winter surfing

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Originally Posted by surfsolo

I have never used hot water at the beach in NY.....never really needed to. Just suit up and go. Make sure you have the cajones to take a dozen on the head.

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+1. I surf nj year round. I dont think its as bad as many on here make it sound. Go 6/5/4 hooded suit, 7 mil boots and gloves (mittons best). I dont use any tricks, just my cars heater before and after a surf. Works fine even when onndays when i have to shovel the driveway before i can leave for a surf.

Modern wetsuits are so much better than what we had years ago its a different ballgame. My advice on suit selection is to go with whichever main brand fits you the best.

Don't forget to use cold water winter wax, apply plenty along the rails where you will be gripping your board. It can be harder to hold when your hands are cold and have 5 mils of noeprene between.

I wear my winter suit a size bigger than i really need to so I can change faster.

You'll find diving more than twice might cause a headache.

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Originally Posted by MonOcer

I wear my winter suit a size bigger than i really need to so I can change faster.

You'll find diving more than twice might cause a headache.

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I really don't recomment this. A bigger wetsuit just means that much more 30degree water is gonna rush down your back when you wipeout.

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Originally Posted by cmacd

Bro. I am from Wells Maine. Your going to need a 6/5/4 but also you will need a truck like an SUV to change in. No joke after each session you will need to sit in your truck and warm up before taking off your suit. And dont expect your fingers to work. I remember times when I couldn't unlock my truck. Your best bet is leaving Maine to be honest.

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I've never once changed inside! It's possible outside, the wind sucks, but if you're with another person, it's actually kinda funny, cause you can't feel anything and you both are complaining and swearing like ****in crazy

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Originally Posted by REDDZ

Don't forget to use cold water winter wax, apply plenty along the rails where you will be gripping your board. It can be harder to hold when your hands are cold and have 5 mils of noeprene between.

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I highly recommend xfinity drylock 5mil lobster claws. I have never had a single session wearing them where my hands weren't sweating. The drylock boots rock too.

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Originally Posted by cmacd

Bro. I am from Wells Maine. Your going to need a 6/5/4 but also you will need a truck like an SUV to change in. No joke after each session you will need to sit in your truck and warm up before taking off your suit. And dont expect your fingers to work. I remember times when I couldn't unlock my truck. Your best bet is leaving Maine to be honest.

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HaHa i hear you but I love Maine. I want to ask you about someone during this thread said he suits up at home and does not take his suit off until he returns home from surfing. What do you think of that plan.Having not tried it , on paper it seems the best plan to me. I have a truck with a cap on the back with no heat unfortunately.

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Originally Posted by idsmashh

I really don't recomment this. A bigger wetsuit just means that much more 30degree water is gonna rush down your back when you wipeout.

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what he said. You also may want to take a look at your current board to make sure its going to float you with all the extra weight.

I use a shower curtain on my seat after I get out when it's super cold and drive home with the wetsuit on. Frig changing in the snow and 30 degree air!

If you read the care instructions on your glued and blind stitched wetsuit they all say never to allow your suit to come into contact with hot water. It will destroy the glue and the seams will leak. I used to know kids who would run up to the hotels and jump in the hot tub with their suits on and then wonder why they leaked halfway through the first season of use.