Essential gear for surfing in winter: Here’s what you need to make the most of the cold wave season.
Winter is one of the best times to surf, especially if you're an experienced surfer looking for quality, power, and consistency in the waves. While temperatures can drop considerably, surfing in winter has unique advantages, such as the arrival of larger and more powerful waves. To make the most of this season, it is essential to have the right gear to keep you comfortable, safe, and warm. In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the essential gear for surfing in winter, optimized for cold water temperatures and the extreme conditions of this season.
Wetsuit: The main ally against the cold
One of the most essential elements for surfing in winter is a good wetsuit. Depending on the water temperature, you will need a thicker or thinner wetsuit. Wetsuits are designed to keep your body heat while you're in the water, preventing the cold from affecting your performance or even causing hypothermia.
1. 4/3 mm wetsuit: If the water temperature is between 12°C and 17°C, a 4/3 wetsuit is ideal. This type of wetsuit has 4 mm of thickness in the torso and 3 mm in the arms and legs, allowing greater mobility while still being well insulated from the cold. The 4/3 wetsuit is perfect for those surfing in cold but not extreme waters.
2. 5/4 mm wetsuit: For colder waters, with temperatures between 7°C and 12°C, a 5/4 mm wetsuit is the recommended option. This wetsuit offers more insulation, with 5 mm thickness in the torso and 4 mm in the arms and legs. Although it offers less flexibility than the 4/3, it provides greater insulation, which is crucial to prevent the cold from affecting your performance.
With or without a hood: Wetsuits with a hood are especially useful for extremely cold waters. The head is a part of the body where a lot of heat is lost, so having a neoprene hood is an accessory that will help keep you warmer in extreme cold conditions. If the water isn't that cold, a wetsuit without a hood will suffice.
The cold not only affects your body but also your extremities, especially your hands and feet. To prevent the cold from stopping you from enjoying the waves, make sure you have the right neoprene gloves and booties.
Neoprene gloves: Gloves are essential for protecting your hands from the cold. A pair of neoprene gloves with the right thickness (usually between 3 and 5 mm) can make a big difference in your comfort during a long day of surfing. Make sure they are snug enough to retain heat but not too tight to restrict circulation.
Neoprene booties: Just like gloves, booties are crucial for keeping your feet warm and protecting them from potential injuries caused by rocks or corals. Neoprene booties of 5 mm thickness are ideal for surfing in cold waters. Make sure they are comfortable and have a good grip to avoid slipping on the board.
The moment of changing after a surf session can be tricky, especially if the cold is extreme. A towel poncho is the perfect solution to change comfortably and protect yourself from the cold once you get out of the water.
Ponchos allow you to change with privacy while also providing warmth as you dress in dry clothes. Additionally, they are easy to carry and dry quickly, making them an essential accessory for any surfer.
After surfing in the winter, it's important to take good care of your gear to ensure it lasts a long time. And since there's no greater pleasure than putting on a warm and dry wetsuit, a wetsuit dryer is an excellent investment.
These dryers are designed to dry your wetsuit quickly and prevent bad odors or material deterioration caused by constant moisture. You can find the Surflogic wetsuit dryer, which will allow you to dry your suit between sessions, especially useful if you surf on consecutive days or multiple sessions per day.
Cold water wax: Make sure to bring cold water wax. Lower temperatures can make regular wax less effective. The right wax will help you maintain a good grip on your board, even in extreme cold conditions.
Neoprene top: In some cases, if the conditions are very cold, you can opt for a neoprene top underneath your wetsuit. This accessory can provide an additional layer of insulation.
Polarized sunglasses: Although it's winter, the sun's brightness can still be strong, especially if you're in snowy areas or clear waters. A good pair of polarized sunglasses will protect your eyes from water reflection and improve your visibility.
1. Warm up properly before surfing: Cold temperatures require a proper warm-up to avoid injuries. Do stretches and warm-up exercises to raise your body temperature before entering the water.
Keep your gear dry: While neoprene protects you from the cold, make sure your gear is dry when you use it. If you don't have a wetsuit dryer, hang it in a warm place to dry properly.
Listen to your body: The cold can affect your performance and reflexes, so it's important not to push yourself too hard. If you feel you're getting too cold or your hands and feet aren't responding well, it's better to get out of the water and warm up.
Winter surfing is a unique experience, full of opportunities to find perfect waves for your level and progress, while enjoying the tranquility that the low season offers.
However, the cold temperatures require specialized gear to ensure you can surf comfortably and safely.
The right wetsuit (4/3 or 5/4 mm), along with gloves, booties, and other accessories like a changing poncho and wetsuit dryer, are essential for making your winter experience as enjoyable as possible. Don't let the cold stop you—get ready to enjoy the best surfing season.
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