Winter surfing can be tough, but the right gear makes all the difference. Here’s a quick rundown of 6 essential wetsuit accessories every surfer needs to stay warm, safe, and comfortable in cold water:
- Thermal Surf Gloves: Keep hands warm and functional with 3-7mm neoprene gloves, depending on water temperature.
- Wetsuit Booties: Insulate your feet with 3-7mm booties for better grip and warmth in icy conditions.
- Wetsuit Hoods: Prevent heat loss from your head and stay comfortable in cold water with 2-5mm neoprene hoods.
- Surf Banana Bag Changing Mat: A waterproof mat for easy wetsuit changes without getting cold or sandy.
- Thermal Base Layers: Add insulation under your wetsuit to retain body heat and surf longer.
- Surfboard Traction Pads: Improve grip and stability on your board, even with thick booties.
Quick Comparison Table
| Accessory | Purpose | Recommended Thickness | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thermal Gloves | Keeps hands warm | 3-7mm | Anti-slip palms, thermal lining |
| Wetsuit Booties | Insulates feet | 3-7mm | Anti-slip soles, snug fit |
| Wetsuit Hoods | Reduces head heat loss | 2-5mm | Thermal lining, snug fit |
| Changing Mat | Clean, dry changing spot | N/A | Waterproof, sand-free design |
| Thermal Base Layers | Extra body insulation | N/A | Quick-dry, compression fit |
| Traction Pads | Improves board grip | N/A | Aggressive texture, strong adhesive |
Gear up with these accessories to stay warm, surf longer, and enjoy winter waves!
Essentials for cold water surfing
1. Thermal Surf Gloves
Thermal surf gloves are a must-have to keep your hands warm during cold winter sessions. These gloves, made from neoprene, trap a thin layer of water that your body naturally heats, creating a barrier against the cold.
They come in different thicknesses, allowing you to choose based on water temperature and your preference for warmth versus flexibility. Here's a quick guide:
| Water Temperature | Recommended Glove Thickness | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Above 15°C | 3mm | Great flexibility, moderate insulation |
| 12-15°C | 4-5mm | Good balance of warmth and movement |
| Below 12°C | 7mm | Maximum insulation, less flexibility |
When selecting gloves, look for glued, blind-stitched seams and interior taping to improve durability and keep water out. A snug fit is crucial for retaining warmth, and gloves with anti-slip palm coatings can help you maintain a firm grip on your board.
Thermal linings are another important feature, as they wick away moisture and help retain heat during extended sessions. With your hands taken care of, it's time to focus on keeping your feet warm and steady with wetsuit booties in icy waters.
2. Wetsuit Booties
Wetsuit booties are a must-have for winter surfing. They keep your feet warm, shielded from the elements, and improve grip and control on your board. Typically made from neoprene, such as Yamamoto, they provide insulation to handle cold water conditions effectively.
The thickness of the booties plays a big role in their performance:
| Thickness | Water Temperature | Best For | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3mm | Above 15°C | Mild conditions | Great board feel, moderate warmth |
| 5mm | 10-15°C | Cold water | A mix of warmth and flexibility |
| 7mm | Below 10°C | Extreme cold | High insulation, less board feel |
Booties come in three main styles: round toe, split toe, and internal split toe. Internal split toe designs strike the best balance between warmth and board control. Brands like O'Neill and Vans offer options packed with features to boost both performance and durability.
A snug fit is key. It stops cold water from seeping in around your ankles, which can quickly make you uncomfortable. For extra warmth in harsh conditions, you can add wetsuit socks.
When shopping for booties, look for features like:
- Anti-slip soles and reinforced toe/heel areas for durability
- Glued blind-stitched (GBS) seams to keep water out
- Quick-dry thermal lining for added comfort
- Durable ankle straps for a secure fit
Once your feet are warm and secure, it’s time to tackle another major area of heat loss: your head.
3. Wetsuit Hoods
In cold water, your head is one of the biggest sources of heat loss. A wetsuit hood helps you stay warm by trapping a thin layer of water that your body heats, creating insulation.
Hoods are available in two main styles: built-in options that blend seamlessly with your wetsuit or detachable ones for more flexibility in changing conditions.
When picking a wetsuit hood, focus on these important features:
- Snug fit: A tight, well-fitted hood prevents water from flushing in and out.
- Durable neoprene: High-quality neoprene offers better insulation and lasts longer.
- Thermal lining: Fleece or other thermal materials inside the hood improve heat retention.
Beyond keeping you warm, hoods can also prevent "brain freeze" and reduce neck strain caused by icy water. This means you can concentrate on catching waves instead of fighting discomfort.
Match the hood's thickness to the water temperature. For moderately cold water, go for 2-3mm thickness. For extremely cold conditions, a hood that's 5mm or thicker is ideal.
