When temperatures drop and days get shorter, it’s essential to adapt your surf equipment to enjoy the waves. Winter sessions often provide exceptional conditions for practicing this sport we love, provided you prepare well.
Which wetsuit for winter surfing?
Choosing the right wetsuit will allow you to continue enjoying the waves in comfort and safety. The ideal winter surfing wetsuit should provide sufficient thermal insulation while avoiding inconvenient features like stiffness or a lack of comfort.
Here are the winter wetsuit thicknesses and their benefits:
4/3mm: the most popular
Among surfers, we generally agree that 3/2 wetsuits are too light for cold winter days. By the way, you can take my word for it because this year, I decided not to buy a wetsuit thicker than my 3/2. So, I surfed in winter with this one. I’m not particularly sensitive to the cold, and with my booties and hood, I managed fairly well, but below 5°C in the air, I was really cold: an experience I won’t repeat next year!
Thus, the 4/3 wetsuit is 1mm thicker and is usually sufficient for surfing in the southwest of France. For northern regions, it’s recommended to opt for a thicker suit.
5/4mm: when it gets really cold
Most of these wetsuits come with built-in hoods. They are designed for water temperatures around 10°C. Almost a must-have for Breton surfers, these wetsuits are perfect for winter but will quickly feel too warm in autumn or spring.
6mm and above: for surfing in very cold destinations like Ireland
If you’re planning a trip to northern Europe, then pay close attention to your gear and don’t underestimate the cold water temperatures: around 6°C in winter. This is when 6/5mm wetsuits come in handy, even though they are rare on the market.
Other neoprene accessories to complete the kit
If you’re going surfing with a thick wetsuit in cold water, you’ll quickly notice that without booties, you’ll be forced to get out of the water. As for the hood, it depends on the person and the weather… Here’s everything you need to know:
Hats and hoods: depending on the sun
The choice of hood mainly depends on the water temperature. In cold winter waters, duck diving can be very painful for your head. So, if you’re heading to a spot where breaking through the waves is challenging, don’t hesitate to get one.
Another factor to consider is the sunlight while surfing. If it’s sunny in very cold water, like here in the Landes, you can still surf without a hood as the sun will warm your head, making it as effective as a hood.
Gloves
Surf gloves provide a lot of comfort. Our hands are constantly in and out of the water, so they’re directly affected by the cold. Personally, I never wear them because I feel they reduce paddling power, but many surfers swear by them. Worth trying!
Booties
The essential neoprene accessory, booties keep your feet warm in winter. The discomfort depends on the thickness and design of the product. Nowadays, there are thicker booties that provide good grip on the board, as well as lighter booties that are less bulky and more discreet. Each type has its advantages, so testing before buying is ideal.
Which surf poncho for winter?
We couldn’t write an article about winter surfing without mentioning our ALL-IN surf ponchos! Staying warm in the water is important. Staying warm after getting out of the water is just as essential!
Often, even when you’re well-equipped in the water, you might still feel freezing when heading home or to your car. That’s where we’ve got something to offer you.
Terry cloth ponchos with long sleeves, please!
Several materials are used in the design of surf ponchos: microfiber, polyester, and cotton. We chose cotton over 10 years ago and made it our specialty. The advantage of cotton is its thickness: it keeps you much warmer than other materials.
Each year, we produce long-sleeved models to meet winter surfers’ needs. Personally, I wear mine from October to April, and it’s a game-changer! Check it out:
Storm Ponchos: for extreme conditions
Our Storm range lives up to its name, designed to cover athletes in challenging weather conditions, like during storms or extreme cold. In short, a poncho for an ordinary day in Brittany.
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Storm Poncho 100% recycled – Adult – Black -
Storm Vest 100% recycled – Adult – Black -
Storm Poncho 100% recycled – Adult – Kaki / Black -
Storm Vest 100% recycled – Junior – Khaki / Black -
Storm Poncho 100% recycled – Junior – Black / Kaki -
Storm Poncho 100% recycled – Junior – Black -
Surf changing mat “Storm Mat” – Black & Blue -
Storm Vest 100% recycled – Junior – Black
Choosing your wax for winter surfing
If you surf in winter with summer wax, you risk slipping and not enjoying your session. The reverse is also true. No need to overthink it—ideal temperatures are often written on the wax boxes:
- 15°C and below: COLD
- Between 15°C and 20°C: COOL
- 20°C and above: WARM
Other winter must-haves
The search for comfort in winter also extends to the post-session. To avoid damaging your feet, you can opt for a waterproof bag to change and store your wetsuit. Or simply a changing mat.
Tapis de change “Storm Mat” – Black & Blue
Changez vous sans vous abimer les pieds avec le Storm Mat Protégez votre combinaison du bitume et autres matières coupantes Taille : 80cm x 50cm Une face en ripstop waterproof et anti-vent. 100% recyclé, résiste à tous les sols Une autre face en sherpa. 100% recyclé, douce et confortable Un élastique attaché qui permet de…
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