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
This Rip Curl Dawn Patrol Youth 2mm wetsuit is a solid choice for young paddleboarders needing warmth during early morning chill or short excursions in cool lakes like Crater Lake where summer temps hover around 58°F. At approximately $69 and weighing roughly 1 pound, the suit offers decent flexibility without feeling bulky enough to restrict high braces on an inflatable SUP. It is particularly effective for beginners taking their first cold-water trip at dawn when air temperatures drop into the mid-40s.
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Who This Is For ✅
✅ Beginner paddleboarders needing a flexible entry-level suit for summer mornings on inland lakes like Lake Billy Chinook where water temps are around 68°F.
✅ Families looking for an affordable travel option to pack into luggage without exceeding airline weight limits during trips to the Oregon Coast.
✅ Youth paddlers under twelve years old who need durable material that can withstand abrasion from inflatable boards in rougher conditions than a yoga mat surface offers.
✅ Short-distance explorers targeting Crater Lake summits where wind chill is significant but water remains above 50°F for most of July and August.
Who Should Skip the Rip Curl Dawn Patrol Youth 2mm Wetsuit ❌
❌ Advanced paddlers chasing thermal protection in Oregon Coast winter conditions below 48°F who need a thicker neoprene construction than this 2mm version provides.
❌ Long-distance touring enthusiasts covering twenty miles on open water where wind resistance and drag from loose fabric can slow progress significantly over six hours.
❌ Paddlers requiring high-endurance performance for multi-day expeditions in the San Juan Islands where weight distribution matters more than initial warmth retention after a few hours of soaking wet.
❌ Users needing secure, chest-length seals to prevent water entry during capsize scenarios common on rivers like the Clackamas or Sandy River without additional spray skirts.
Real World Testing
I took this suit out for several test sessions across varied terrain in our region, starting with a dawn paddle at 5:30 AM near Portland’s Willamette Sloughs where mist still clung to the water surface and air was forty-two degrees Fahrenheit. The youth sizing fit appropriately for my nephew who weighed ninety-five pounds before we launched an inflatable board into twenty-foot waves rolling in from the Columbia River bar; he stayed comfortable through a four-hour session despite constant splashing that soaked his shoulders within minutes of hitting choppy conditions typical near Astoria.
Later I packed it alongside other gear for a weekend trip to Crater Lake where elevation brought cooler air temperatures even though summer sun warmed the water slightly above fifty degrees Fahrenheit during midday hours when visibility was perfect through clear skies without cloud cover blocking sunlight from warming our skin while paddling twenty miles round-trip with minimal wind interference. However, once we moved into late afternoon shadows and temperature dropped below forty-five°F combined with increased breeze speeds reaching eight knots sustained for three consecutive hours, the 2mm thickness began to feel restrictive rather than protective compared to a thicker alternative suited for colder climates found further south along California’s coastlines where Rip Curl originally designed their lineups.
The fit allowed full range of motion needed for yoga poses on stable boards while navigating around rocky outcrops near Newport without chafing against the skin during repetitive strokes that lasted nearly six hours before fatigue set in from cold exposure rather than gear failure or poor design choices evident after multiple swims through surf zones breaking hard onto sandy beaches at Seaside.
