Winter surfing is totally different from summer surfing. If you learned to surf this summer, you probably noticed how warm the water was. Most people think it'll be freezing cold right away, but it's not always that bad! In August, the water is pretty mild at around 16 degrees Celsius, and a good 3mm wetsuit will keep you toasty.
As summer turns into fall, we start seeing those winter vibes. For a lot of people, that means putting their wetsuits away until next year. But that's six months without surfing!
Guess what? You can actually surf all year long, even when it's cold! Winter surfing might not be as popular, but it's still so much fun. If you're ready to brave the chilly water, here are a few tips to make your winter surfing experience safe and enjoyable.
Before You Hit the Water… Warm-Up Properly
It's always important to warm up before surfing, but it's even more essential in winter. Not only will it help you avoid injuries, but it will also raise your body temperature, making the transition to cold water a little less shocking. Never underestimate the importance of a good warm-up.
Staying Hydrated Is Key
A lot of surfers think a hot drink, like coffee, will warm you up before a surf session, but it actually can make you colder. It dehydrates you, and that can make you feel colder faster. Instead of coffee, drink plenty of water before, during, and after your session. It's important for good blood flow and will help you stay warm. Save the coffee for after your surf!
Don't Push It!
Winter surfing is about having fun, not proving how tough you are. Stick to the same level of surfing you'd do in warmer weather. You don't have to break records or try to impress anyone.
Remember, water temperature is usually a little behind the air temperature. Winter surfing is often in water below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. When it gets down to the 30s, that's a different story. It's about being smart and staying safe.
Keep Moving
Once you're in the water, try not to stand still for too long. It will help you avoid getting cold. Even if the waves are small, keep paddling. Staying inactive for too long will make you start to shiver.
Let's Talk Gear
Being cold is no fun, so when it comes to wetsuits, remember this: Cold is bad - Warm is good.
Wetsuit technology is amazing and pretty affordable these days, so get yourself the warmest wetsuit you can find. Don't skimp on the extras either! If you live where the water gets below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, you'll need a hooded wetsuit to stay warm. It only takes a few minutes for a cold session to turn from fun to freezing.
During the coldest months, from November to April, a hooded, blind-stitched 5mm wetsuit with all the bells and whistles is your best bet. The water can get really chilly, sometimes down into the mid-30s. In some regions like the Northeast, you might even have to walk through the snow to get to the ocean, but with good gear, you'll be warm and comfy.
Pro Tip: Three and five-finger gloves don't keep your hands as warm during the coldest months. Mittens are the way to go because they keep your fingers together, making them much warmer.
Take Care Of Your Equipment
Okay, so you've got your awesome wetsuit and all the extras. Now it's time to take care of them!
Don't leave your wetsuit in the trunk of your car or sitting in the bathtub. Right after you surf, rinse it thoroughly with cool, fresh water and then hang it inside-out in a well-ventilated place.
Also, don't hang it by the shoulders on a hanger. That stretches the suit and can damage the seams, especially around the shoulders. And always keep your wetsuit out of the sun and away from heat sources. Too much sun or heat can dry out the neoprene and ruin the seams.
Pick The Right Board
If this is your first winter surfing, don't worry about finding the most high-performance board. You'll be wearing your full winter gear, which adds about 10 to 15 pounds to your weight in the water. That means you'll need a board that's a little thicker to keep you afloat.
You don't necessarily need a longer board, but a wider one will help. A heavier board is also good for generating momentum, especially when you're dealing with stiff offshore winds. And don't forget to use cold wax, designed for water temperatures below 58 degrees Fahrenheit.
Be Strategic
Winter surfing can be a little tricky sometimes, especially from December to March. The waves get bigger and there's more wind, plus the tides have a bigger effect. When storms hit in the winter, the waves can get really steep. To make things easier, try to surf when the tide is high. That will help you paddle out and find better waves.
Look for beaches that are protected from strong winds. The wind can make it tough to paddle out and create choppy waves. You might also want to find spots with a point or a channel, which can offer calmer water and make it easier to get to the waves.
Plan Ahead
Winter surfing means staying warm, so you need to plan ahead! If the forecast is looking good for the next day, pack your gear the night before. This includes your wetsuit, gloves, booties, and anything else you need to stay warm. It's a real hassle to scramble around for a missing glove at 6 AM, so get everything ready to go in a bag.
Make sure your surfboard and fins are good to go, and your leash is in good shape. Trying to mess around with your gear while wearing gloves is a pain, so get it all done the night before. Waxing your board before you leave the house is a good idea too. It's a pain to try and do it when everything is frozen. A spare leash is a good idea too, just in case your main one breaks. That way, you won't have to swim in after every wipeout or cut your session short.
For your car, grab a couple of Turkish beach towels for the seats and floor. Shaka Love special beach towels work great for soaking up the water that drips from your wetsuit on the way home. If you don't cover your seats, you'll be sitting in a wet mess next time you drive!
Before you head out, pack water, a thermos of coffee, a bag of nuts, a bamboo straw set, and a blueberry muffin in your eco-friendly beach bag. And don't forget your eco-hoodie sweatshirt and beanie. On those super cold mornings, wear them over your wetsuit as you head out. Stash them with your gear the night before so you're all set.