Why Do Surfers Wear Black Wetsuits?
If you’ve ever watched surfers at the beach or seen scuba divers heading out for a dive, you’ve likely noticed they often choose black suits. But why are wetsuits black in the first place? Although you can find brightly coloured suit options, classic black remains popular for various reasons—ranging from heat absorption to simple manufacturing choices. Below, we’ll explore the benefits of black, how colored wetsuits factor in, and why surfers continue to prefer them.
The Role Of Carbon Black
Traditional neoprene contains carbon black, a pigment added by wetsuit makers that improves durability and uv ray resistance. The carbon black also increases heat absorption, which can help a surfer’s body temperature stay more stable in cold water. When you see surfers wear black, it’s partly because the neoprene material used to make most wetsuits gets its dark colour from carbon black.
Durable and UV Resistant
Black pigment tends to withstand the damaging effects of UV rays better than many bright coloured alternatives. Over time, sunlight can fade brightly coloured gear, but black typically stays looking newer for longer.
Body Heat and Warmth
Keeping your body warm is crucial when you’re facing colder water temperatures, or dealing with ocean wind. Black wetsuits excel at heat absorption, helping you retain body heat. So while wearing a brightly colored suit can look great, black offers a practical edge if you’re serious about staying warm, especially in cold water.
Theory of Enclothed Cognition
Interestingly, there’s also the theory of enclothed cognition, which suggests that what you wear can influence your mindset and performance. Many surfers feel a sense of confidence or seriousness in a black wetsuit, potentially boosting mental focus and overall performance in the water.
Can Wetsuits Be Other Colours?
Yes! Wetsuits are black primarily because of carbon black in neoprene, but advances in synthetic materials allow for a wider range of colours. At Sharkskin, for example, we use specialised fabrics that don’t rely purely on neoprene. Our T2 Chillproof collection, Rapid Dry range, and Thermal Flex come in various designs and can be more resistant to fading or discolouration. So if you’re looking for a bright coloured option without sacrificing performance, modern technology has made that a reality.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why do surfers always wear black wetsuits?
Surfers wear black wetsuits mostly due to carbon black in neoprene, which boosts durability and UV ray resistance. Black also absorbs more sunlight, which can help keep your body heat regulated in cold water.
2. Are sharks attracted to black wetsuits?
There’s no strong evidence that black wetsuits attract sharks more than other colours. Factors like contrast, movement, and other sensory cues can play a bigger role. Many scuba divers and surfers wear black without issues, but if shark safety is a concern, it’s wise to follow local guidelines and avoid waters with known shark activity.
Experience Superior Warmth with Sharkskin™
The Sharkskin™ brand was founded in Australia by the owners of Neptune-Sports to help divers stay warm both during and after a dive. Our range, which began with dive-specific products, quickly expanded into water sports worldwide—supported by a team of dedicated designers, administrators, and global ambassadors.
We focus on quality and the latest fabric technologies to deliver technically superior products that let you fully enjoy your time in, on, and under the water. We believe once you’ve tried Sharkskin gear, you won’t want to be without it—your water adventures will be safer, more comfortable, and more fun, no matter the conditions.
Whether you’re looking for black suits or more brightly coloured suit options, Sharkskin has you covered. Stay warm, confident, and ready for your next session—wherever the waves (or the dive boat) take you!
