What a great time of year for surfing! Although the air temps can be warm in autumn and spring, the water is usually still pretty chilly, particularly in spring. For much of autumn/spring, you'll be happy in a 3/2mm steamer, but closer to winter you'll need to transition into a 4/3mm. If you’re on a budget and just want one steamer to go right through winter, check out the Winter recommendations. 

We believe the best wetsuits for surfing New Zealand's North Island during autumn and spring are the Psycho One 3/2 or the Hyperfreak 3/2.

The Psycho One has fully sealed seams, TB Firewall and hydrophobic TB3 neoprene, but focus on this suit is slightly more towards flexibility rather than warmth in the details, so it’s a perfect transition steamer (the Psychotech is opposite with focus more on warmth rather than flex).

If you want unmatched flexibility, the Hyperfreak 3/2 has it, and GBS + TB3X taped seams plus TB3 body panels will keep you snug, and it is the stretchiest, most free feeling option out there.

Depending on whether you feel the cold more or less than most, the Hyperfreak 4/3 could be a good option for a transition steamer that will still be warm enough pretty deep into Winter.

For a solid value option, the Defender 3/2 is still perfectly warm and flexible with GBS seams and SuperGrill liner, for anyone on a tighter budget.

With water temps still being cold in these variable seasons, we recommend the Ninja 3mm boot to keep the toes nimble!

It just depends on what’s most important to you - warmth / flexibility / price.

Check out the winter or summer recommendations for further suggestionsif you are leaning towards colder or warmer conditions.