O'Neill Hyperfire No Sleeve Hooded Wetsuit Vest
If you’re a New Zealand surfer, you already know how harsh the water can get, especially through winter and spring. Even the best full wetsuit sometimes isn’t enough to keep your core and head warm during long, cold sessions. That’s where the new O’Neill Hyperfire GBS No Sleeve Hooded Wetsuit Vest comes in – a lightweight, performance-driven layer designed to lock in warmth while keeping you free to paddle and perform.
At Blitz Surf Shop, we carry the full range of O’Neill wetsuits in NZ, and this new Hyperfire vest is quickly becoming a must-have for surfers who want to surf through the coldest months. Here’s everything you need to know about its features, benefits, and how it can extend your time in the water.
TB4 Neoprene – Lightweight, Flexible, and Warm
The Hyperfire GBS Hooded Vest is built from O’Neill’s premium TechnoButter 4 (TB4) neoprene, their most advanced material to date. TB4 is exceptionally stretchy, ultra-lightweight, and designed to absorb minimal water. This means you get maximum flexibility when paddling and a vest that doesn’t weigh you down or stay soggy between surfs.
The sleeveless design gives your arms complete freedom for paddling power while adding a serious boost of warmth to your core.
TB4 Firewall – Fast-Drying Thermal Lining
What sets this vest apart is the TB4 Firewall thermal lining, strategically placed to trap and retain body heat while wicking away moisture. It’s also incredibly fast-drying – often touch dry in 20–30 minutes – so it’s ready for your next session without that heavy, cold wetsuit feeling.
This thermal lining acts like a built-in base layer, reflecting heat back into your body and dramatically reducing heat loss, even on windy, frigid mornings.
GBS Seams – Sealed for Superior Warmth
Like the rest of the Hyperfire line, this product uses GBS (Glued and Blind Stitched) seams in the hood, which are sealed and watertight to prevent cold water flushing. The GBS construction locks in warmth and keeps your head warm, essentially causing your core temperature to remain stable for longer sessions.
Built-In Hood – No More Brain Freeze
The integrated hood, also constructed from TB4 neoprene, TB4 Firewall lining and smoothskin, gives you full coverage for your head, ears, and neck. It reduces wind chill, blocks icy water from hitting your ears, and helps you stay warm when duck diving or waiting for sets. No more ice cream headache pain!
The adjustable face opening lets you get a snug fit without feeling restricted, so you can stay comfortable while protecting yourself from brutal offshore winds.
How and When to Use the O’Neill Hyperfire Hooded Vest
This vest is designed to be worn as a layer under your full wetsuit for the ultimate cold-water protection. It’s ideal for:
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Winter and spring surfing in New Zealand (water temperatures from 8–16°C, especially in the South Island).
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Windy, offshore days when the chill factor can cut through your suit.
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Extended surf sessions where maintaining core heat is essential.
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Big wave surfing or long line-ups, where you’re sitting still for long periods between sets.
For most surfers, pairing this vest with a 4/3mm or 5/4mm O’Neill wetsuit creates the perfect combo for cold water comfort and performance.
Why Invest in the Hyperfire GBS Hooded Wetsuit Vest?
Cold water does more than make you uncomfortable – it can cut your sessions short and sap your energy. The O’Neill Hyperfire GBS No Sleeve Hooded Wetsuit Vest solves this by adding an extra thermal barrier exactly where you need it, without limiting movement.
Thanks to TB4 neoprene, TB4 Firewall lining, fast-dry tech, sealed GBS seams in the built-in hood, this vest lets you surf longer and warmer – no matter how cold the conditions get.
Shop O’Neill Wetsuits NZ at Blitz Surf Shop
At Blitz Surf Shop, we stock the latest O’Neill wetsuits in NZ for every level of surfer. Whether you need a full winter steamer, a lighter spring suit, or cold-water accessories like the Hyperfire vest, we’ve got you covered:
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Men’s O’Neill Wetsuits – High-performance suits for every season.
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Women’s O’Neill Wetsuits – Tailored for warmth, comfort, and stretch.
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Youth O’Neill Wetsuits – Keep the groms warm and stoked in all conditions.
Explore our full O’Neill range online at www.blitzsurf.co.nz or drop by our Gisborne store to find the perfect gear for your next session.
Stay warm, surf longer, and make the most of every wave with O’Neill.
