ION Capture 2/2 Shorty SS Backzip Junior 2026 Wetsuit

The ION Capture 2/2 Shorty SS Backzip Junior 2026 Wetsuit is designed for young riders who want comfortable protection without feeling restricted in the water. Built specifically for kids and teens, this short-sleeve shorty combines flexible neoprene, a practical back-zip entry and durable construction for everything from first surf sessions to more progressive riding.

ION describes the Capture as a performance-oriented junior wetsuit inspired by technical features found in its adult Element range. The 2026 version uses ION’s S_Type standard foam, a limestone-based neoprene designed to balance warmth, flexibility and comfort.

With its 2/2 mm construction, short sleeves and short legs, this Kid’s wetsuit is particularly suited to warmer water and mild conditions where a full-length suit would be unnecessary. The official ION listing offers the suit in sizes from 104/4 through 176/16, making it suitable for a broad range of junior riders.

Why Choose the ION Capture 2/2 Shorty Junior 2026?

Young surfers need equipment that can handle plenty of movement while also standing up to regular use. The Capture is built with that balance in mind. Its flexible construction allows kids to paddle, swim, surf and move naturally, while reinforced stress points help improve durability in areas that receive more strain.

The shorty design also gives riders greater freedom around the arms and legs. This makes it a practical choice for warm-water surfing, watersports holidays and summer sessions.

Flexible 2/2 mm Neoprene Construction

The 2/2 mm thickness provides a useful combination of light insulation and freedom of movement. Rather than creating the bulk of a thick winter wetsuit, the thinner neoprene is intended for milder water and warmer climates.

ION uses S_Type standard foam, made from limestone instead of oil, giving the suit a balance of warmth and stretch.

Silk_Stuff Interior

The 2026 Capture features ION’s Silk_Stuff interior lining. This thin and smooth lining is designed to improve stretch and wearing comfort against the skin. ION also highlights its durability, making it suitable for the repeated use expected from junior watersports equipment.

Flatlock Stitching

Flatlock stitching is used to create strong yet flexible seams while helping reduce potential skin irritation. Instead of creating bulky seams, the neoprene panels are laid over one another and stitched together. This construction has also been used on previous Capture junior models.

Backzip Design for Easy Changing

One of the biggest advantages of the Capture 2/2 Shorty SS Backzip is its straightforward rear-entry design. The back zipper makes getting the suit on and off convenient, which is especially useful for younger surfers who may need to change quickly between sessions.

ION also incorporates an internal Water Gate panel behind the back zipper. This neoprene panel helps reduce the amount of water entering through the zipper area, improving comfort while riding.

For parents, the simple backzip design can make changing easier before and after a session.

Key Features at a Glance

ION lists the 2026 model as 80% neoprene and 20% polyamide.

Built for Active Young Riders

A junior surfing wetsuit needs to cope with more than just time spent on a surfboard. Kids may swim, climb over rocks, play in the shallows and repeatedly take their wetsuit on and off. The Capture’s robust construction is therefore an important part of its appeal.

ION specifically describes the 2026 Capture as both robust and comfortable, while reinforced stress points are designed to help protect areas exposed to additional strain.

The result is a practical wetsuit for Kids who want to stay active without being held back by a heavy or restrictive suit.

Reinforced Stress Points

Stress points receive additional reinforcement to help improve seam longevity. This is particularly useful for junior equipment because wetsuits can experience plenty of pulling and stretching when children are getting changed or moving around on the beach.

Durable Yet Comfortable

The Capture isn’t simply designed to be tough. Its Silk_Stuff lining and flexible neoprene construction are intended to keep the suit comfortable during longer sessions. That balance makes it suitable for young surfers who are developing their skills and spending increasing amounts of time in the water.

Suitable Water Conditions

Earlier official ION listings for the Capture 2/2 Shorty SS Back Zip specify a recommended temperature range of approximately 22°C to 27°C (70°F to 79°F).

Actual comfort can vary depending on wind, sun, activity level, body type and individual cold tolerance, but this range provides a useful indication of where a 2/2 mm shorty is intended to perform.

Ideal for

• Warm-water surfing
• Summer surf sessions
• Beach holidays
• Swimming and general watersports
• Young riders progressing their skills
• Mild climates where a full wetsuit is too warm

2026 ION Capture Junior Size Chart

The official ION product page lists the following junior sizes for the 2026 Capture 2/2 Shorty SS Back Zip.

Important: The numbers above are the size labels displayed by ION, not guaranteed body measurements or exact age recommendations. For the best fit, compare the child’s current height and body measurements with the retailer’s current ION size chart before ordering.

Main Benefits

1. Lightweight Warmth

The 2/2 mm construction provides light insulation for warmer water without the bulk associated with thicker wetsuits.

2. Excellent Freedom of Movement

Short sleeves, short legs and flexible neoprene allow young riders to move naturally while paddling and surfing.

3. Easy Back Entry

The rear zipper makes changing in and out of the suit straightforward.

4. Comfortable Interior

ION’s Silk_Stuff lining provides a smooth feel and supports flexibility.

5. Durable Construction

Flatlock seams and reinforced stress points are designed to withstand regular junior use.

6. Water Gate Protection

An internal neoprene panel behind the back zipper helps limit water flushing through the zipper area.

Who Is the ION Capture 2/2 Shorty SS Backzip Junior For?

This suit is a strong choice for young surfers and watersports enthusiasts who mainly ride in warm or mild conditions. It works particularly well for children who need more protection than swimwear provides but do not require the coverage of a full-length wetsuit.

The shorty format also makes it easy to pack for holidays. It takes up less space than a full wetsuit and is versatile enough for surfing, swimming and other water activities.

For parents looking for a practical Kid’s wetsuit, the combination of a simple backzip, durable construction and flexible 2/2 mm neoprene makes the Capture an easy model to consider.

ION Capture 2/2 Shorty SS Backzip Junior 2026 – Product Highlights

• 2/2 mm junior shorty wetsuit
• Designed for kids and teens
• Short-sleeve and short-leg construction
• Convenient backzip entry
• Flexible S_Type limestone-based neoprene
• Smooth Silk_Stuff interior lining
• Flatlock stitching
• Reinforced stress points
• Internal Water Gate behind the back zipper
• 80% neoprene and 20% polyamide construction
• Sizes from 104/4 to 176/16
• Designed for warm and mild-water conditions

Final Verdict

The ION Capture 2/2 Shorty SS Backzip Junior 2026 Wetsuit brings many of the practical features young riders need into a lightweight shorty design. Its 2/2 mm neoprene keeps the suit flexible, while Silk_Stuff improves the feel against the skin and Flatlock construction helps create durable, comfortable seams.

The backzip system makes changing simple, and the internal Water Gate helps reduce unwanted water entry around the zipper. With sizes spanning 104/4 to 176/16, the range also gives growing riders plenty of options.

If your child primarily surfs or enjoys watersports in warmer conditions, this wetsuit for Kids offers a practical combination of comfort, flexibility and durability. It is a sensible choice for summer sessions, warm-water surf trips and young riders who want the freedom to move naturally while staying better protected in the water.