Rip Curl Mens Dawn Patrol 2/2 Chest Zip Springsuit
Pickup currently unavailable at BSS
Built for Warm-Water Surf Sessions
The Rip Curl Dawn Patrol 2/2 Chest Zip Springsuit is the go-to suit for surfers who want reliable thermal protection without the bulk of a full suit. The 2/2mm neoprene construction keeps core warmth where it counts while short sleeves and short legs give your arms and legs full freedom to paddle, pop up, and maneuver through the lineup.
Rip Curl designed the Dawn Patrol line around the idea that quality should not be reserved for premium price points. It is the suit you grab before the sun is fully up, session after session, because it earns that trust.
Chest Zip Entry System
The chest zip configuration is a standout feature at this price tier. By moving the zipper to the chest rather than the back, the suit eliminates the single biggest cold-water flush point in traditional back-zip designs. The result is a cleaner, more water-tight seal across the torso, so the warmth you build up in the first few minutes of your session stays with you throughout.
The chest zip also removes the rigid back-zip spine panel, giving the suit a closer, more streamlined fit through the torso and allowing a fuller range of shoulder motion on every paddle stroke.
Dawn Patrol Construction
The Dawn Patrol series sits at the entry point of the Rip Curl wetsuit lineup and is built to deliver honest, session-ready performance. The neoprene panels are cut and bonded to move with the body rather than fight it. Flatlock or glued-and-blind-stitched seams (verify the exact construction on the suit tag) keep the suit together through a full season of regular use.
The high-collar neck panel visible in the product image adds a light wind buffer at the throat, a small detail that matters during early-morning sessions when air temperature is still well below water temperature.
Who It Is For
The Dawn Patrol 2/2 Chest Zip is the right suit for surfers in warm-water climates who want an upgrade from a basic back-zip without jumping to a full-price performance suit. It suits beginner-to-intermediate surfers who want a forgiving, comfortable fit as well as experienced surfers who need a reliable warm-water travel suit or a lightweight option for the warmer months.
Available in store and online at Island Water Sports, South Florida's surf specialty retailer since 1978.
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Specifications
- Brand
- Rip Curl
- Series
- Dawn Patrol
- Thickness
- 2/2mm
- Entry System
- Chest Zip
- Suit Style
- Springsuit (short sleeve, short leg)
- Gender
- Mens
- Category
- Wetsuits and Rash Guards
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a 2/2 springsuit?
- A 2/2 springsuit uses 2mm neoprene throughout the suit. The short-sleeve, short-leg cut (also called a spring wetsuit or shorty) covers the core and upper body while leaving the arms and legs bare, making it ideal for warm water where you want light thermal protection without restricting movement.
- What is the difference between a chest zip and a back zip wetsuit?
- A chest zip places the entry zipper across the chest rather than down the back. This largely eliminates the gap where water flushes in during a back-zip suit's spine zipper, improving core warmth retention. Chest zip suits also remove the stiff back panel, allowing freer shoulder and torso movement on the paddle.
- What water temperature is a 2/2 springsuit suitable for?
- A 2/2 springsuit is generally suited for water temperatures from approximately 68 degrees Fahrenheit and above. At those temperatures the suit takes the chill off without overheating. For cooler water, a thicker fullsuit is the better choice.
- Is the Rip Curl Dawn Patrol a good wetsuit for beginners?
- Yes. The Dawn Patrol line is specifically designed to deliver honest Rip Curl quality at an accessible price, making it a strong first suit for beginners. The forgiving fit and practical chest zip entry are easy to use, and the construction holds up through regular use as your surfing develops.
- How do I care for my Dawn Patrol springsuit?
- Rinse the suit thoroughly in cold fresh water after every session to remove salt, sand, and sunscreen residue. Turn it inside out to dry in the shade, away from direct sunlight and heat, which degrade neoprene over time. Store flat or hung at the waist, never folded at the zipper.
- Can I try this suit on before buying?
- Yes. Island Water Sports carries Rip Curl wetsuits in store in South Florida, where staff can help you find the right fit. The suit is also available online with the fit details in the variant picker.