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We have some tips and hacks for cold-water surfing that will significantly enhance your winter SUPing, kiteboarding, wakeboarding, or skimboarding. These tips are applicable to any water sport you enjoy.
Just because it's the cold season doesn't mean you have to store away your surfing gear and forget about your water sports passion. All you need is good preparation, some reliable gear, and a buddy who is just as enthusiastic as you are.
1. If you want to stay warm - gear up
Ensure you choose the right thickness (4mm and up) and size for your wetsuit. For instance, the O’Neill Psycho Tech has a solid thickness of 6mm and an inbuilt hood. Also, remember the accessories like neoprene gloves, boots, and extra neoprene wear. When the cold hits your body, it automatically goes into 'survival mode,' keeping the blood circulating primarily in your core area. This causes your hands and legs to cool off, potentially to the point of numbing, which is not ideal when you need to use them.
Want this set? It is available for both women and men.
- Hack: Besides investing in good gear, you can also prepare an emergency hot-water bottle to bring to the shore. If you start freezing, just get out and pour some warm water into your wetsuit.
2. Keep yourself safe
Safety should be a priority in cold water! Choose a board with more volume or a bit larger/broader one to make staying afloat easier. A leash (and a life vest) is a good add-on if you don’t have one already and your sport allows it. You probably know that cold water is heavier. Combine that with slower reactions due to ice-cream headaches or a thicker wetsuit, and you have a recipe for an accident.
- Hack: Research the place you are heading to beforehand. Check weather forecasts and reviews to know what to expect. Don’t let yourself be surprised by the conditions once you're already in deep waters.
3. Warm your body up on the shore
It’s crucial to get your heart pumping and the blood flowing before you enter the water. A few active stretches and Jumping Jacks on the shore can work wonders. Also, remember to keep moving constantly in the water.
- Hack: Keep your socks on while putting on your wetsuit and while warming up - they make it easier to get your legs in and keep your feet warm until the moment you enter the water. While stretching, you can put your neoprene boots on top of them to retain heat as long as possible. Remove them right before you enter the water.
4. Get a surf buddy to share your enthusiasm
Finding a partner to share your passion makes the cold session more fun and safer. As many beaches are not lifeguarded off-season, it is crucial not to be alone out in the wild. Whether you are SUPing on a lake or kitesurfing in the ocean, it is always better to have two heads thinking (especially when you have a brain freeze).
- Hack: Create your own traditions and rituals, especially for getting used to cold water. Occasionally take small trips to the beach for cold dips and cozy up with hot chocolate afterward. You will both build up to 50% better tolerance for the cold if you get your body accustomed to it.
