Do you need a wetsuit to surf?

It really depends on your surf spot and preference. I live in Florida which sucks because the waves are small but the water in the summer is never really so cold you have to abandon the board shorts and throw on a wetsuit except for some rare occasions. I know some people who wear wetsuits unless the water is at least 80 degrees but it's all because they get cold easily and trying to surf when cold blows. If you surf in the Pacific a wetsuit is an absolute necessity. The entire Pacific Ocean is deep so the water tends to be cooler. Most of the time you will need a wetsuit at least covering your upper body and throw on some board shorts below. I wouldn't ever wear a wetsuit if I didn't have to because unless you pay top dollar your wetsuit will make it harder to bend and stretch. If you're like me you surf almost year round so in early spring and fall it's never warm enough to leave the wetsuit at home. Hope that helps.