–12 age group as they transition from pool swimming to the challenges of lake or ocean environments. It provides that extra bit of security and stability that can keep a young athlete feeling safe and motivated.

Zone3 Versa Wetsuit: Elite Performance

The Zone3 Versa is a fantastic option for the dedicated youth athlete who wants to bridge the gap between training and racing. Its design prioritizes flexibility, allowing for a natural, uninhibited stroke that is crucial for developing proper technique.

Because it offers such a high level of performance, it is ideal for the 12–14 age range where technique refinement is the primary goal. It is an excellent choice if your child is participating in regional junior triathlons or competitive open water events.

Huub Aegis Shorty: Exceptional Flexibility

Younger swimmers often complain that wetsuits feel too stiff or bulky, which can discourage them from wanting to get in the water. The Huub Aegis is renowned for its incredible flexibility, making it feel more like a second skin than a piece of heavy equipment.

This flexibility is essential for kids aged 9–11 who are still building their shoulder strength. By reducing the resistance against their stroke, the suit helps them swim longer without the early fatigue that often comes with poorly fitted gear.

Blueseventy Sprint: Best Value for Speed

We all know the frustration of buying expensive gear that only fits for a single season. The Blueseventy Sprint offers a fantastic balance of speed-focused features and a more accessible price point, making it a sensible choice for the intermediate swimmer.

This is a great "workhorse" suit for the 11–13 age range. It is durable enough to handle frequent training sessions while providing the performance benefits necessary for a child who is beginning to place well in local competitions.

Xterra Volt Sleeveless: Ideal for Beginners

For the child just starting to explore open water swimming, the Xterra Volt is a perfect entry point. The sleeveless design ensures that their shoulders have full range of motion, which is vital for kids who are still mastering their stroke mechanics.

It is a low-risk investment for the 8–10 age group. If they decide to pivot to a different sport next year, you haven’t overspent, and the suit is usually easy to resell to another family starting their own athletic journey.

TYR Hurricane Category 1: Durable Design

If you have multiple children who might eventually use the same gear, the TYR Hurricane is a reliable, long-lasting option. Its robust construction is designed to withstand the wear and tear of frequent use, from beach training to transport in gear bags.

The material quality is high enough that it holds its shape well over time. This makes it a great choice for a 12-year-old athlete who is rough on their gear and needs something that won’t tear or lose its buoyancy after a few months.

How to Measure for a Proper Wetsuit Fit

A wetsuit must fit like a second skin to be effective; if it is too loose, water will pool inside and create drag. Always use the manufacturer’s specific size chart, focusing primarily on weight and height, as these are the best indicators of fit.

• Chest: Measure at the widest point to ensure the suit doesn’t restrict breathing.
• Height: Ensure the suit isn’t so short that it pulls on the shoulders.
• Weight: This is the most critical factor for neoprene buoyancy.

Balancing Thermal Needs and Stroke Mobility

While warmth is important for safety, don’t sacrifice your child’s ability to move naturally just to keep them cozy. A shorty wetsuit is often the perfect middle ground, providing core warmth while keeping the limbs free for a clean, efficient stroke.

Always consider the water temperature of your local training spots. If the water is consistently cold, ensure they have a swim cap—and perhaps two—to help retain heat, rather than opting for a thicker, more restrictive suit.

Essential Care Tips for Your Open Water Gear

To protect your investment, always rinse the suit with fresh, cool water immediately after use to remove salt or chlorine. Never leave it in direct sunlight, as UV rays will degrade the neoprene and cause the material to become brittle over time.

Hang the suit on a wide, plastic hanger in a shaded area to dry. Avoid using wire hangers, which can stretch out the shoulder material and ruin the fit for your next swim session.

Investing in the right gear is about supporting your child’s evolving interests and athletic goals. By choosing a suit that matches their current skill level and developmental stage, you provide them with the best environment to succeed. Remember that the best piece of equipment is the one that makes them feel confident, comfortable, and excited to jump back into the water.