Surfing in winter can be bleak. With the festive season done and nothing but cold, gloomy and short days (that last bit isn’t technically true – days are already getting longer) on offer motivation to crawl from your pit for a dip in the brine is hard to come by.
New Year surfing months.
Frost on windscreens, Jack Frost nipping at your nose (as well as other parts of your anatomy) and the icy grip of freezing winds enveloping all who venture outdoors it’s no wonder Jan, Feb and March are difficult times for water babies. And yet, some of the best surfing sessions can be had during winter.
SURFING WETSUITS AND ACCESSORIES
Picture the scene: crisp bluebird skies, milky, low sunshine and offshore groomed head high surfing perfection – these kinds of sessions are what winter’s all about. So how to stay motivated and get yourself out there?
The rules.
Rule #1 is make sure your gear is dry and warm! We’ve spoken about this before but having even a slightly damp wetsuit is enough to send you ducking for cover beneath a warm duvet. Dry your rubber thoroughly after each sesh and make sure you don’t leave in a festering pile while you celebrate good waves with suds. Hang it high to dry!
Rule #2 is to pick your times wisely. So many people just don’t look at the forecast. Instead relying upon Lady Luck to deliver that all-important corduroy. For sure, sometimes it’ll happen but more often than not you’ll end up skunked. Learn to read a forecast (it couldn’t be easier these days), interpret the info you’re given and act accordingly. Forget those slop days you’re happy to punt about in during summer; winter riding is all about quality.
Rule #3 is to take a holiday if possible. Preferably somewhere warm and wavy. As much as we salute anyone hardcore enough to tough out the UK’s winter there’s nothing quite like a dose of extended Vitamin D to revive the soul, push those positive endorphin’s and get you amped for charging the rest of the off season back home.
Beginner surfing gear
Rule #4 is to make sure you have the RIGHT gear (that includes your wetty!). Something that keeps you warm, yet allows you to perform is a worthwhile investment. It may be obvious for us to say but NCW’s extensive rubber collection is some of the most affordable, yet performance orientated, cold water immersion attire you can buy – proving you don’t have to break the bank when it comes to quality.
Rule #5 is to simply love being out there. Chances are some of the most idyllic sessions (if you’re wise about when you go) will occur during winter. A cold weather dawnie, for instance, while a struggle at first can be gloriously satisfying. As the old saying goes: ‘only a surfer knows the feeling’ and it’s never been more applicable than during winter.
If you need any help with NCW surfing products or advice get in touch here.