Winter surfing has an attraction that most people never encounter. You get those perfect glass-off sessions that make all the planning worthwhile, the crowds go away, and the waves frequently get better. However, cold water surfing calls for the right equipment, expertise, and respect for the ocean’s force; it’s not just a matter of donning a larger wetsuit and crossing your fingers.
After more than 10 years of surfing through New England winters, I’ve come to realize that planning is the key to both great sessions and potentially hazardous circumstances. This guide will help you stay warm, safe, and stoked throughout the winter, regardless of whether you’re dealing with water that’s 50 degrees or extremely cold temperatures.
Understanding Cold Water Challenges
Fair-weather surfers never encounter the special difficulties that come with surfing in cold water. Water temperatures below 60°F (15°C) begin to interfere with your body’s regular functioning. Your body starts to prioritize core warmth over extremities, your muscles become rigid, and your reaction times go down. Performance and safety are more important than comfort alone.
Although hypothermia is a risk, it is not the greatest threat. Muscle cramps, lack of coordination, and involuntary gasping can all be brought on by the abrupt shock of cold water. I’ve watched seasoned surfers struggle just because they didn’t realize how rapidly the body reacts to chilled water.
Essential Cold Water Wetsuit Guide
Your wetsuit is your lifeline in cold water, and thickness matters more than you might think. Here’s what you need to know:
Wetsuit Thickness Breakdown
You should wear a 4/3mm wetsuit for water that is between 50°F and 60°F (4mm on the torso, 3mm on the arms and legs). Upgrade to a 5/4mm or even 6/5mm suit when the temperature drops to 40–50°F. In really cold weather (below 40°F), some surfers wear 6/5/4mm suits with extra layers.
But it’s not just about thickness. Seam construction has a significant impact. Seek out wetsuits with taped and sealed seams, or better yet, ones that are liquid-sealed. The majority of heat loss happens through the stitching, which these stop water from penetrating.
Fit Is Everything
Wetsuits that are too loose are cold. Keep in mind that cold water suits should fit snugly without becoming constricting. Since the neck, wrists, and ankles are frequently where cold water enters the body, pay close attention to these areas. A proper neck seal should not be unpleasant, but it should feel secure.
Boots, Gloves, and Hoods: The Holy Trinity
Your extremities lose heat fastest, so proper accessories are crucial for cold water surfing.
Wetsuit Boots
For moderately cold water, start with 5mm boots; for really cold water, upgrade to 7mm boots. Think about if you’ll be walking on sand or rocks when choosing boots, and look for ones with good sole grip. While some surfers value warmth with round-toed boots, others choose split-toe boots for improved board feel.
Gloves: Dexterity vs. Warmth
It’s usually a compromise like this. Although they keep you warmer, thicker gloves make it harder to grasp your board. 3mm gloves offer good balance in the majority of cold water situations. Although they have a major influence on paddling efficiency, some surfers choose to wear 5mm gloves or even mittens in really cold weather.
Hoods: Your Secret Weapon
A hood is necessary for serious cold water surfing since your head loses a lot of heat. In most situations, a 3mm hood will work, but in extremely cold weather, a 5mm hood will perform better. When duck diving in cold water, some hoods with face shield are helpful.
Safety Considerations You Can’t Ignore
Surfing in cold water requires extra attention to safety. Having a friend is not only advised, but necessary when surfing in cold water. As your body temperature decreases, your ability to react quickly and make decisions is affected.
Recognizing Hypothermia
Uncontrollable shivering, anxiety, and loss of coordination are early indicators. Get out of the water right away if you or your surfing partner exhibit these symptoms. Your judgment may already be impaired by the time you become aware of the onset of hypothermia.
Pre-Surf Preparation
Get well warmed up before getting in the ocean. To get your blood circulating, perform arm circles, jumping jacks, or light stretching. Before going into the water, some surfers fill their wetsuits with warm water, which lessens the first shock and provides a few more minutes of warmth.
Warming Techniques That Actually Work
During Your Session
Keep going. Waiting for sets while sitting on your board will rapidly cause your body to lose heat. To keep your circulation going, paddle around, perform arm exercises, or perform pop-ups. Instead of pushing yourself if you start to feel uncomfortable, warm up.
Post-Surf Recovery
This is crucial and often overlooked. Have a plan for getting warm immediately after your session. Keep warm, dry clothes in your car, along with hot drinks in a thermos. Some surfers use portable camping showers or even just gallon jugs of warm water to rinse off the salt and start the warming process.
Change out of your wetsuit as quickly as possible, but don’t rush to the point of injury. Cold, stiff fingers make zippers and changing challenging. Consider wetsuit changing mats or robes for added warmth and convenience.
Cold Water Surfing Locations and Condition
The problems with cold water vary by location. The Great Lakes, New England, the Pacific Northwest, and Northern California each have unique features. Do some research on local conditions, water temps, and risks.
Stronger, more reliable swells and offshore winds are common wintertime surf conditions. However, it also brings with it potentially hazardous weather and fewer daylight hours. Be ready to cancel sessions if conditions worsen, and pay close attention to the forecasts.
Making Cold Water Surfing Sustainable
Building up gradually is the key to long-term enjoyment in cold water surfing. Avoid rushing into the coldest situations right away. As your body adjusts, start with easier cold water days and gradually go to more difficult ones.
Invest on high-quality equipment. In addition to being uncomfortable, inexpensive cold water equipment can be harmful. Investing in a quality wetsuit, boots, gloves, and hood will increase your enjoyment and safety.
FAQ
Q: What water temperature requires a wetsuit?
Most surfers need a wetsuit when water temperatures drop below 70°F (21°C). For water between 60-70°F, a 2/3mm suit works well. Below 60°F, you’ll need thicker suits and accessories. Remember, everyone’s cold tolerance is different, so listen to your body and err on the side of caution.
Q: How long can I safely surf in cold water?
This depends on water temperature, your gear, and personal tolerance. In 50°F water with proper gear, many surfers can comfortably surf for 2-3 hours. In 40°F water, even with excellent gear, 1-2 hours is typically the limit. Watch for signs of hypothermia and don’t push beyond your limits.
Q: Should I surf alone in cold water?
Never surf alone in cold water. The risks are simply too high. Cold water affects your judgment, reaction time, and physical capabilities. Always surf with a buddy who can help if something goes wrong. Many experienced cold water surfers won’t even consider solo sessions, regardless of their skill level.
Cold water surfing opens up a whole new world of wave riding opportunities. With proper gear, preparation, and respect for the conditions, you can enjoy incredible sessions year-round. The key is starting conservatively, investing in quality gear, and always prioritizing safety over stoke. Once you experience the magic of winter surf, you’ll understand why so many of us can’t wait for the temperature to drop.
