In brief
The freezing winter is slowly setting in and you still want to surf? Awesome! The secret is that there is no secret to surfing during the colder months; you simply need a suit that’ll keep you warm.
There are no secrets. To surf in winter, you need a suit that is warm enough. Here are the keys to finding the right one for you. For cold waters with temperatures around 10 degrees, go for a 5/4mm wetsuit. The website Windy will provide you with information on water temperatures worldwide.
1) Get the right wetsuit size
It sounds obvious, but it’s essential. A poorly fitting wetsuit will let water in, meaning you’ll get colder faster. Your wetsuit should fit comfortably and reach your wrists and ankles, without accumulating too many folds along the arms and legs (it is normal to have a few folds, and also to feel a little tight, especially around your neck.) Neoprene tends to stretch a little over time, but it’s far better to wear a suit that feels slightly too small, as opposed to too big.
The Wildsuits neoprene also has a ‘memory’ and will mould to your shape over time, so no stress if it feels a bit tight at first. After a session or two we aim for our wetsuits to feel as comfy as your pyjamas!
To keep it simple, it's better to have a wetsuit slightly too tight than too loose... To ensure you get the right wetsuit size, we have designed a guide that combines weight and height. It's straightforward and efficient, so you won't make any mistakes! If you still have any doubts, don't hesitate to seek advice from one of our retailers in the shop or directly send us a message. We know our wetsuits like the back of our hand, and we'll be happy to assist you in your selection!
2) Say “No” to infiltration
Unless you are a diver or a professional scuba diver, don't expect a surf wetsuit to be 100% waterproof. What makes a wetsuit warm during cold sessions is how it limits the entry and exit of water. Your movements will warm up the thin layer of water that covers your skin, keeping you warm. The quality of the neoprene is crucial to shield you from the wind and retain the heat generated by friction inside the wetsuit while protecting you from the cold water around you.
Absolutely, that's why Wildsuits uses the best limestone neoprene available on the market! Just like Bordeaux wine, not all limestone neoprene is synonymous with premium quality... There are indeed various types of neoprene, just like electric cars!
THE FLUSH LOCK
All Wildsuits wetsuits are equipped with the Flush Lock system; it allows the cuffs of the suit to be tightened at the wrists and ankles, preventing cold water from entering the suit via these points after a good wipe out! This system also keeps you warm despite the big, cold winter swells.
WATERPROOF SEAMS, STITCHED, GLUED + LINING TAPE
Absolutely, it's crucial to ensure that water doesn't pass through the seams; otherwise, you won't stay warm for long. That's why we use stitched/glued seams. To further enhance durability and ensure their waterproofing, we cover 100% of the seams with waterproof and mega-stretch lining tape, unlike many other brands. This added measure ensures maximum protection and longevity for our wetsuits.
Exactly! These lining tapes are truly an added benefit that won't compromise the elasticity of your wetsuit (unlike heavy taping that significantly reduces elasticity for the same waterproofing result). We wouldn't want you to miss the session of the year due to the cold or miss out on the turn of your life because of a lack of flexibility in your wetsuit. Our goal is to provide you with a high-performance wetsuit that keeps you warm, comfortable, and allows you to fully enjoy your surfing experience without any restrictions.
3) Choose the right thickness for your wetsuits
Limiting water entry is essential, but if you go out in a 2/2mm shorty, surfing in winter can be challenging! For cold waters with temperatures around 10 degrees, go for a 5/4mm wetsuit. It ensures you stay warm throughout your session. If the water temperature at your spot rarely goes below 12 degrees, and you are not particularly sensitive to the cold, a 4/3mm wetsuit will be an excellent option (the preferred choice of our pro riders during winter).
4) In winter, never go surfing without your fleece
The inner fleece of your wetsuit will allow you to stay warm even before the forces of friction warm you up. The Wildsuits fleece will also helps to dry your suit more quickly between sessions
To ensure maximum warmth during your winter surfing sessions, we have integrated a stretchy and light fleece inside our 5/4mm and 4/3mm suits. The Wildsuits fleece is present from the torso to the knees.
5) Stay war without warming the planet
Fighting the cold must not be done at the expense of the environment. It is important to choose a wetsuit brand with eco-responsible materials. Find out how our suits are eco-friendly below:
- Solvent-free adhesives: very resistant, in addition to avoiding any chemical product in contact with your skin or the ocean.
- Indeed, the use of Limestone neoprene is a game-changer. It is derived from a combination of limestone rocks and recycled tires, making it both lighter and more waterproof than traditional neoprene. This eco-friendly material not only offers improved performance but also reduces the environmental impact of wetsuit production, making it a win-win choice for surfers and the planet alike.
- Use of Limestone neoprene: made from a mixture of limestone rocks and recycled tyres, it is both lighter and more waterproof than conventional neoprene.
- technical information link
