Choosing a drysuit is one of the biggest equipment decisions you'll make as a paddler, and one of the questions we're asked more than any other is:
"Should I choose a Glideskin neck seal or a latex neck seal?"
The honest answer is that there isn't a right or wrong choice. Both have their advantages, and both have been trusted by paddlers for years. The best option simply depends on the type of paddling you do and what matters most to you.
Latex Neck Seals – The Ultimate in Waterproof Protection
For decades, latex has been the benchmark for keeping water out.
A correctly fitted latex neck seal creates an exceptionally watertight seal against the skin, making it the preferred choice for many whitewater kayakers, rescue professionals and paddlers who regularly expect full immersions or powerful impacts with water.
If you're paddling whitewater, punching through waves or spending long periods upside down, rolling for example, latex still offers the highest level of protection against water ingress.
This is why it remains the most popular choice among dedicated whitewater paddlers.
Advantages of Latex
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Maximum waterproof performance
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Best protection against water "jetting" during impacts and repeated immersions
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Ideal for serious whitewater and rescue use
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Industry standard for ultimate dry performance
GlideSkin Neck Seals – Comfort You'll Appreciate All Day
Over the last few years we've seen a noticeable shift in what many experienced paddlers are choosing.
Many of our ambassadors, coaches, instructors and expedition paddlers now favour Glideskin neoprene neck seals.
Why?
Quite simply...
Comfort.
When you're wearing a drysuit for six, eight or even ten hours, comfort becomes incredibly important.
A Glideskin seal uses soft, smooth neoprene that sits comfortably against your neck without the tight compression of latex. It allows you to concentrate on your paddling rather than constantly being aware of your neck seal.
For touring, canoeing, paddleboarding, sea kayaking, coaching and general recreational paddling, many experienced users feel the slight compromise (and don't be mis-guided - it is an excellent seal) in ultimate waterproofing is outweighed by the huge gain in comfort.
But Isn't Latex More Waterproof?
Yes.
We're completely honest about that.
A latex neck seal still provides the very highest level of waterproof performance.
If you spend your time repeatedly upside down in aerated whitewater or taking heavy hits from breaking waves, latex remains the benchmark.
However, modern Glideskin seals are far better than many paddlers expect.
The seal created by the smooth neoprene against your skin is remarkably effective and, for the vast majority of paddling, keeps you impressively dry.
Many paddlers are surprised by just how little water enters through a properly fitted Glideskin neck seal.
"It Feels Really Tight..."
This is probably the biggest concern we hear from customers trying on a Glideskin neck for the first time.
Because the neoprene is new, it can initially feel surprisingly snug and a little difficult to get over your head.
Don't panic.
This is completely normal.
After around four or five uses, the neoprene naturally relaxes and moulds to your shape, making it significantly easier to put on while still maintaining an excellent seal.
Think of it like a new pair of walking boots—they simply need a little time to bed in.
Once broken in, most paddlers find the seal much easier to don and considerably more comfortable throughout the day.
Nookie Ambassador, Ollie Footitt, explains more here
Why Many Coaches Choose Glideskin
If you spend your day coaching on the water, you're rarely upside down every few minutes.
Instead, you're standing, demonstrating, talking, lifting boats, launching groups and wearing your drysuit for an entire working day.
That's exactly why so many instructors and ambassadors choose Glideskin.
The reduced pressure around the neck makes an enormous difference over hours of continuous wear, while still offering excellent protection from splashes, rain, wind and occasional immersions.
For many professionals, it's simply the better balance.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Latex if you:
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Paddle predominantly whitewater.
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Regularly practise rolling.
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Frequently expect full immersions.
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Want the highest possible waterproof performance.
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Prioritise dryness above everything else.
Choose Glideskin if you:
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Paddle rivers, lakes, estuaries or the sea.
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Canoe, sea kayak or paddleboard.
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Spend long days on the water.
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Coach or instruct.
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Value all-day comfort without sacrificing excellent weather protection.
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Prefer a softer, more natural feel around your neck.
Our Recommendation
At Nookie, we don't believe one neck seal is universally better than the other.
That's why we continue to offer both.
If absolute waterproof performance is your priority, latex remains the gold standard.
If you're looking for exceptional comfort while still enjoying an impressively effective seal, Glideskin has become the preferred choice for many of our most experienced ambassadors, coaches and expedition paddlers.
Whichever option you choose, you're getting a drysuit that's been designed and manufactured here in the UK to keep you comfortable, protected and enjoying more time on the water.
Ultimately, the best neck seal is the one that suits your needs.