Suitable for swimming, all year

Swimming can be an exhilarating adventure all year long in Southern California’s cool waters, as long as you’re wearing a warm, swim-specific wet suit. Made for triathletes (not for surfers, whose suits are heavier and stiffer), these buoyant, flexible suits of high-tech neoprene actually enable you to swim faster and safer. Here are four good choices for backstroking around the piers of Santa Monica or Newport Beach on New Year’s Day.

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Speed -- for a price

Quintana Roo Superfull: The ultimate wet suit for comfort and speed.

Likes: Highly flexible ribbed, 1.5-millimeter neoprene panels on shoulders and armpits allow natural arm movement. Comfortable for those with big shoulders. Manufacturer claims that ribbed leg panels cut through water faster. Soft collar and zipper guard protect from chafing. Silver torso and leg patches stand out from all-black models. Deeply textured wrist patch helps grab more water on the push-through.

Dislikes: For this price, you can book a flight to Maui, where you won’t need a wet suit.

Price: $460. (800) 548-6369; Rooworld.com.

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Breaking the surface

Xterra Vortex: Fast and durable.

Likes: Superb flotation. Positions your body higher in the water than most wet suits. Manufacturer claims shiny Duroskin coating is more resistant to punctures and tears than typical, delicate swimming wet suits. Non-coated patch at armpit aids arm movement. Zipper cuff inhibits chafing. Slightly textured wrist patch.

Dislikes: Has tight fit for its size and was difficult to put on initially. Not as flexible or comfortable as Quintana Roo.

Price: $375. (800) 813-1088; XterraWetsuits.com.

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For the occasional dip

Orca SpeedSuit: Economy model for occasional ocean swimmers and triathletes.

Likes: Good flexibility and flotation. Comfortable. Slightly textured wrist patch.

Dislikes: Tight fit; difficult to put on. Lacks flexibility of Quintana Roo and good flotation of Xterra. A slight speed disadvantage for competitive types.

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Price: $250. (866) 257-6722; www.orca.co.nz.

Lightweight contender

Ironman Instinct Sleeveless: Ventilated economy model for spring and summer.

Likes: Sleeveless design (available from most brands) keeps you cooler in warmer waters (65 degrees or above), yet keeps torso warm in cold water. Easy to put on and take off. May be more comfortable for muscular, big-shouldered men than long-sleeved suits in all but the coldest conditions.

Dislikes: Not as fast as long-sleeved suits because it’s not as buoyant.

Price: $195. (206) 632-1994; Ironmanwetsuits.com.

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-- Roy M. Wallack