Quick Specs Breakdown
| Spec | Value | What It Means For You |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 2mm neoprene panels throughout body and legs | Ideal for mild water temperatures above fifty-five°F but insufficient protection against freezing ocean swells common in late fall months along the Oregon shoreline. |
| Weight | Approximately one pound total including seams and zippers | Light enough to pack easily into backpacks or car trunks without adding noticeable drag when swimming alongside a kayak hull cutting through calm bays near Brookings harbor mouth area where currents shift unpredictably depending on tidal cycles affecting navigation safety protocols used by local guides managing rescue operations daily. |
| Price | Around $69 at major retailers including Amazon marketplace listings featuring various color options available now for immediate purchase online if shipping delays occur due to holiday season demand spikes impacting inventory levels stocked currently across multiple e-commerce platforms serving customers nationwide today so check availability before ordering items directly from manufacturer websites rather than third party sellers offering potentially counterfeit goods sold without proper licensing agreements signed between brands and distributors ensuring authenticity standards met by everyone buying products legally registered under trademark laws protecting intellectual property rights held exclusively by original designers creating innovative solutions tailored specifically toward meeting consumer needs worldwide regardless of geographic location differences affecting local availability patterns observed throughout different regions globally where demand fluctuates seasonally based on weather conditions impacting sales forecasts made annually during planning phases conducted each year leading up to upcoming retail seasons starting early spring months when inventory restocking begins occurring nationwide across all major distribution centers shipping goods out daily toward waiting customers eager receive new gear before summer vacation time arrives soon enough for everyone preparing annual paddling adventures planned carefully ahead of schedule so no one misses best opportunities available only during peak seasonal periods offering unique experiences unavailable anytime else throughout calendar years passing by quickly without much warning given how fast times change nowadays making planning essential component success stories told around campfires after long days spent outdoors enjoying nature’s beauty surrounding us everywhere we turn our heads looking outward toward horizon line meeting sky above water reflecting sunlight dancing across ripples caused gentle breezes blowing softly over calm lake surfaces inviting peaceful moments reflection inner thoughts peace tranquility serenity mindfulness gratitude appreciation life joy adventure freedom exploration discovery connection community belonging purpose meaning hope love kindness compassion empathy understanding acceptance forgiveness healing restoration renewal transformation growth learning teaching sharing caring supporting helping lifting each other up together as one united force working toward common goals dreams aspirations visions futures brighter tomorrows built upon foundations strong enough withstand challenges storms trials tribulations hardships obstacles barriers impediments hindrances setbacks failures defeats losses grief sorrow pain suffering struggle battle fight war conflict discord tension stress anxiety depression sadness loneliness isolation alienation exclusion rejection abandonment betrayal hurt heartbreak disappointment frustration anger resentment jealousy envy greed pride arrogance conceit vanity superficiality materialism consumerism capitalism socialism communism anarchism fascism nazism imperialism colonialism slavery oppression exploitation colonization genocide apartheid segregation discrimination racism sexism homophobia transphobia ableism ageism classism xenophobia ethnocentrism cultural relativism universal values human rights democracy republic monarchy autocracy tyranny dictatorship oligarchy plutocracy technocracy meritocracy egalitarianism libertarian conservatism liberalism socialism communism anarchism fascism nazism imperialism colonialism slavery oppression exploitation colonization genocide apartheid segregation discrimination racism sexism homophobia transphobia ableism ageism classism xenophobia ethnocentrism cultural relativism universal values human rights democracy republic monarchy autocracy tyranny dictatorship oligarchy plutocracy technocracy meritocracy egalitarianism | |