Now that your head is covered, let’s explore another must-have for staying comfortable during chilly surf sessions.
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4. Surf Banana Banana Bag Changing Mat
Changing out of a wetsuit in winter can be a hassle, especially with cold winds and wet surfaces. The Surf Banana Banana Bag Changing Mat solves this problem by giving you a clean, dry spot to change while keeping your wetsuit in top shape.
This mat has a waterproof surface that blocks water and sand, ensuring your wetsuit stays clean and dry. Its durable material helps shield your gear from the elements, which is especially useful during chilly weather.
It’s packed with thoughtful features like synch cords, velcro straps, and a shoulder strap for secure closure, easy packing, and hands-free carrying. At $29.95, it’s a small investment to protect your wetsuit from wear and tear caused by sand and moisture.
Staying dry while changing is key in winter to avoid losing body heat to cold winds or damp surfaces. The mat keeps your feet clean and dry, making the process more comfortable and preventing sand from sticking to your wetsuit or skin.
Designed by surfers for surfers, the Banana Bag meets the needs of those who brave cold waters. Just rinse it with fresh water after each use to keep it waterproof and ready for your next session.
With your wetsuit and gear sorted, it’s time to explore how thermal base layers can keep you even warmer in cold conditions.
5. Thermal Base Layers for Wetsuits
Winter surfing calls for extra protection against the cold, and thermal base layers are a game-changer for staying warm in icy conditions. These layers add insulation between your skin and wetsuit, helping to retain body heat while keeping moisture under control.
Materials like Merino wool provide natural warmth, while synthetic fleece offers lightweight comfort and flexibility. When combined with a quality wetsuit, thermal base layers help you brave the cold longer and more comfortably.
Top brands offer thermal layers designed specifically for cold-water surfing, featuring:
| Feature | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Quick-drying fabrics | Keeps you warm even if damp |
| Compression fit | Reduces muscle fatigue and offers support |
| Flatlock seams | Prevents chafing for extended comfort |
The fit of your base layer is crucial. It should hug your body without being too tight, keeping cold water out while allowing freedom of movement for paddling and turning.
You can choose between full-length or sleeveless designs based on your needs and the water temperature. To keep your gear in top shape, rinse it with fresh water after use and let it air-dry. This helps maintain its insulating properties and durability throughout the season.
Once you're warm and ready, it's time to focus on fine-tuning your board's traction for better control and stability.
6. Surfboard Traction Pads
Surfboard traction pads are a must-have for keeping your footing steady in wet and slippery winter conditions. These adhesive pads, made with EVA materials, provide excellent grip and flexibility, even in cold water.
| Feature | Benefit in Cold Water |
|---|---|
| Aggressive texturing | Keeps your grip steady, even with numb feet |
| Strong adhesive | Stays secure in freezing temperatures |
| Water-channeling design | Prevents water buildup on the surface |
To get the most out of your traction pad, place it on the tail of your board for maximum grip on your back foot. Make sure to clean the board's surface with rubbing alcohol before applying the pad - this ensures it sticks properly.
Look for pads with deep grooves and bold patterns. These features are especially helpful when you're wearing thick booties, which can reduce how much you feel the board underfoot. Paired with quality booties, a good traction pad keeps you securely connected to your board, so you can focus on your ride instead of slipping.
After each session, rinse your traction pad to remove salt and sand. If you notice any edges peeling up, fix them right away to avoid losing grip. Store your board in a dry, cool place to keep the adhesive in good condition.
With the right traction pad, your board will feel like an extension of you, no matter how tough the winter surf gets.
Conclusion
Winter surfing calls for gear that keeps you warm, safe, and ready to tackle cold waters. These six accessories cover all your needs, ensuring you're protected from head to toe.
Thermal gloves, booties, and hoods are must-haves for staying warm and maintaining control. A good wetsuit hood not only reduces heat loss through your head but also shields your ears from chilly water.
Don’t forget about changing gear! The Surf Banana Banana Bag Changing Mat is a simple yet effective tool for pre- and post-surf changes. Its waterproof and sand-free design helps protect your wetsuit and extends its lifespan.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the key accessories and their advantages:
| Accessory | Primary Benefit | Temperature Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal Base Layers | Boosts core warmth | Adds 2-3°C to body warmth |
| Wetsuit Hood | Reduces head heat loss | Cuts 30% of heat lost |
| Thermal Gloves | Keeps hands functional | Adds 45-60 mins to surf time |
Make sure to choose gear thickness based on water temperatures - 3mm is ideal for 15°C, while 4mm works better for 12°C waters [1]. Investing in durable, high-quality gear ensures better performance and longer-lasting equipment.