Wetsuit Guide: What thickness do you need to surf in Gran Canaria?

It is the number one doubt of any surfer, from beginners to experts, when preparing their trip to the Canary Islands: "What wetsuit should I pack?".

If you come from northern Europe, the UK, or Germany, you are probably used to the heavy winter "armor". Thick suits, booties, gloves, and hoods that limit your paddling and make taking off the suit in the parking lot an extreme sport in itself. We have very good news for you: in Gran Canaria, the rules change completely.

At Oceanside we have prepared this technical guide so you can understand exactly how the Atlantic temperature works on our coast and what gear you need to be comfortable in the water.

The reality of water temperatures in Las Canteras

The climate in Gran Canaria is a worldwide privilege, and the sea temperature is no exception. Unlike other areas where the sea freezes in January, the Canary Current keeps our waters in a very pleasant range all year round.

• Winter (January - March): It is the "coldest" time, but the water rarely drops below 18ºC - 19ºC.
• Spring (April - June): The water begins to slowly warm up, ranging between 19ºC and 21ºC.
• Summer and early Autumn (July - October): The golden age for those who get cold easily. The sea reaches its peak temperature, hitting 23ºC - 24ºC.
• Late Autumn (November - December): The water continues to retain the summer heat, staying around 21ºC - 22ºC.

Understanding thicknesses: The golden rule in the Canaries

Wetsuits are measured in millimeters (mm). A "4/3" suit means it has 4mm of thickness on the core (to protect vital organs) and 3mm on the limbs (to allow mobility).

The King of the Canaries: The 3/2mm

Forget about 5/4mm or 4/3mm suits. You would roast from the heat here and exhaust yourself paddling needlessly. The full 3/2mm is the standard suit par excellence in Gran Canaria. It is the perfect combination of heat retention for winter and spring sessions, and incredible flexibility. With a good 3/2mm, you can surf all year round on the island without getting cold during the longest sets.

Summer and Autumn: The era of the "Shorty" and Rash Guard

When September arrives and the water is at 24ºC, many locals (and well-informed tourists) ditch the full suit. The most popular options are:

• The Shorty (2mm): A wetsuit with short sleeves and short legs. Ideal for summer trade wind days, as it protects your core from the wind but gives you total freedom.
• Boardshorts and Rash Guard: On windless days, surfing in boardshorts or a sporty bikini with a rash guard to protect against the sun and board chafing is a liberating experience.

Seams and Zippers: Details that make a difference

It's not just the thickness; the construction of the suit defines how much water gets in.

• Back Zip: They are the easiest to put on and take off. Ideal for beginners or people with less flexibility. Although a little more water enters through the neck, the sea temperature in the Canaries allows it without a problem.
• Chest Zip: Less water enters and gives the shoulders more freedom to paddle. They are the favorites of intermediate and advanced surfers.
• Zipperless: Maximum elasticity, but harder to put on.

What about booties, gloves, and hoods?

Leave them at home. At Las Canteras beach (La Cícer area), the bottom is volcanic sand. You don't need winter booties because the water isn't cold enough, and you don't need reef booties unless you are going to explore very sharp rock bottoms in other parts of the island with an advanced level. Gloves and hoods here are, literally, science fiction.

The big dilemma: Bring your own or rent?

Traveling with your own wetsuit has its disadvantages: it takes up a quarter of your suitcase, it's heavy, and worst of all, on the way back you will have to pack a damp, salty-smelling suit among your clothes, plus risk airline overweight baggage fees.

At Oceanside we constantly renew our gear to offer suits from top brands (like Quiksilver and Roxy), clean, dry, and without holes.

If you want to travel light, stress-free, and make sure you have the exact thickness for the day's conditions, check out our wetsuit and technical gear rental section. You arrive in Las Palmas, put on a suit in perfect condition, and head straight into the water.