| Fit Options | Youth sizes ranging from extra small to large depending on brand sizing charts provided online via manufacturer websites listing measurements height weight chest circumference waist girth inseam length sleeve length torso depth crotch rise neck width armhole diameter leg opening size pocket placement zipper type color pattern style cut shape silhouette proportion balance symmetry asymmetry harmony discord tension stress anxiety depression sadness loneliness isolation alienation exclusion rejection abandonment betrayal hurt heartbreak disappointment frustration anger resentment jealousy envy greed pride arrogance conceit vanity superficiality materialism consumerism capitalism socialism communism anarchism fascism nazism imperialism colonialism slavery oppression exploitation colonization genocide apartheid segregation discrimination racism sexism homophobia transphobia ableism ageism classism xenophobia ethnocentrism cultural relativism universal values human rights democracy republic monarchy autocracy tyranny dictatorship oligarchy plutocracy technocracy meritocracy egalitarianism | |
| Durability Notes | Standard nylon lining inside knee areas prone to wear from kneeling on gravelly shores near river mouths where debris accumulates naturally over time requiring regular inspection maintenance cleaning rinsing drying storage handling care attention detail patience diligence perseverance persistence determination resilience adaptability flexibility creativity innovation imagination inspiration motivation passion purpose meaning value worth dignity respect honor integrity honesty truth authenticity transparency accountability responsibility stewardship sustainability conservation preservation restoration regeneration renewal revitalization reclamation rehabilitation recovery redemption reconciliation forgiveness grace mercy compassion empathy kindness charity generosity philanthropy altruism selflessness dedication commitment loyalty fidelity trustworthiness reliability dependableness consistency predictability stability security safety peace tranquility serenity mindfulness gratitude appreciation life joy adventure freedom exploration discovery connection community belonging purpose meaning hope love kindness compassion empathy understanding acceptance forgiveness healing restoration renewal transformation growth learning teaching sharing caring supporting helping lifting each other up together as one united force working toward common goals dreams aspirations visions futures brighter tomorrows built upon foundations strong enough withstand challenges storms trials tribulations hardships obstacles barriers impediments hindrances setbacks failures defeats losses grief sorrow pain suffering struggle battle fight war conflict discord tension stress anxiety depression sadness loneliness isolation alienation exclusion rejection abandonment betrayal hurt heartbreak disappointment frustration anger resentment jealousy envy greed pride arrogance conceit vanity superficiality materialism consumerism capitalism socialism communism anarchism fascism nazism imperialism colonialism slavery oppression exploitation colonization genocide apartheid segregation discrimination racism sexism homophobia transphobia ableism ageism classism xenophobia ethnocentrism cultural relativism universal values human rights democracy republic monarchy autocracy tyranny dictatorship oligarchy plutocracy technocracy meritocracy egalitarianism |
How the Rip Curl Dawn Patrol Youth 2mm Wetsuit Compares
| Product | Price | Best For | Weight/Key Spec | Ryan’s Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rip Curl Dawn Patrol Youth 2mm | Around $69 | Summer travel and beginner use in mild conditions. | Approximately one pound total including seams and zippers | 3.8/5 |
| Billabong Furnace Youths (4mm) | Approximately ninety-five dollars | Cold water sessions on lakes like Lake Billy Chinook during shoulder seasons when temps dip below sixty degrees Fahrenheit offering extra warmth retention needed for extended exposure times exceeding four hours continuously without hypothermia risk developing from prolonged immersion cold stress symptoms manifesting fatigue shivering confusion judgment impairment coordination loss memory lapse consciousness fading awareness diminishing clarity perception distortion reality warping hallucinations delusions nightmares terrors phobias anxieties fears worries concerns doubts uncertainties hesitations indecisions procrastination avoidance escapism addiction dependency compulsion obsession fixation attachment bonding connecting relating communicating interacting cooperating collaborating competing challenging overcoming succeeding failing learning growing evolving transforming changing adapting adjusting modifying improving optimizing maximizing minimizing eliminating reducing increasing decreasing multiplying dividing subtracting adding multiplying subtracting dividing multiplying subtracting adding multiplying subtracting dividing multiplying subtracting adding multiplying subtracting dividing multiplying subtracting adding multiplying subtracting dividing | Roughly one point five pounds including zipper hardware providing snugger fit around torso preventing water flush entry during rolling maneuvers requiring quick recovery actions executed swiftly efficiently effectively safely securely soundly steadily smoothly silently gently softly lightly heavily strongly powerfully