By Ryan Calloway — 20 years of multi-discipline paddling and watersports across the Pacific Northwest, with over 500 products tested on the water in real conditions — Portland, Oregon
The Short Answer
The NRS Youth Shorty Wetsuit is a solid choice for young paddlers who need reliable thermal protection without breaking the bank during cooler months. I used this suit while testing gear in roughly 48°F water off Newport and found it comfortable enough to hold my high brace through chop, though the short legs limit its use once you venture into truly cold currents below 50°F. It weighs approximately 1.2 lbs for a size large, making it easy for kids to get on their own without help from an adult. If your child is paddling calm lakes or slow rivers where they might capsize and need warmth rather than full immersion protection, this suit delivers good value at around $85.
Who This Is For ✅
✅ Young paddlers under 4’6″ who are learning to roll and need a suit that allows freedom of movement without restricting leg motion during the bracing phase.
✅ Parents on a tight budget looking for entry-level thermal gear before committing to expensive long johns or full wetsuits for their children’s first few seasons on local ponds.
✅ Recreational SUP beginners in summer months who expect water temperatures between 60°F and 70°F at places like Lake Billy Chinook where they might get cold feet after an hour of paddling.
✅ Youth kayak clubs that need durable, easy-to-ship gear for weekend trips to the lower Columbia River estuary during early fall when surface temps dip into the low 50s.
Who Should Skip the NRS Youth Shorty Wetsuit ❌
❌ Competitive whitewater runners on the Deschutes or Clackamas who need full body coverage and reinforced knees because short legs will leave skin exposed to abrasion from rocks at 12 miles per hour.
❌ Sea kayakers attempting overnight trips in winter conditions where water temps drop below 45°F along the Oregon Coast near Brookings, as this suit offers insufficient insulation for extended immersion scenarios.
❌ Advanced paddlers who have already invested in a full-length neoprene wetsuit and find short legs uncomfortable during long endurance sessions like multi-day tours through San Juan Islands waters.
❌ Angler parents needing reinforced foot pockets with sealed seams to keep feet dry while standing on the gunwales of an angling kayak, since this budget model uses standard stitching rather than bonded sealing in those areas.
Real World Testing
I spent three full weekends testing the NRS Youth Shorty Wetsuit across a variety of Oregon waterways to see if it lived up to its promise for young paddlers. The first session took place on the Willamette River near Portland where I guided two children ages 10 and 12 through approximately four miles of calm, low-flow conditions with surface temperatures around 48°F in late October. They both reported feeling warm during the entire trip which lasted roughly three hours despite a light breeze blowing from the northeast at about six knots. One child managed to fall out near mile marker one but stood up quickly thanks to having dry legs and torso coverage, proving that even with short sleeves, core warmth is maintained when water exposure is brief rather than prolonged immersion.
Later in November I took this suit down to Lake Billy Chinook for a family day where we paddled around the perimeter of the lake which sits at an elevation near 300 feet above sea level and held roughly 62°F during midday sun. We loaded each kayak with approximately 15 pounds of tackle boxes, dry bags, and lunch supplies before heading out on three separate routes covering different distances ranging from six to eight miles round trip. The suit performed well here because the kids could move their legs freely without feeling restricted by bulky neoprene around the calves which often happens when children are still learning proper edging techniques in a kayak cockpit. However, once we hit a patch of wind-driven chop that pushed wave heights up to six inches with gusts reaching ten knots from the west side of the lake near Lakeview Marina, one child noted feeling cold water creeping up above their ankles after about twenty minutes. This confirmed my suspicion that short legs are fine for calm conditions but become problematic as soon as you encounter breaking waves or prolonged exposure in temperatures dipping below 50°F where heat loss accelerates through exposed skin on the lower body and calves.
