Wearing a good pair of surfing gloves is no longer a luxury but a mandatory.
Your hands are among the first to experience the impact of a hard surface, whether on the face of a wave or the ground.
You’ll want a pair of soft, flexible gloves that will withstand the harsh environment while maintaining maximum flexibility, as you’ll need dexterity to hold your board while paddling out, and hold those waves when you catch them!
I’ve put together a list of the top 9 best surf gloves available today based on material, breathability, flexibility, and convenience.
Check them out!
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Rip Curl Flashbomb 5/3 5 Finger Gloves | Best Overall |  |
| H2ODYSSEY Max 2mm Webbed Paddle Glove | Budget Pick |  |
| AKONA All ArmorTex Dive Gloves | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Rip Curl Flashbomb 5/3 5 Finger Gloves
Pros:
- Durable neoprene with reinforced panels
- 5 mm neoprene
The Rip Curl Flashbomb 5/3 5 Finger gloves are hands-down the best wetsuit gloves with a lining of five millimeters of quality neoprene. This is an excellent product that offers ultimate comfort and flexibility. The stitching is very durable and long-lasting.
It features taped seams for superior water and air tightness. It also features some high-quality panels for added durability. It comes with a 3-sizes adjustment system, which makes it easy for you to adjust based on the width of your palm and wrist.
This product is quite stretchy, so you can wear them comfortably when you are stuck in a tough surfing situation. The wrist closure also features a reinforced Velcro for added strength.
2. BPS 3mm & 5mm Double-Lined Neoprene Wetsuit Gloves
Pros:
- Soft and comfortable neoprene
- Comes with wrist lanyard and rubber pull tie for secure fit
- Layer upon layer of thermal protection
- Warmer than neoprene at the same thickness
- Great for diving in chilly waters
- Ideal for all water sports
Cons:
- A bit bulky
- Short finger
- Do not adequately cover the wrists, hands, and upper arms
- Limited sizing options
The one thing that makes these gloves stand out is its amazing warmth and flexibility.
They’re a good choice for anyone looking for flexible gloves that provide great heat retention. These gloves are made of 3mm and 5mm double-lined neoprene, which is very thick and pliable.
They’re fitted with a wrist lanyard and a rubber pull tie for secure fit, while still allowing you to move around.
3. H2ODYSSEY Max 2mm Webbed Paddle Glove
These gloves are made from nylon and neoprene and have a very strong velcro strap to keep them closed firmly. These gloves are very nice quality and come in many sizes. These gloves measure a little more than fourteen inches from the wrist to the end of the middle finger.
The wristband is soft and won't bother anyone while you are wearing these gloves underwater. If you are wearing a watch while wearing these gloves then you will be fine as they have enough room for your hands to move.
According to reviews, these gloves fit well and are true to the indicated size, generally you go up one size when buying gloves that are padded like these.
4. Hyperflex Wetsuits Men's 5mm Access Glove
Pros:
- Top-quality suits available
- The large range of sizes
- Incredible strength/stiffness ratio
- The best fit while they are still flexible
- Well priced
Cons:
- Lack of thickness
- Only top-quality suits are available
- Water tightness of the suit: Some users were impressed by how water tight the suit was, some, however, complained about how water went through the suit, despite its price point.
The Hyperflex line is designed to offer all the strength of a 4/3mm suit without the bulk of one, while offering an extremely comfortable fit. The only suit that does this better is their 4/3mm suit.
The Hyperflex line is designed to offer all the strength of a 4/3mm suit without the bulk of one, while offering an extremely comfortable fit. The only suit that does this better is their 4/3mm suit.
5. Hyperflex Wetsuits Men's 5mm Access Glove
Pros:
- Top-quality suits available
- The large range of sizes
- Incredible strength/stiffness ratio
- The best fit while they are still flexible
- Well priced
Cons:
- Lack of thickness
- Only top-quality suits are available
- Water tightness of the suit: Some users were impressed by how water tight the suit was, some, however, complained about how water went through the suit, despite its price point.
The Hyperflex line is designed to offer all the strength of a 4/3mm suit without the bulk of one, while offering an extremely comfortable fit. The only suit that does this better is their 4/3mm suit.
The Hyperflex line is designed to offer all the strength of a 4/3mm suit without the bulk of one, while offering an extremely comfortable fit. The only suit that does this better is their 4/3mm suit.
6. H2ODYSSEY Max 2mm Webbed Paddle Glove
These gloves are made from nylon and neoprene and have a very strong velcro strap to keep them closed firmly. These gloves are very nice quality and come in many sizes. These gloves measure a little more than fourteen inches from the wrist to the end of the middle finger.