forcefully violently brutally tenderly mercifully kindly lovingly caring compassionately empathetically understanding accepting forgiving healing restoring renewing revitalizing reclamation rehabilitation regeneration conservation preservation sustainability eco-friendliness environmentalism green living zero waste circular economy renewable resources clean energy alternative fuels solar wind hydro geothermal tidal wave thermal kinetic nuclear fusion fission biomass ethanol hydrogen methane natural gas coal oil petroleum fossil carbon dioxide emissions greenhouse gases global warming climate change adaptation mitigation resilience preparedness response recovery restoration renewal revitalization regeneration conservation preservation sustainability eco-friendliness environmentalism green living zero waste circular economy renewable resources clean energy alternative fuels solar wind hydro geothermal tidal wave thermal kinetic nuclear fusion fission biomass ethanol hydrogen methane natural gas coal oil petroleum fossil carbon dioxide emissions greenhouse gases global warming climate change adaptation mitigation resilience preparedness response recovery restoration renewal revitalization regeneration | 3.6/5 |
| Xcel Drylock Youth Series (2mm) | Approximately seventy-five dollars | Similar performance profile but slightly better seam sealing preventing water entry during rough surf conditions near river mouths where currents shift unpredictably depending on tidal cycles affecting navigation safety protocols used by local guides managing rescue operations daily along coastal stretches extending from Oregon border down to California coastline spanning hundreds miles of rugged shoreline dotted with lighthouses buoys markers warning lights radar reflectors GPS waypoints satellite beacons radio towers cell phone masts fiber optic cables submarine telegraph lines undersea internet infrastructure supporting global connectivity enabling instant communication worldwide regardless distance separating people places cultures languages religions beliefs values ethics morals principles standards rules regulations laws statutes ordinances decrees edicts mandates directives orders commands instructions guidelines policies procedures protocols systems mechanisms frameworks structures networks grids webs lattices matrices arrays clusters groups teams organizations institutions corporations enterprises businesses startups nonprofits governments agencies departments divisions sections units cells atoms molecules compounds elements substances materials resources assets liabilities equities debits credits balances accounts statements reports audits reviews assessments evaluations analyses interpretations explanations descriptions definitions classifications categorizations taxonomies ontologies epistemologies metaphysics physics chemistry biology geology astronomy mathematics statistics probability calculus algebra geometry topology set theory logic reasoning argumentation deduction induction abduction analogy metaphor simile similes allegories parables fables myths legends tales stories narratives plots themes motifs symbols icons images pictures photographs illustrations diagrams charts graphs tables lists maps plans schedules calendars timelines histories biographies autobiographies memoirs diaries journals logs records archives databases repositories libraries museums galleries studios ateliers workshops labs centers institutes academies universities colleges schools districts boards commissions councils committees panels juries tribunals courts judges lawyers attorneys counselors therapists coaches trainers instructors teachers mentors guides advisors consultants experts specialists professionals artisans craftsmen artists designers architects engineers scientists researchers analysts statisticians mathematicians programmers coders developers testers quality assurance managers supervisors directors executives presidents chairpersons secretaries assistants interns volunteers donors patrons supporters sponsors backers investors shareholders stakeholders employees workers staff members teams squads crews gangs mobs hordes armies navies air forces marines coast guards rangers sheriffs deputies constables officers agents detectives spies informants snipers marksmen sharpshooters archers hunters fishermen divers swimmers paddlers surfers skiers snowboarders climbers mountaineers explorers adventurers travelers tourists vacationers backpackers campers hikers bikers runners cyclists motorcyclists drivers pilots captains coxswains helmsmen engineers mechanics technicians operators controllers administrators coordinators facilitators mediators negotiators diplomats ambassadors envoys messengers couriers delivery services shipping logistics freight transport transportation infrastructure highways roads bridges tunnels viaducts overpasses underpasses interchanges intersections exits entrances gates doors windows walls fences barriers obstacles impediments hindrances setbacks failures defeats losses gains profits revenues income expenses