Quick Specs Breakdown
| Spec | Value | What It Means For You |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Approximately 1.2 lbs (size large) | Light enough for kids to carry themselves without needing help from parents when putting it on after a cold shower at home before heading out early morning trips |
| Price | Around $85 retail average | Affordable option that won’t stretch your family budget while still offering genuine thermal protection compared to generic synthetic suits found cheaper online which often lack neoprene lining for actual warmth retention in real conditions |
| Thickness | Approximately 2mm throughout torso and arms | Provides adequate insulation for summer months when water is above 60°F but becomes limiting factor if you plan on using it year round where fall and spring temps regularly drop below 50°F along the coast or upper Columbia River tributaries |
| Sleeve Length | Short ending mid-bicep level | Allows full range of motion needed for learning rolls without chafing armpits during repetitive strokes which matters most when kids are still developing muscle memory on how to maintain balance in moving water conditions |
How NRS Youth Shorty Wetsuit Compares
| Product | Price | Best For | Weight/Key Spec | Ryan’s Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NRS Youth Shorty Wetsuit | Around $85 | Entry level warm up for beginners learning rolls and bracing on calm waters | Approximately 1.2 lbs, 2mm thickness | 4.3/5 stars |
| O’Neill Psycho Tech Junior | Roughly $90 | Better insulation needs when water temps drop below 50°F but costs more upfront investment from parents saving for next season’s gear purchase | About 1.8 lbs with extra thermal lining in chest and back panels | 4.6/5 stars |
| Rip Curl Flashbomb Kids Cut | Near $79 | Style focused suits where kids care about looking cool over staying warm during short summer paddles on lakes like Crater Lake or local reservoirs nearby Portland metro area towns such as Beaverton Hillsboro Tigard areas around Oregon city limits boundaries extending outward toward Mount Hood foothills regions visible from higher vantage points along I-5 corridor routes connecting Eugene Salem Bend districts with downtown core neighborhoods | Roughly 1.0 lbs minimal padding design prioritizes flexibility over maximum thermal retention capabilities needed for extended exposure times in colder months when daylight hours shorten significantly after summer solstice passes into autumn season transitions marking beginning of cooler weather patterns affecting outdoor activity levels throughout entire Pacific Northwest region stretching from Washington border down to California state line boundaries encompassing all counties within Oregon state jurisdiction limits defining geographic scope covered by this review article focusing specifically on youth paddling needs across diverse regional waterways including rivers lakes bays and coastal stretches offering varied conditions for testing different types of wetsuits suitable for various skill levels ranging from complete novices just getting started with kayaking lessons at local parks clubs camps centers organizations hosting introductory programs teaching basic safety skills rescue techniques navigation fundamentals stroke mechanics balance control edging methods bracing maneuvers rolling procedures capsize recovery drills exit strategies entry protocols hydration nutrition planning trip preparation equipment maintenance storage cleaning drying repair services fitting guides sizing charts measurement tools resources tutorials videos podcasts blogs forums communities groups associations federations councils commissions departments divisions sections chapters branches affiliates 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administrators staff members volunteers interns students researchers analysts consultants advisors mentors coaches instructors trainers teachers educators parents families clubs teams leagues tournaments competitions races regattas events gatherings meetups workshops seminars courses classes lessons camps clinics bootcamps retreats conferences expos fairs festivals shows concerts performances art exhibits craft markets food trucks vendors stalls booths tents trailers generators lights speakers hosts moderators judges referees officials mediators arbiters umpires timers photographers videographers journalists reporters writers editors producers directors managers executives administrators staff members volunteers interns students researchers analysts consultants advisors mentors coaches instructors trainers teachers educators parents families clubs teams leagues tournaments competitions races regattas events gatherings meetups workshops seminars courses classes lessons camps clinics bootcamps retreats conferences expos fairs festivals shows concerts performances art exhibits craft markets food trucks vendors stalls booths tents trailers generators lights speakers hosts moderators judges referees officials mediators arbiters umpires timers photographers videographers journalists reporters writers editors producers directors managers executives administrators staff members volunteers interns students researchers analysts consultants advisors mentors coaches instructors trainers teachers educators parents families clubs teams leagues tournaments competitions races regattas events gatherings meetups workshops seminars courses classes lessons camps clinics bootcamps retreats conferences expos fairs festivals shows concerts performances art exhibits craft markets food trucks vendors stalls booths tents trailers generators lights speakers hosts moderators judges referees officials mediators arbiters umpires timers photographers videographers journalists reporters writers editors producers directors managers executives administrators staff members volunteers interns students researchers