Seasoned surfers will most likely be adhering to much of this advice. Surfing during winter can be some of the best experiences you have. But if you don’t go about things the right way you mightn’t get the best of it. If you learned how to surf during summer 2022, or if you’re an intermediate considering your first winter in the brine these tips may help you enjoy the best season to its fullest.
Wear the right wetsuit (and other wetsuit accessories).
There are no two ways about it: the water and air in the UK during winter do get cold. Not cold enough to see ice blocks floating past. But certainly chilly enough to mean wearing the wrong type of wetsuit could prove unsafe.
Most UK surfers wear 5/3mm thick rubber suits. Some may even go for thicker. To gain additional heat a thermal rash vest under your suit may help. And then there are botties, gloves and hood to keep you even toastier.
5/3mm chest zip Gulf Stream Yamamoto neoprene winter wetsuit (men).
£185.00 – £229.95
1.5mm Thermal Hooded Long Sleeve Rash Vest / Rash Guard (unisex fit)
£38.95
Thicker wetsuits are certainly more restrictive than wearing boardies. But wetsuit technology has improved no end over the years. So much so that 5/3mm wetsuits are pretty flexible relative to their overall design. As such you’ll be warm yet mobile in a good quality NCW winter wetsuit so don’t let the thickness put you off.
Pick your spot.
Winter can serve up awesome wave conditions. But often you’ll need to head somewhere not quite as exposed as the usual west facing beaches. Wind and blown out, onshore waves can be a factor during the off season. But with more juice on tap those quieter corners and beaches that lie dormant through summer can often light up.
A tucked away nook, sheltered from the wind, will always be a good bet when there’s too much blow at your usual spot. Just know how these locations work and what to avoid and you should be find. Also, don’t tackle a venue that’s too hardcore. Stay staff and choose wisely.
Check out NCW’s surfing mini spot guides for a bit of advice around certain locations. Then do a bit more research to find that ideal surfing location. Click the map for more.
Pick your day.
Even with local knowledge to hand it just may be Mother Nature’s not playing ball. It’s not uncommon for extended periods of blowy, rubbish conditions to occur. But the weather will break. And windows do open up. So keep your eyes peeled and ever watchful of the forecast.
For us, it’s those bright, crisp cooler days with light winds and groomed swell that make the winter surfing season awesome. Even with Jack Frost in attendance, these kinds of session fulfill no end. And as we said above the right surfing clobber will see you warm and toasty so no issues regarding the cold. In fact, some days such as described can see riders getting quite warm.
Check your kit regulalrly.
Surfing safety should be paramount at all times. But even more so during winter. Your gear (all of it!) should be in tip top working order prior to any wave session. Check it all thoroughly after each dip and replace or repair damage.
This goes for wetsuits, accessories and boards, leashes and fins. If you need wetsuit repairs doing then don’t forget NCW can help you out with our in house repairs and alterations service. Find out more about this service here.
Finally, enjoy the UK’s winter surfing season. It can be just as good as being somewhere hotter. The big benefit of colder water surfing is fewer crowds. Stay safe, have fun and you too will have a fulfilling winter of surf.