Windsurfing: old school cool and still a maker of fun!

Pics: Oli Lane -Peirce

Windsurfing has a tough time these days. Whilst an established watersport in its own right (one of the originals from back in the day) it now has to compete with all manner of additional activities.

Kitesurfing showed up in the 90s during a period when windsurfing – certainly from an equipment perspective – had lost its way. Going too technical, with pro level skills needed to pilot such gear effectively, and a price tag that put many off (still an issue to this day) windsurfing lost a large swathe of numbers to this new punk rock sibling.

Blasting along, windsurfing style, with NCW’s 2021 Gulf Stream wetty to protect.

Fast forward and whilst windsurfing regained some ground during the noughties it wasn’t long before another watery discipline rocked on up to steal yet more thunder.

Stand up paddle boarding, with its simplicity and accessibility (at least on flat water), pulled the rug from underneath windsurfing’s feet and yet again interest wained a little. Although we’ll admit that many a windsurfer did (and still does) use a SUP with windy rig attachment for fun on light breeze days.

5/3mm chest zip Gulf Stream Yamamoto neoprene winter wetsuit (men).

All sizes in stock of North Coast Wetsuits Gulf Stream front entry / mini chest zip 5/3mm winter wetsuit steamer. Updated for additional performance.

NCW’s 5/3mm winter chest zip streamer wetsuits been very popular for a number of years and now come with some new features:

Now built with Yamamoto 100% lightweight high stretch limestone neoprene which is more eco friendly.
Double glued and double blind stitched seams.
Fully taped internal seams.
Chest and back panels feature durable anti wind chill finemesh neoprene exterior and plush lined heat holding insulative interior.
Interior lining made with low water absorption materials for quick drying.
Anti-flush envelope overhead entry system.
Tape and liquid welded reinforced overhead seam closures.
Snug fit anti-flush wrists with internal silicon grip tape.
Rubberised anti-flush neck lining.
DuraFlex reinforced kneepads.
High quality YKK metal zip.
Anatomical suit shaping.
Our new neoprene blend is more scratch / snag / velcro hook resistance than standard neoprene.

This wetsuit will keep you amazingly warm in the coldest waters, such as the UK and Northern Europe. It works well for surfing, stand up paddle boarding, windsurfing, kitesurfing, siton kayaking and a whole host of other watersports. We get a lot of recommendations from wild and open water swimmers that find this suit really flexible to swim in and durable too, take a look at our wild swimming knowledge page here. If you’re looking for performance, quality and a product that won’t let you down the NCW Gulf Stream 5/3mm winter wetsuit is just the ticket.

Check out the review from SUP Mag UK HERE

A note on ankle and wrist seams. All seams are snug fitting and prevent flush. Silicone anti slip stops riding up.

Size guide below. For any sizing questions get in touch.

Size	Height	Chest	Waist	Hips
Extra Small	5’2″-5’4″ (157-162 cm)	32″ – 34” (81cm-87cm)	25″-27″ (63-60cm)	30″-33″ (76-83.5cm)
Small	5’4″-5’7″ (162-168cm)	34″-36″ (86-91cm)	27″-29″ (69-74cm)	32″-34″ (81-86cm)
Small Tall	5’8″- 6′ (169-180cm)	34″-36″ (86-91cm)	27″-29″ (69-74cm)	32″-34″ (81-86cm)
Medium Small	5’6″-5’9″ (167-175cm)	36″-38″ (91-97cm)	29″-31″ (64-79cm)	32″-34″ (81-86cm)
Medium Small Tall	5’10”-6’4″ (176-193cm)	36″-38″ (91-97cm)	29″-32″ (64-79cm)	32″-34″ (81-86cm)
Medium Short	5’4” – 5’7” (162-168cm)	38″-41″ (97-104cm)	31″-34″ (79-86cm)	35″-39″ (90-98cm)
Medium	5’8″-5’10” (172-178cm)	38″-41″ (97-104cm)	31″-34″ (79-86cm)	35″-39″ (90-98cm)
Medium Tall	5’11”-6’4″ (180-193cm)	38″-41″ (97-104cm)	32″-34″ (79-86cm)	36″-39″ (90-98cm)
Medium Large	5’10”-6’4″ (178-187cm)	40″-44″ (102-109cm)	35″-37″ (88-94cm)	38″-41″ (96-104cm)
Large Short	5’7″-5’11” (170-180cm)	42″-45″ (107-114cm)	35″-38″ (89-96cm)	40″-43″ (102-109cm)
Large	6’0″-6’5″ (182-196cm)	42″-45″ (107-114cm)	35″-38″ (89-96cm)	40″-43″ (102-109cm)
Xtra Large	6’2″-6’5″ (187-196cm)	44″-47″ (112-119cm)	37″-39″ (94-99cm)	42″-45″ (107-114cm)
Xtra Xtra Large	6’2″-6’5″ (187-196cm)	46″-49″ (117-125cm)	39″-42″ (99-106cm)	44″-46″ (112-117cm)

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In the here and now we have even more choices and ways to ride the brine with wings and foils now in the mix. Yet, score a decent windsurf sesh, where all the elements combine and there’s no lacking of fun and fulfilment.

You can’t beat the feeling. Booting along at full pelt with power on tap, even just blasting can be rewarding. Carving a gybe or riding a wave only adds cherrys (if you have the skills).

Spinning a 180* (vulcan)
Finishing off the 180* (vulcan)

Frustrating days do still occur, of course, where Momma Nature ain’t playing ball – despite what Mr/Mrs Weather Man/Woman say. In these cases one of those other disciplines may be a better choice. For full power wind days, however, windsurfing still ticks the boxes for many and therefore shouldn’t be written off just yet…

If you’re a windy looking for rubberised protection whilst booting back and forth then hit up the NCW webshop or give us a holla with any questions. We have plenty of applicable gear for your windsurfing needs.