While surfing is generally considered a warm water sport, temperature need not dictate your enjoyment of the ocean. In fact, if you can brave the elements encased in rubber, you’d stand a much better chance of scoring uncrowded perfection. The only problem is staying mobile and not freezing your appendages to the point where pop-ups become just that, a problem.
What follows is a short list of tips on how to stay warm, happy, and respected in a cold-water line-up. Whether you’re in extreme northern latitudes or suiting up for a cold day at your local, we all do a few things to keep the blood flowing. While pre-surf stretching, jumping jacks and constant paddling are some of the most common things, think of this list as the small things that, when added up, make a big difference.
Buy the good stuff
Don’t skim on cheap wetsuits. Thick suits may be a pain to put on and will work your shoulders better than any masseuse, but they also keep you in the water, which is what this is all about.
If you want to avoid having your soul leave your body when you remove your clothes in a frigid parking lot, consider putting your wetsuit on elsewhere. Your house, if you must. You can also try to do it in your car if you don’t mind the awkward shuffle. A post-session shower with your suit on can work wonders in bringing the body back to life. You may have to salt-dog in in the car, however.
Bring a mat
Changing in and out of a suit when it’s frigid is arguably the worst part of the cold water surfing experience. You can stave off the chill by standing on a changing pad, fake grass or a towel. Basically, anything that isn’t asphalt, snow or ice. I had one friend you changed in ATM bays.
Bring hot food (or drinks)
A hot thermos of tea. A steaming cup of coffee. A coffee shop breakfast sandwich. Whatever your pleasure, you’ll be glad of it when you get out of the water. A hotty toddy is not unheard or unwelcome in the local parking lot.
Vaseline
If the weather is particularly nasty, consider applying Vasoline on your face. This petroleum jelly can be an insulator by locking in moisture on your skin. Use only when the wind is heinous.
Ugg Boots
Easy to slip on and off, and lined with fuzzy goodness to keep your feet alive. Uggs were literally created for this very purpose. Lean in.
The classic: A hot water jug
If all else fails, fill an insulated jug with hot water (your local surf hop will have one), and dump it on your frozen head. Just be mindful that this will eventually harm the glue on your wetsuit, but it’s a small price to pay for keeping your blood flowing.
With a few items, some ingenuity and a serving of grit, there are simple ways to surf in the cold longer and not freeze to death. The real kicker: Use all these tips for a single session, then you’re really getting warmer.
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