The C-Skins Guide to Surfing Through Winter
There’s no doubt that surfing in winter is a commitment. Cold water and wild weather can leave many of us questioning whether it’s worth it, before we even get onto the fact that the shorter days mean fewer opportunities to get in the sea. But winter also means solid ground swells and long periods, making for epic conditions that are rarely seen in the warmer months. So yes, we absolutely think that it’s worth it.
The C-Skins Ultimate Guide to Surfing Through Winter will cover a few essentials we’ll never leave the house without, plus tips for not only taking part in cold water surfing, but really enjoying it. We’ve also spoken to a few of our team riders to find out what fuels their motivation when the winter months set in.
Surfing through the winter can seem pretty daunting at the start but when you get into it you’ll quickly fall in love with it. The cold is exhilarating, and combined with the dramatic ever changing weather and a generally more powerful Atlantic Ocean it makes for some truly special experiences. But good gear is essential to stay warm so you can enjoy your surroundings and perform your best comfortably.
- Teamrider Barnaby Cox
Good Kit
Top of the list is good kit. You’ll need at least a 5mm wetsuit for surfing in the U.K. and western Europe in the colder months. Some surfers can do a short session in a good 4mm depending on the location and weather, whilst others might need to go for a 6:5 steamer. If you don’t have a wetsuit with a integral hood, we’d recommend investing in a hood or hooded vest to pair with it. Boots are essential and gloves are a great option if you feel the cold, even though you will see plenty of cold water warriors braving it without.
Shop Men’s winter wetsuits here.
Shop Women’s winter wetsuits here.
Shop Kid’s winter wetsuits here.
One habit that has been a game-changer for me this winter is keeping two to three hooded wetsuits in rotation, ensuring there’s always a dry one ready in the airing cupboard. Knowing I have a warm, dry suit waiting gives me a positive mindset, helping me stay energized and fully prepared for the surf ahead.
- Teamrider Jayce Robinson
Stay Warm Pre-Surf
You’re less likely to fancy a surf if you’re getting cold before you’re even changed. When checking the conditions keep cosy in warm layers, a hat, a wind-proof coat and thick socks. We’re fans of retaining heat until the last second!
However tempting it is to dive straight in and get it over with, make sure to warm up on the beach. Whether that’s stretching at the shoreline or a gentle jog from the car park to the sea (easy if the waves are good!), it’s important to get your blood pumping and your muscles warm before you plunge into cold water.
For me comfort and enthusiasm in the winter is definitely made easier with my C-Skins products.
I can spend up to 4 hours out on a ski in mid-winter chasing waves, and to tackle big waves and big slabs being warm is essential. My C-Skins neoprene jacket is a game changer for keeping me warm while driving the ski. That matched with my 7mm wired boots, 5:4 wired hooded wetsuit and my wired mitts makes for the perfect formula to keep me warm for as long as possible.
- Teamrider Ollie O'Flaherty
Stay Motivated
By having a goal or target for your surfing, it’s easier to stay motivated when the mercury drops. Whether that’s a certain manoeuvre you’ve been aiming to master, or a number of sessions you’d like to achieve by the end of the year. Team rider Logan Nicol set himself a target of 500 surfs in a year back in 2022, which he managed, plus a few more! For many surfers, a target of averaging one surf a week, or aiming for a round number like 100 might be more realistic. By keeping note in a calendar or “surf diary”, you’ll not only be motivated in the winter, but all year round. And if you don’t hit your target, then who cares? You went surfing lots!
For me, motivation in the winter can be pretty hard to come by, the same as for everyone. It’s less about motivation though and just thinking of future me. When the waves look terrible and it’s windy and cold, I just remember that you very rarely regret a surf so you’re always going to feel better for going surfing, so I try to keep that in mind. I also remember that I’m going surfing for the days that are pumping - going in on those marginal days are going to keep you sharp and are going to keep you on your game for when it is really pumping and you’ll be surf fit for those times.
Also, I keep a little tally of my surfs. I’ve found that recording my surfs and having a goal for the year holds me accountable and can get me in just to top up the number of surfs I’ve had that week or that month, even when the waves aren’t great.
It does help though that we get our best waves in these colder months in the UK!
- Teamrider Logan Nicol
Safety First
Wherever possible, surf with friends in the winter months. Having a surf buddy not only keeps you motivated but is a great way to stay safe in the water, as surfing in winter means smaller crowds (great) but also less of you to keep an eye on each other.
If you have a fun crew, all with the same love and froth for the ocean and of course good suits to keep you warm… theres no problem surfing in the cold.
- Teamrider Sophie Fletcher
Be aware there are no lifeguards on duty in the winter. Make sure you know about rip currents, plus if you’re surfing a beach you’re not used to then find out if exiting the water is affected by the tide. Some beaches have stretches that fill in as the tide rises, meaning a long paddle back to the exit point if you’re unaware or don’t keep an eye on it.
Be honest about your ability. It’s a good idea to check the conditions prior to your session, as things can change quickly in the winter. If the swell is set to double in size over the hour that you’ll be in, make sure you’re able to handle that. Likewise with long period swells, watch the conditions for a while because checking during a lull and paddling out to find that the sets are bigger than you’re comfortable with can be a horrible feeling.
Know your limits. Wear the correct thickness and type of wetsuit and accessories for the temperature. If you aren’t and start to get cold and experience any of these symptoms (uncontrollable shivering, confusion, slurred speech, slow breathing, drowsiness) then you’ve pushed it too far. Hypothermia is serious. Don’t allow yourself to get too cold and always exit the water when you’ve had enough.
For me in winter I love surfing with my friends to stay motivated and keep the vibes high. A game changer for us has been the pre surf tunes, doing some car park karaoke whilst getting changed is always a great distraction from the cold and gets you hyped to get in the water! Post surf I always try to bring a flask of tea down with me, can help to de-thaw before getting changed. Even those days when it’s sideways rain and your not sure you can bring yourself to put on the freezing wet wetsuit, after you’ve been in it’s always 100% worth it for that post surf glow feeling!
- Teamrider Beth Leighfield
Be Prepared
There are a few ways you can make the aftermath of a winter surf easier. Keep a hot flask of tea or coffee in your car, invest in a changing robe to shield bare skin from the elements and keep your clothes easily accessible, perhaps leaving them in the back of your car laid out in the order that you’ll put them back on. Plus, there’s nothing worse than pulling jeans on with numb fingers over damp skin, so try to wear baggy, comfortable layers like trackies and big sweatshirts. And avoid lace up shoes!
We also love changing mats as they save cold trotters from painful gravel carparks.
Look After Future-You
Please follow this advice: After a surf, don’t leave your wet and sandy wetsuit in the boot of your car. Wash it out and dry it inside. Sometimes having to put a wet wetsuit on can be the deciding factor on whether you jump in the water or not, plus it’ll drastically shorten the lifespan of the suit, too.
Looking to more distant future-you, earplugs are important. Surfer’s Ear is caused by cold wind and water ingress, so wearing plugs is the best way to prevent it and avoid lengthy spells out of the surf in years to come. We recommend SurfEars.
Maintaining general fitness throughout the year—through running, swimming, and stretching—has been essential for me. Staying fit makes the added bulk of winter gear feel much more manageable. Over time, I find myself adapting to thicker wetsuits as the season progresses, with paddling and surfing in heavier rubber naturally building strength and stamina.
- Teamrider Jayce Robinson
Enjoy the winter swells and browse the full range of C-Skins gear here.