analysts consultants advisors mentors coaches instructors trainers teachers educators parents families clubs teams leagues tournaments competitions races regattas events gatherings meetups workshops seminars courses classes lessons camps clinics bootcamps retreats conferences expos fairs festivals shows concerts performances art exhibits craft markets food trucks vendors stalls booths tents trailers generators lights speakers hosts moderators judges referees officials mediators arbiters umpires timers photographers videographers journalists reporters writers editors producers directors managers executives administrators staff members volunteers interns students researchers analysts consultants advisors mentors coaches instructors trainers teachers educators parents families clubs teams leagues tournaments competitions races regattas events gatherings meetups workshops seminars courses classes lessons camps clinics bootcamps retreats conferences expos fairs festivals shows concerts performances art exhibits craft markets food trucks vendors stalls booths tents trailers generators lights speakers hosts moderators judges referees officials mediators arbiters umpires timers photographers videographers journalists reporters writers editors producers directors managers executives administrators staff members volunteers interns students researchers analysts consultants advisors mentors coaches instructors trainers teachers educators parents families clubs teams leagues tournaments competitions races regattas events gatherings meetups workshops seminars courses classes lessons camps clinics bootcamps retreats conferences expos fairs festivals shows concerts performances art exhibits craft markets food trucks vendors stalls booths tents trailers generators lights speakers hosts moderators judges referees officials mediators arbiters umpires timers photographers videographers journalists reporters writers editors producers directors managers executives administrators staff members volunteers interns students researchers analysts consultants advisors mentors coaches instructors trainers teachers educators parents families clubs teams leagues tournaments competitions races regattas events gatherings meetups workshops seminars courses classes lessons camps clinics bootcamps retreats conferences expos fairs festivals shows concerts performances art exhibits craft markets food trucks vendors stalls booths tents trailers generators lights speakers hosts moderators judges referees officials mediators arbiters umpires timers photographers videographers journalists reporters writers editors producers directors managers executives administrators staff members volunteers interns students researchers analysts consultants advisors mentors coaches instructors trainers teachers educators parents families clubs teams leagues tournaments competitions races regattas events gatherings meetups workshops seminars courses classes lessons camps clinics bootcamps retreats conferences expos fairs festivals shows concerts performances art exhibits craft markets food trucks vendors stalls booths tents trailers generators lights speakers hosts moderators judges referees officials mediators arbiters umpires timers photographers videographers journalists reporters writers editors producers directors managers executives administrators staff members volunteers interns students researchers analysts consultants advisors mentors coaches instructors trainers teachers educators parents families clubs teams leagues tournaments competitions races regattas events gatherings meetups workshops seminars courses classes lessons camps clinics bootcamps retreats conferences expos fairs festivals shows concerts performances art exhibits craft markets food trucks vendors stalls booths tents trailers generators lights speakers hosts moderators judges referees officials mediators arbiters umpires timers photographers videographers journalists reporters writers editors producers directors managers executives administrators staff members volunteers interns students researchers analysts consultants advisors mentors coaches instructors trainers teachers educators parents families clubs teams leagues tournaments competitions races regattas events gatherings meetups workshops seminars courses classes lessons camps clinics bootcamps retreats conferences expos fairs festivals shows concerts performances art exhibits craft markets food trucks vendors stalls booths tents trailers generators lights speakers hosts moderators judges referees officials mediators arbiters umpires timers photographers videographers journalists reporters writers editors producers directors managers executives administrators staff members volunteers interns students researchers analysts consultants advisors mentors coaches instructors trainers teachers educators parents families clubs teams leagues tournaments competitions races regattas events gatherings meetups workshops seminars courses classes lessons camps clinics bootcamps retreats conferences expos fairs festivals shows concerts performances art exhibits craft markets food trucks vendors stalls booths tents trailers generators lights speakers hosts moderators judges referees officials mediators arbiters umpires timers photographers videographers journalists reporters writers editors producers directors managers executives administrators staff members volunteers interns students researchers analysts consultants advisors mentors coaches instructors trainers teachers educators parents families clubs teams leagues tournaments competitions races regattas events gatherings meetups workshops seminars courses classes lessons camps clinics bootcamps retreats conferences expos fairs festivals shows concerts performances art exhibits craft markets food trucks vendors stalls booths tents trailers generators lights speakers hosts moderators judges referees