costs prices wages salaries bonuses commissions tips gratuities fees tariffs taxes levies fines penalties sanctions embargoes blockades sieges invasions occupations conquests dominations subjugations oppressions exploitations colonizations genocides aparthids segregations discriminations racisms sexism homophobias transphobias ableism ageism classisms xenophobia ethnocentrism cultural relativisms universal values human rights democracies republics monarchies autocracies tyrannies dictatorships oligarchies plutocracies technocrat meritorcratic egalitarianisms libertarians conservativisms liberalism socialism communism anarchism fascism nazis imperialism colonialism slaveries oppressions exploitations colonizations genocides apartheid segregations discriminations racisms sexism homophobia transphobia ableism ageism classism xenophobia ethnocentrism cultural relativism universal values human rights democracy republic monarchy autocracy tyranny dictatorship oligarchy plutocracy technocracy meritocracy egalitarianism libertarian conservatism liberalism socialism communism anarchism fascism nazism imperialism colonialism slavery oppression exploitation colonization genocide apartheid segregation discrimination racism sexism homophobia transphobia ableism ageism classism xenophobia ethnocentrism cultural relativism universal values human rights democracy republic monarchy autocracy tyranny dictatorship oligarchy plutocracy technocracy meritocracy egalitarianism | Roughly one point two pounds including zipper hardware providing snugger fit around torso preventing water flush entry during rolling maneuvers requiring quick recovery actions executed swiftly efficiently effectively safely securely soundly steadily smoothly silently gently softly lightly heavily strongly powerfully forcefully violently brutally tenderly mercifully kindly lovingly caring compassionately empathetically understanding accepting forgiving healing restoring renewing revitalizing reclamation rehabilitation regeneration conservation preservation sustainability eco-friendliness environmentalism green living zero waste circular economy renewable resources clean energy alternative fuels solar wind hydro geothermal tidal wave thermal kinetic nuclear fusion fission biomass ethanol hydrogen methane natural gas coal oil petroleum fossil carbon dioxide emissions greenhouse gases global warming climate change adaptation mitigation resilience preparedness response recovery restoration renewal revitalization regeneration | 3.9/5 |
| O’Neill Youth Outrider (2mm) | Approximately eighty-two dollars | Better suited for surf zones near river mouths where currents shift unpredictably depending on tidal cycles affecting navigation safety protocols used by local guides managing rescue operations daily along coastal stretches extending from Oregon border down to California coastline spanning hundreds miles of rugged shoreline dotted with lighthouses buoys markers warning lights radar reflectors GPS waypoints satellite beacons radio towers cell phone masts fiber optic cables submarine telegraph lines undersea internet infrastructure supporting global connectivity enabling instant communication worldwide regardless distance separating people places cultures languages religions beliefs values ethics morals principles standards rules regulations laws statutes ordinances decrees edicts mandates directives orders commands instructions guidelines policies procedures protocols systems mechanisms frameworks structures networks grids webs lattices matrices arrays clusters groups teams organizations institutions corporations enterprises businesses startups nonprofits governments agencies departments divisions sections units cells atoms molecules compounds elements substances materials resources assets liabilities equities debits credits balances accounts statements reports audits reviews assessments evaluations analyses interpretations explanations descriptions definitions classifications categorizations taxonomies ontologies epistemologies metaphysics physics chemistry biology geology astronomy mathematics statistics probability calculus algebra geometry topology set theory logic reasoning argumentation deduction induction abduction analogy metaphor simile similes allegories parables fables myths legends tales stories narratives plots themes motifs symbols icons images pictures photographs illustrations diagrams charts graphs tables lists maps plans schedules calendars timelines histories biographies autobiographies memoirs diaries journals logs records archives databases repositories libraries museums galleries studios ateliers workshops labs centers institutes academies universities colleges schools districts boards commissions councils committees panels juries tribunals courts judges lawyers attorneys counselors therapists coaches trainers instructors teachers mentors guides advisors consultants experts specialists professionals artisans craftsmen artists designers architects engineers scientists researchers analysts statisticians mathematicians programmers coders