The wristband is soft and won't bother anyone while you are wearing these gloves underwater. If you are wearing a watch while wearing these gloves then you will be fine as they have enough room for your hands to move.
According to reviews, these gloves fit well and are true to the indicated size, generally you go up one size when buying gloves that are padded like these.
7. AKONA All ArmorTex Dive Gloves
Pros:
- 180N palm and finger protection
- Heavy-duty rubber
- Subtle silicone print for extra grip
Since your fingers are the only contact point to the board, it’s vital that you protect them while practicing your favorite board sport. The full-finger AKONA glove is made of heavy-duty rubber for a comfortable snug fit – perfect for securing a good grip. The extra long forearm protection protects your forearm and may prevent injuries if you drag your arm across the board.
The extra silicone prints allow for an extra-secure grip on the board while paddling, and the KEVLAR hand and finger protection ensures you’re protected from heavy impacts.
It’s good to point out that the different sizes may run a little small so you may want to order a size up if you’re not sure what will fit you. Also, some customers complained about the lack of durability, as the rubber starts to heat and wear through after a few uses.
8. NeoSport Wetsuits Premium 2mm Neoprene Glove
Pros:
- Good value for the price
- Durable
- Can be used in various sports
- Warm
- Comfortable
- Easy to put on
The Neosport Wetsuits Premium was made to maximize softness and warmth of the glove while upping the buoyant aspect. The material is made from 2mm of neoprene.
This makes it tough to the touch while maximizing its insulation. The Neosport Wetsuits Premium has a collection of wrist, hand, and finger features to eliminate the friction of movement and the waterproof seals to keep your skin protected. Neosport is a well-known brand in the fight to protection athletes.
This product comes in a wide range of colors and has featured with a Neoprene closure system to help lock in the warmth.
9. BPS 3mm & 5mm Double-Lined Neoprene Wetsuit Gloves
Pros:
- Soft and comfortable neoprene
- Comes with wrist lanyard and rubber pull tie for secure fit
- Layer upon layer of thermal protection
- Warmer than neoprene at the same thickness
- Great for diving in chilly waters
- Ideal for all water sports
Cons:
- A bit bulky
- Short finger
- Do not adequately cover the wrists, hands, and upper arms
- Limited sizing options
The one thing that makes these gloves stand out is its amazing warmth and flexibility.
They’re a good choice for anyone looking for flexible gloves that provide great heat retention. These gloves are made of 3mm and 5mm double-lined neoprene, which is very thick and pliable.
They’re fitted with a wrist lanyard and a rubber pull tie for secure fit, while still allowing you to move around.
10. NeoSport Wetsuits Premium 2mm Neoprene Glove
Pros:
- Good value for the price
- Durable
- Can be used in various sports
- Warm
- Comfortable
- Easy to put on
The Neosport Wetsuits Premium was made to maximize softness and warmth of the glove while upping the buoyant aspect. The material is made from 2mm of neoprene.
This makes it tough to the touch while maximizing its insulation. The Neosport Wetsuits Premium has a collection of wrist, hand, and finger features to eliminate the friction of movement and the waterproof seals to keep your skin protected. Neosport is a well-known brand in the fight to protection athletes.
This product comes in a wide range of colors and has featured with a Neoprene closure system to help lock in the warmth.
11. AKONA All ArmorTex Dive Gloves
Pros:
- 180N palm and finger protection
- Heavy-duty rubber
- Subtle silicone print for extra grip
Since your fingers are the only contact point to the board, it’s vital that you protect them while practicing your favorite board sport. The full-finger AKONA glove is made of heavy-duty rubber for a comfortable snug fit – perfect for securing a good grip. The extra long forearm protection protects your forearm and may prevent injuries if you drag your arm across the board.
The extra silicone prints allow for an extra-secure grip on the board while paddling, and the KEVLAR hand and finger protection ensures you’re protected from heavy impacts.
It’s good to point out that the different sizes may run a little small so you may want to order a size up if you’re not sure what will fit you. Also, some customers complained about the lack of durability, as the rubber starts to heat and wear through after a few uses.
12. Picasso Top Dyneema
Pros:
- Ultra-durable – Puncture-resistant and cut-resistant
- Extreme water-resistance (even when wet)
Cons:
- Not breathable
- Not recommended for surfing
The Picasso Top Dyneema – Spearfishing Gloves are designed for spearfishing for the hands only. They are made of –Triple C’s: Cut, Cut, and Cut.’
