'Instantly Impressed': The 3mm Finisterre Yulex Wetsuit Review

Finisterre 3mm Nieuwland Wetsuit Specs

• Thickness available: 2mm, 3.5mm/2.5mm, 4.5mm/3.5mm, 5.5mm/4.5mm
• Thickness tested: 3.5mm/2.5mm (aka 3mm)
• Temperature Range: 57-64°F/14-18°C
• Material: 85% Yulex® natural rubber / 15% synthetic rubber by polymer content.
• Standout feature: Custom neck pattern to reduce flushing and flexible shoulders and upper body for increased movement.
• Price: $435 (3mm)

The product listing reads, “Born from our origins as hardy British surfers, our 3mm performance Yulex wetsuits are just as stretchy and hard-wearing as traditional neoprene, but come with far less cost to people and the environment. Built to last multiple seasons, it's all part of our commitment to protect our playgrounds”.

Field Notes & Water Performance

True to their word, my experience over the past 6 months has left me impressed by the overall quality of the construction and flexible feel in the water. I have no doubt it’ll last much longer but, so far, this is my new favorite suit that’s easy on the planet and cozy in the ocean.

I first started testing it around San Diego, earlier this summer, before the water was warm enough for spring suits and trunks, and have since tested in Central California, South Africa, and Portugal. The suit is recommended for 57-64°F and that’s about the range that I’ve experienced so far, with the coldest water I’ve taken it into being about 58°F in Portugal. In South Africa, the water around Jeffreys Bay was closer to 60°F but there were strong offshore winds and a chill to the air. In both scenarios the suit worked great for my sessions which were typically about 75 mins long and occasionally, like this one magic day at JBay, rang closer to two hours.  

In that temperature range, as long as you’re moving around, you’ll stay toasty. If there’s long lulls and persistent winds, well, you’ll eventually get cold in any suit. With that range you would get through a majority of the year in Southern California, so it’s a great choice for an all-around suit. If you’re looking for a winter-specific suit, or live in Central or Northern California, then I would try out their 4mm suit.

Standout Feature

A main difference that I notice with this unit is that it’s easily the most flush-resistant suit I’ve ever worn. I imagine that after surfing for decades in the frigid waters of England, designing a nearly flush-proof suit was an ultimate goal. I haven’t surfed mine in anything much bigger than overhead surf but even then, I never noticed a wipeout separating the opening enough for me to get a big dose of water. I’m sure it could happen, but I haven’t dealt with it yet. 

I’ve had Yulex suits for years, from both Patagonia and NeedEssentials, but this was my first suit from Finisterre and I was quite surprised by the difference in stretch and flexibility upon putting it on for the first time. Whereas my experience with Yulex suits in the past had always been a bit more stiff at first fitting and then, with time, they would ease up and feel more flexy. 

With the Nieuwland suit, I couldn’t believe how it felt on my first go and now, after many surfs, it still feels solid in all the right places. The product listing does note that it will be, “tight fit when new”, but, “will loosen after 10-15 wears.” I reckon I must be somewhere around 35+ uses and I guess it slides on a bit easier than before but the rubber still feels really fresh. 

The strong structure and grip of the neck area could make it a little tough to slide on/off for your first few surfs, but it’s worth it if staying nice and dry is what you’re after.

Who's The Finisterre Suit Good For?

If you're a SoCal-based surfer looking for a new all-around suit to invest in, this is one to seriously consider. Especially if you're the type who prefers eco-friendly materials but doesn't want to sacrifice performance. As stated, I found this to be a perfect blend of performance, longevity, and sustainability. If you get cold easy, or live somewhere that regularly gets down to 55°F or below, then consider their thicker suits.

This is a great option if you want to try something that is backed by a reputable company but is outside the domain of the big surf brands. If you believe in backing companies that prioritize environmental responsibility and if you don't mind (slightly) standing out from the crowd. The distinct blue color is most noticeable when dry, but blends in when wet, the only thing that will stand out in the water is the light branding on the left sleeve.

With a retail price of $435, it comes in at a higher price than your entry-level suits but is considerably more affordable than an ultra-premium option. Most entry-level suits are thrashed after one good year whereas I bet this one will go strong enough to last multiple years of heavy use. I've tried many suits over the years and I confidently say that the Finisterre suit is worth your consideration.