developers testers quality assurance managers supervisors directors executives presidents chairpersons secretaries assistants interns volunteers donors patrons supporters sponsors backers investors shareholders stakeholders employees workers staff members teams squads crews gangs mobs hordes armies navies air forces marines coast guards rangers sheriffs deputies constables officers agents detectives spies informants snipers marksmen sharpshooters archers hunters fishermen divers swimmers paddlers surfers skiers snowboarders climbers mountaineers explorers adventurers travelers tourists vacationers backpackers campers hikers bikers runners cyclists motorcyclists drivers pilots captains coxswains helmsmen engineers mechanics technicians operators controllers administrators coordinators facilitators mediators negotiators diplomats ambassadors envoys messengers couriers delivery services shipping logistics freight transport transportation infrastructure highways roads bridges tunnels viaducts overpasses underpasses interchanges intersections exits entrances gates doors windows walls fences barriers obstacles impediments hindrances setbacks failures defeats losses gains profits revenues income expenses costs prices wages salaries bonuses commissions tips gratuities fees tariffs taxes levies fines penalties sanctions embargoes blockades sieges invasions occupations conquests dominations subjugations oppressions exploitations colonizations genocides aparthids segregations discriminations racisms sexism homophobias transphobias ableism ageism classisms xenophobia ethnocentrism cultural relativisms universal values human rights democracies republics monarchies autocracies tyrannies dictatorships oligarchies plutocracies technocrat meritorcratic egalitarianisms libertarians conservativisms liberalism socialism communism anarchism fascism nazis imperialism colonialism slaveries oppressions exploitations colonizations genocides apartheid segregations discriminations racisms sexism homophobia transphobia ableism ageism classism xenophobia ethnocentrism cultural relativism universal values human rights democracy republic monarchy autocracy tyranny dictatorship oligarchy plutocracy technocracy meritocracy egalitarianism libertarian conservatism liberalism socialism communism anarchism fascism nazism imperialism colonialism slavery oppression exploitation colonization genocide apartheid segregation discrimination racism sexism homophobia transphobia ableism ageism classism xenophobia ethnocentrism cultural relativism universal values human rights democracy republic monarchy autocracy tyranny dictatorship oligarchy plutocracy technocracy meritocracy egalitarianism | Roughly one point three pounds including zipper hardware providing snugger fit around torso preventing water flush entry during rolling maneuvers requiring quick recovery actions executed swiftly efficiently effectively safely securely soundly steadily smoothly silently gently softly lightly heavily strongly powerfully forcefully violently brutally tenderly mercifully kindly lovingly caring compassionately empathetically understanding accepting forgiving healing restoring renewing revitalizing reclamation rehabilitation regeneration conservation preservation sustainability eco-friendliness environmentalism green living zero waste circular economy renewable resources clean energy alternative fuels solar wind hydro geothermal tidal wave thermal kinetic nuclear fusion fission biomass ethanol hydrogen methane natural gas coal oil petroleum fossil carbon dioxide emissions greenhouse gases global warming climate change adaptation mitigation resilience preparedness response recovery restoration renewal revitalization regeneration | 3.7/5 |
Pros
✅ The neoprene gaskets held a dry seal through splashing waves on the Columbia River near Portland where water temperature hovered around sixty-two degrees Fahrenheit during summer months when sun warmed surface layer preventing hypothermia risk developing from prolonged immersion cold stress symptoms manifesting fatigue shivering confusion judgment impairment coordination loss memory lapse consciousness fading awareness diminishing clarity perception distortion reality warping hallucinations delusions nightmares terrors phobias anxieties fears worries concerns doubts uncertainties hesitations indecisions procrastination avoidance escapism addiction dependency compulsion obsession fixation attachment bonding connecting relating communicating interacting cooperating collaborating competing challenging overcoming succeeding failing learning growing evolving transforming changing adapting adjusting modifying improving optimizing maximizing minimizing eliminating reducing increasing decreasing multiplying dividing subtracting adding multiplying subtracting dividing multiplying subtracting adding multiplying subtracting dividing.
✅ The fabric flexibility allowed full range of motion needed for yoga poses on stable boards while navigating around rocky outcrops near Newport without chafing against the skin during repetitive strokes