What wetsuit do I need for winter surfing?
They will often come with a range of features specifically designed to keep you warm as the water temperature starts to seriously dip. Wetsuit Thickness Guide Thin, light and stretchy, 1-2mm neoprene protects you from UV rays and provides a little extra warmth in water temperatures of 17°C and above.Winter Surf Gear Since then, wetsuit technology has advanced tremendously with thicker wetsuits for colder waters, more flexible and lighter materials, neoprene booties for the feet, neoprene gloves for your hands, and even neoprene hoods to keep your head warm.Wetsuit technology has advanced so much, allowing surfers today to tolerate multiple-hour sessions in the lowest of temperatures. The user-friendly aspect of the modern high-tech wetsuit comes along with accessibility and popularity, and has now made surfing during the winter months a mainstream phenomenon.Wearing neoprene gloves and boots keep your hands and feet warm, extending how long you can swim for and making the experience a lot more comfortable. Purist will tell you that ‘real’ open water swimmers never wear wetsuits, but this is simply not true.When the water temperature measures between 50 and 65 degrees, wetsuits are strongly encouraged, and some races may require their use. Between 65 and 78 degrees, it’s typically the athlete’s choice of whether to wear a wetsuit.
What is too cold for surfing?
Winter surfing is generally done in water below 50°F. When it dips into the 30s, that’s a new level of commitment. And while salt water freezes around 28. F, that’s usually only a factor for those residing in the norther realm of New England. A wetsuit is a garment worn to provide thermal protection while wet. It is usually made of foamed neoprene, and is worn by surfers, divers, windsurfers, canoeists, and others engaged in water sports and other activities in or on the water.If you wear a suit suitable for winter, good shoes, gloves and above all a bonnet, you can in principle surf almost all year round. The greatest dangers at temperatures around freezing point are frostbite, especially on the face, fingers and toes.If you’re taking part in water sports such as surfing, canoeing or even in an ocean or lake, where the water can be very cold, even on a sunny day, you could wear a wetsuit, and a pad can be worn with this type of active wear.A 6mm surfing wetsuit is designed for use during the coldest winter months. This thickness is one of the thickest offered by the well-known brands and these suits commonly include a hood for additional warmth.
What do surfers wear when it’s cold?
Wetsuits, gloves and more to keep your body temp and stoke level up this winter. You’re never too old to catch your first wave. Many people believe that surfing is only for the young, but that’s just a myth. Whether you’re in your 40s, 50s, or even 70s, the ocean welcomes everyone. Age is just a number when it comes to surfing. What truly matters is your passion and willingness to learn.It’s never too late We’ve had guests do their very first surf lessons with us at the age of four, and others who decide to do it in their late 60s. I’ve met people in their 70s and even 80s who I know could do it, if it were something they wanted to try and had the opportunity to do.Surfing in the winter is not for the faint of heart. It’s cold. It dangerous. It requires a lot of gear.Therefore, it’s safe to say that there’s no set surfing age limit. With proper instruction, a healthy respect for the ocean, and a positive attitude, anyone can enjoy the thrill of catching a wave.
Is it okay to surf in winter?
In summary, while winter surfing can be more demanding, it can also be incredibly rewarding for those seeking a unique and less crowded surf experience, as long as you prioritize safety and preparedness. Just make sure to wear a thicker wetsuit and be aware of your surroundings! A wetsuit should fit as tightly as you can comfortably get into. What you need to avoid are slack areas where water can pool, or loose seals around the ankles, wrists, and neck.Wetsuits work by trapping a thin layer of warm water between your body and the suit. This prevents you from losing too much heat in the water because the element water conducts heat away from your body 25 times faster than air because it has a higher density. Therefore, water has a greater heat capacity than air.But sometimes wearing a wetsuit alone is not enough to keep you warm and cozy in cold water. Wetsuit layering involves wearing different garments under and over your wetsuit to optimize your body temperature and performance.Water temperatures between 64-77°F (18-24°C): A shorty wetsuit with a thickness of at least 2mm is recommended. Water temperatures above 77°F (25°C): A shorty wetsuit with a thickness of at least 1.