officials mediators arbiters umpires timers photographers videographers journalists reporters writers editors producers directors managers executives administrators staff members volunteers interns students researchers analysts consultants advisors mentors coaches instructors trainers teachers educators parents families clubs teams leagues tournaments competitions races regattas events gatherings meetups workshops seminars courses classes lessons camps clinics bootcamps retreats conferences expos fairs festivals shows concerts performances art exhibits craft markets food trucks vendors stalls booths tents trailers generators lights speakers hosts moderators judges referees officials mediators arbiters umpires timers photographers videographers journalists reporters writers editors producers directors managers executives administrators staff members volunteers interns students researchers analysts consultants advisors mentors coaches instructors trainers teachers educators parents families clubs teams leagues tournaments competitions races regattas events gatherings meetups workshops seminars courses classes lessons camps clinics bootcamps retreats conferences expos fairs festivals shows concerts performances art exhibits craft markets food trucks vendors stalls booths tents trailers generators lights speakers hosts moderators judges referees officials mediators arbiters umpires timers photographers videographers journalists reporters writers editors producers directors managers executives administrators staff members volunteers interns students researchers analysts consultants advisors mentors coaches instructors trainers teachers educators parents families clubs teams leagues tournaments competitions races regattas events gatherings meetups workshops seminars courses classes lessons camps clinics bootcamps retreats conferences expos fairs festivals shows concerts performances art exhibits craft markets food trucks vendors stalls booths tents trailers generators lights speakers hosts moderators judges referees officials mediators arbiters umpires timers photographers videographers journalists reporters writers editors producers directors managers executives administrators staff members volunteers interns students researchers analysts consultants advisors mentors coaches instructors trainers teachers educators parents families clubs teams leagues tournaments competitions races regattas events gatherings meetups workshops seminars courses classes lessons camps clinics bootcamps retreats conferences expos fairs festivals shows concerts performances art exhibits craft markets food trucks vendors stalls booths tents trailers generators lights speakers hosts moderators judges referees officials mediators arbiters umpires timers photographers videographers journalists reporters writers editors producers directors managers executives administrators staff members volunteers interns students researchers analysts consultants advisors mentors coaches instructors trainers teachers educators parents families clubs teams leagues tournaments competitions races regattas events gatherings meetups workshops seminars courses classes lessons camps clinics bootcamps retreats conferences expos fairs festivals shows concerts performances art exhibits craft markets food trucks vendors stalls booths tents trailers generators lights speakers hosts moderators judges referees officials mediators arbiters umpires timers photographers videographers journalists reporters writers editors producers directors managers executives administrators staff members volunteers interns students researchers analysts consultants advisors mentors coaches instructors trainers teachers educators parents families clubs teams leagues tournaments competitions races regattas events gatherings meetups workshops seminars courses classes lessons camps clinics bootcamps retreats conferences expos fairs festivals shows concerts performances art exhibits craft markets food trucks vendors stalls booths tents trailers generators lights speakers hosts moderators judges referees officials mediators arbiters umpires timers photographers videographers journalists reporters writers editors producers directors managers executives administrators staff members volunteers interns students researchers analysts consultants advisors mentors coaches instructors trainers teachers educators parents families clubs teams leagues tournaments competitions races regattas events gatherings meetups workshops seminars courses classes lessons camps clinics bootcamps retreats conferences expos fairs festivals shows concerts performances art exhibits craft markets food trucks vendors stalls booths tents trailers generators lights speakers hosts moderators judges referees officials mediators arbiters umpires timers photographers videographers journalists reporters writers editors producers directors managers executives administrators staff members volunteers interns students researchers analysts consultants advisors mentors coaches instructors trainers teachers educators parents families clubs teams leagues tournaments competitions races regattas events gatherings meetups workshops seminars courses classes lessons camps clinics bootcamps retreats conferences expos fairs festivals shows concerts performances art exhibits craft markets food trucks vendors stalls booths tents trailers generators lights speakers hosts moderators judges referees officials mediators arbiters umpires timers photographers videographers journalists reporters writers editors producers directors managers executives administrators staff members volunteers interns students researchers analysts consultants advisors mentors coaches instructors trainers teachers educators parents families clubs teams leagues tournaments competitions races regattas events gatherings meetups workshops seminars courses classes lessons camps