Your Guide to Winter Surfing

A quick glance outside the window will tell you the summer has long gone, replaced instead by the shorter days and colder weather that signals winter is upon us. And with the firm arrival of winter, for many surfers, means waving goodbye to what could be considered a relatively short surfing season of those warmer days when perhaps just a bathing suit will suffice. 

[ image: pexels by pixabay ]

Fortunately, here in the British Isles, many of us are made of sterner stuff, and a little thing like winter isn’t going to deter us from getting out there and riding the waves. What it does mean however is that there are a few adjustments we might need to make to our surfing routine and equipment to make this happen. Booicore tells us more. 

Check the forecast 

Whilst this is something that is by no means limited to winter surfing – you should really always make a note of the forecast before going surfing – in the winter months it is even more vital and could literally save your life. The weather can change so quickly so make sure you are not caught out by checking the long and mid-range forecasts and also the daily forecast. The windows of opportunity for winter surfing are key.

Surfing attire 

Winter wetsuit

If you buy one thing for your winter surfing, ensure that it is good quality attire, and this includes a winter wetsuit. There really is no other option if you don’t buy something that is really good quality then you will freeze in the cold water. Shop around and see if you can find any good deals, but do not skimp on the quality or the thickness of your wetsuit. 

Boots and gloves

Go for the thickest gloves and boots that you can find. The thicker the booties that you select, the longer they will last. In fact, even with a few small holes, they will still be useful. If you want to reduce the risk of leakage, and therefore keep yourself a little warmer, opt for mittens and boots with round toes as these are not as prone to leaks and also are easier to repair. 

In the winter, in particular it is better to be warm than it is cold as coldness can dull your senses and of course your reaction times. Warm booties and the addition of a good hood that is detachable can assist in making a sealed wetsuit a much more versatile garment. 

Seal your suit up 

Sealing your suit at the ankles and cuffs is a good way to avoid getting too much water inside. It may seem like an odd idea, but in fact, using a good quality duct tape can be a great way of getting a good seal, and it should stay put for the duration of your session. You may also want to consider using the Velcro straps from any broken leashes to do the same job. The key to having a good winter surfing session is to ensure that you are warm enough, and if that is done by rather unconventional means then so be it.

Warm-up after your session 

Whilst getting cold during your surfing session in the winter is something of an inevitability, the quicker you can get warm and dry after your session, the better. Consider a good thick changing towel to help make getting out of your wetsuit a warmer and quicker chore. Remember a flask of something warm; hot chocolate, tea, coffee or even soup – this will really help and will warm you up from the inside. 

Winter surfing doesn’t have to be unpleasant. With the surfing tips above, you could find it refreshing, revitalising and an enjoyable way to escape the winter woes.