This makes them perfect for spearfishing and other related activities like diving, kayaking, snorkeling, and windsurfing.
If you have gloves that have lasted you a long time, they had to be made with material, like these gloves, that are both cut- and puncture-resistant.
13. Picasso Top Dyneema
Pros:
- Ultra-durable – Puncture-resistant and cut-resistant
- Extreme water-resistance (even when wet)
Cons:
- Not breathable
- Not recommended for surfing
The Picasso Top Dyneema – Spearfishing Gloves are designed for spearfishing for the hands only. They are made of –Triple C’s: Cut, Cut, and Cut.’
This makes them perfect for spearfishing and other related activities like diving, kayaking, snorkeling, and windsurfing.
If you have gloves that have lasted you a long time, they had to be made with material, like these gloves, that are both cut- and puncture-resistant.
14. Scubapro Seamless 1.5mm Gloves
Pros:
- Long lasting, durable, and elastic polypropylene with extra stretch
- Lining is warm and flexible
- Perfect grip and dexterity
- Super comfortable neoprene cuff and stitching
- Washable up to 130F
- Good choice especially for cold water
The Scubapro gloves have been designed for snorkeling, free diving, skin diving, and scuba diving. They are thin enough to be used for kayaking, sailing, fishing, cycling, gardening, and other manual outdoor activities.
The gloves are made from a hypo-allergenic, seamless, flexible, and elastic polypropylene. It’s a sturdy material and has stretch to it which makes it extra comfortable to wear. The material has a lining that’s warm and soft. This makes it suitable for cold water diving.
The gloves are fully lined with nylon and neoprene. The stitching is also extra strong to help prevent rips and tears. The gloves are ideal for comfort and flexibility. They offer good friction protection and dexterity.
15. Scubapro Seamless 1.5mm Gloves
Pros:
- Long lasting, durable, and elastic polypropylene with extra stretch
- Lining is warm and flexible
- Perfect grip and dexterity
- Super comfortable neoprene cuff and stitching
- Washable up to 130F
- Good choice especially for cold water
The Scubapro gloves have been designed for snorkeling, free diving, skin diving, and scuba diving. They are thin enough to be used for kayaking, sailing, fishing, cycling, gardening, and other manual outdoor activities.
The gloves are made from a hypo-allergenic, seamless, flexible, and elastic polypropylene. It’s a sturdy material and has stretch to it which makes it extra comfortable to wear. The material has a lining that’s warm and soft. This makes it suitable for cold water diving.
The gloves are fully lined with nylon and neoprene. The stitching is also extra strong to help prevent rips and tears. The gloves are ideal for comfort and flexibility. They offer good friction protection and dexterity.
16. O'NEILL Psycho 1.5MM Double Lined Neoprene Wetsuit Gloves Black
Double lined Double Lined Neoprene wetsuit gloves are neoprene lined with coated nylon backers. A super soft grab handle on the wrist helps take them on/off in deep water.
Comfort and Sticky Fingers For Surf & SUP: New patterning and special palm pads allow you to grip your board on entry and exit. This allows you to paddle and surf with confidence. The index finger and thumb are lightly pre curved to make a natural curl, and will not let you down when it comes to contact with your board. 1.5MM Nitrile coating provides a sure grip in all conditions.
Kiss of Life: Responsive neoprene sewn to a slick coated nylon backer makes you flexible while still keeping you warm and cozy.
17. O'NEILL Psycho 1.5MM Double Lined Neoprene Wetsuit Gloves Black
Double lined Double Lined Neoprene wetsuit gloves are neoprene lined with coated nylon backers. A super soft grab handle on the wrist helps take them on/off in deep water.
Comfort and Sticky Fingers For Surf & SUP: New patterning and special palm pads allow you to grip your board on entry and exit. This allows you to paddle and surf with confidence. The index finger and thumb are lightly pre curved to make a natural curl, and will not let you down when it comes to contact with your board. 1.5MM Nitrile coating provides a sure grip in all conditions.
Kiss of Life: Responsive neoprene sewn to a slick coated nylon backer makes you flexible while still keeping you warm and cozy.
Conclusion
When it comes to being a surfer, one of the most challenging aspects of the job is dealing with the ocean's strong, sometimes turbulent waves.
Surfing gloves are an essential part of any surfer's cold-water protection equipment.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Rip Curl Flashbomb 5/3 5 Finger Gloves | Best Overall | |
| H2ODYSSEY Max 2mm Webbed Paddle Glove | Budget Pick | |
| AKONA All ArmorTex Dive Gloves | Upgrade Pick | |