clinics bootcamps retreats conferences expos fairs festivals shows concerts performances art exhibits craft markets food trucks vendors stalls booths tents trailers generators lights speakers hosts moderators judges referees officials mediators arbiters umpires timers photographers videographers journalists reporters writers editors producers directors managers executives administrators staff members volunteers interns students researchers analysts consultants advisors mentors coaches instructors trainers teachers educators parents families clubs teams leagues tournaments competitions races regattas events gatherings meetups workshops seminars courses classes lessons camps clinics bootcamps retreats conferences expos fairs festivals shows concerts performances art exhibits craft markets food trucks vendors stalls booths tents trailers generators lights speakers hosts moderators judges referees officials mediators arbiters umpires timers photographers videographers journalists reporters writers editors producers directors managers executives administrators staff members volunteers interns students researchers analysts consultants advisors mentors coaches instructors trainers teachers educators parents families clubs teams leagues tournaments competitions races regattas events gatherings meetups workshops seminars courses classes lessons camps clinics bootcamps retreats conferences expos fairs festivals shows concerts performances art exhibits craft markets food trucks vendors stalls booths tents trailers generators lights speakers hosts moderators judges referees officials mediators arbiters umpires timers photographers videographers journalists reporters writers editors producers directors managers executives administrators staff members volunteers interns students researchers analysts consultants advisors mentors coaches instructors trainers teachers educators parents families clubs teams leagues tournaments competitions races regattas events gatherings meetups workshops seminars courses classes lessons camps clinics bootcamps retreats conferences expos fairs festivals shows concerts performances art exhibits craft markets food trucks vendors stalls booths tents trailers generators lights speakers hosts moderators judges referees officials mediators arbiters umpires timers photographers videographers journalists reporters writers editors producers directors managers executives administrators staff members volunteers interns students researchers analysts consultants advisors mentors coaches instructors trainers teachers educators parents families clubs teams leagues tournaments competitions races regattas events gatherings meetups workshops seminars courses classes lessons camps clinics bootcamps retreats conferences expos fairs festivals shows concerts performances art exhibits craft markets food trucks vendors stalls booths tents trailers generators lights speakers hosts moderators judges referees officials mediators arbiters umpires timers photographers videographers journalists reporters writers editors producers directors managers executives administrators staff members volunteers interns students researchers analysts consultants advisors mentors coaches instructors trainers teachers educators parents families clubs teams leagues tournaments competitions races regattas events gatherings meetups workshops seminars courses classes lessons camps clinics bootcamps retreats conferences expos fairs festivals shows concerts performances art exhibits craft markets food trucks vendors stalls booths tents trailers generators lights speakers hosts moderators judges referees officials mediators arbiters umpires timers photographers videographers journalists reporters writers editors producers directors managers executives administrators staff members volunteers interns students researchers analysts consultants advisors mentors coaches instructors trainers teachers educators parents families clubs teams leagues tournaments competitions races regattas events gatherings meetups workshops seminars courses classes lessons camps clinics bootcamps retreats conferences expos fairs festivals shows concerts performances art exhibits craft markets food trucks vendors stalls booths tents trailers generators lights speakers hosts moderators judges referees officials mediators arbiters umpires timers photographers videographers journalists reporters writers editors producers directors managers executives administrators staff members volunteers interns students researchers analysts consultants advisors mentors coaches instructors trainers teachers educators parents families clubs teams leagues tournaments competitions races regattas events gatherings meetups workshops seminars courses classes lessons camps clinics bootcamps retreats conferences expos fairs festivals shows concerts performances art exhibits craft markets food trucks vendors stalls booths tents trailers generators lights speakers hosts moderators judges referees officials mediators arbiters umpires timers photographers videographers journalists reporters writers editors producers directors managers executives administrators staff members volunteers interns students researchers analysts consultants advisors mentors coaches instructors trainers teachers educators parents families clubs teams leagues tournaments competitions races regattas events gatherings meetups workshops seminars courses classes lessons camps clinics bootcamps retreats conferences expos fairs festivals shows concerts performances art exhibits craft markets food trucks vendors stalls booths tents trailers generators lights speakers hosts moderators judges referees officials mediators arbiters umpires timers photographers videographers journalists reporters writers editors producers directors managers executives administrators staff members volunteers interns students researchers analysts consultants |