Guide to Winter Wetsuits and Cold Water Swimming

Whether your interest lies in winter surfing or swimming in chilly waters, chances are you're here because you're eager to visit the beach during off-peak times when the sea is cold. It's an ideal season for surfing due to the reduced crowds at surf locations. Simultaneously, plunging into cold water can offer a thrilling adrenaline experience. This guide serves those who wish to fully embrace the colder waters during winter.

Explore our extensive range of winter wetsuits and remarkable neoprene gear. You’re welcome to delve into our complete range of Wetsuits & Neoprene Accessories, or draw ideas from this guide.

We'll begin with our guide on winter wetsuits, but you may proceed directly to the section on winter swimming if you prefer.

Comprehensive Guide to Choosing Winter Wetsuits – Which Winter Wetsuit Suits Surfing the Best?

When temperatures plummet and waters become chilly, a thick winter wetsuit becomes indispensable. Winter wetsuits supply the necessary insulation, ensuring comfort while enjoying your preferred water sports. With the right wetsuit for winter surfing and favourable waves, there's no reason to pass up your passion.

Picking the right winter wetsuit is essential for remaining comfortable and safe in cold waters, and we're here to assist you! Whether you're into winter surfing, kitesurfing, paddleboarding, or wakeboarding, simply follow our straightforward advice to extend your surfing season a bit further.

Continue through the article for detailed advice, or head straight over to view our selection of winter wetsuits.

THICKNESS AND DESIGN OF WINTER WETSUITS

When selecting a wetsuit suitable for winter, a few elements are crucial. It's likely no surprise that the thickness of the neoprene material significantly matters: the greater the thickness, the superior the insulation.

Typically, wetsuits are measured by two numbers: the first indicating the neoprene thickness over the torso, the second showing the thickness over arms and legs. The ideal winter wetsuit thickness is based on the water's temperature. Refer to this quick guide for neoprene thickness and water temperature:

We have additional recommendations for selecting winter wetsuits. As you're browsing through various winter wetsuit models, consider these aspects:

• Material: Some manufacturers incorporate unique technologies to improve the heating ability of wetsuits. One method is using a foam core within neoprene. After identifying a model with the right thickness, check if special insulation features are listed that might further enhance your winter surfing pleasure.
• Stitching: Neoprene is often stitched using flatlock, glued, or Glued Blind Stitches (GBS). GBS offers superb waterproof and flexible qualities, making it ideal for winter wetsuits.
• Sealing: Certain winter wetsuits come with taped or sealed seams to boost water resistance and longevity.
• Zipper: Chest zips are beneficial on winter wetsuits for minimal water ingress and flexibility. While back zips facilitate quicker removal and wearing, they're more prone to water entry.
• Wetsuit Hood: You will require a hood in colder conditions, so consider if a hooded wetsuit is the right choice. They reduce the chance of cold water entering through the neck. Alternatively, if you wish to remove the hood, opt for a separate neoprene hood.
• Neoprene Gloves: Wetsuit gloves keep your hands warm when surfing. Warm hands make equipment handling more manageable. Ensure they fit snugly and are adequately thick. 5-finger gloves enhance dexterity but provide less warmth compared to mittens, while lobster gloves offer an intermediate solution with good flexibility and insulation.
• Surf Boots: For winter paddleboarding, surfing, etc., keeping your feet insulated is essential. Opt for neoprene boots offering good grip with a rubber sole and necessary warmth for your surfing conditions.
• Thermal Rash Vest: As the autumn chill sets in, smoothly transition from a summer to a winter wetsuit with a thermal neoprene vest underneath. This layer offers warmth comparable to a 4/3 mm wetsuit in temperatures between 10-14 °C.

Refer to our detailed Wetsuit Buying Guide for comprehensive insights on selecting the ideal wetsuit.

Swimming in Cold Waters

Swimming in icy waters, also termed winter swimming or ice swimming, is another excellent way to relish the beach during the colder months. Immerse yourself in the refreshing cold water and let go of worries! Known for numerous health advantages for body and mind, winter swimming doesn’t demand a costly investment in gear. Stripping it down to the basics, a towel is often all you need!

Cold water swimming gear focuses on enhancing your comfort and safety. Consider these accessories for a better winter swimming experience:

• Neoprene Boots: Choose those with a rubber sole providing a firm grip on jetties and ladders, ensuring protection from rocks too. These boots enhance comfort and lower injury risk – a great benefit for winter swimmers!
• Towel Ponchos: Known as changing ponchos, they prove invaluable year-round. Post-swim, a hooded towel poncho shields against wind while drying your skin, lessening wind chill. It enables changing from wet attire discreetly too!
• Neoprene Gloves: Protect your hands from cold with wetsuit gloves, easing ladder grip when entering or exiting water.
• Thermal Swim Caps: For heat retention or ear protection in cold water, a neoprene hood becomes a valuable asset.
• Dry Bags: These versatile items suit year-round use, especially for winter swimming. Pack wet towels and swimsuits in a dry bag and skip worrying about wetting car seats. Check our surf bags category for diverse dry bag options.
• Other accessories: If you head straight to your vehicle post-swim, a waterproof seat cover might prove useful. We also stock various surf-accessories beneficial for winter swimmers. Fancy a hot drink after a chilly plunge? Bring a mug along for a beach winter visit!

Benefits of Cold Water Swimming

Cold water swimming is becoming more popular for plenty of valid reasons. People frequently highlight the potential health enhancements linked to cold water dips. Enhanced immunity, improved mental well-being, and better circulation are just a few.

However, risks associated with winter swimming should be acknowledged beforehand. If you possess heart issues or respiratory problems, consult a medical professional before diving in. Newcomers should consider joining groups or communities to assimilate best practices before starting!

Prepare by adhering to our guidance, and you'll be ready to go!