Surfing NZ during winter ain't for the faint-hearted. Luckily, we're tough and appreciated good waves with less crowds! Our top recommendations for the best wetsuits for surfing New Zealand's North Island during winter are the Psycho One 4/3mm, the Defender 4/3mmor the Hyperfreak 4/3+.

The Psycho One is part of our advanced cold water series. It features fully sealed seams and hydrophobic TB3 neoprene. The Pyscho One has a TB Firewall with heat-retaining thermal interior layer through the chest, back and legs. It's a very warm suit which is still light and flexible.

We also recommend the Defender Series as a solid option that’s lower in price but still super warm and flexible, and features the Supergrill liner to keep you toasty through winter.

If you want unmatched flexibility, the Hyperfreak 4/3+ has it, and GBS + TB3X taped seams plus TB3 body panels will see you through all but the coldest days in comfort. If you’re surfing the middle of winter and earlies, we'd recommend the Psycho or Defender as they are warmer, but for everything else or as a second steamer, the Hyperfreak is the stretchiest, most free feeling option out there.

Our favourite booties for this time of year are the Defender 3mm Split Toe Boot, preferred hood option is thePsycho 3mm Coldwater Hood, and our pick for gloves is always thePsychotech 1.5mm Glove.

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

Check out the autumn/spring recommendations for further suggestionsif you feel the cold less or you are leaning towards warmer conditions.