I know alot of people on here have surfed in the san diego/la area of California. I am making a trip there in a few weeks and am not sure which wetsuit to bring. I know a 4/3 and booties is probably ideal, but all i have is an entry level 3/2 and a nice 5/4/3. Im pretty sure the 5/4/3 is probably overkill, but would the 3/2 be warm enough??? Any advice will be appreciated.
3/2 with 3mm booties is what I wear out there in the winter and I'm fine. A 4/3 on cold overcast days could be nice to have.
Bingo....
A good 3/2 and 3mm boots should be the standard, but bring a 4/3. Morning sessions are cold and you'll be glad you have it.
3/2 during the winter on southern west coast? How cold does it get out there? I'm from NJ and in the winter it's 30 to 40 degrees...
I've never needed more than a 3/2 and 3 mil boots in SD in the winter. I have family there and I visit every winter. Same as here the water is the coldest around February. Even then I'm fine in a 3/2. Sometimes it's a little chilly in the mornings, but I've always warmed up once I'm paddling for waves and would hate to have on a 4/3. Personally I'd save space in your luggage and only bring the 3/2. I surf with some friends out there who rock spring suits in the winter months. OC and north is a different story.
sunset cliffs low tide walk about a mile south of the dirt parking lot at the end of ladera st. If theres swell look for a grinding long right get to the lot before its light and start your walk or you'll be surfing with half of socals angriest locs. Dawn patrol is the only way. If it comes together for you, you'll be blown away with all the breaks down at south cliffs. Just bring your ocmd attitude and you'll be fine.
Originally Posted by mop
I don't think rocking up to this spot is such a good idea for a non-Cliffs local. In fact, I know it isn't. You will immediately be spotted and harassed....trust me. You're better off surfing at any other Cliffs spot from Ladera St. northwards. Anything south of Ladera, be ready for a hassle. But if you must, ride a white board with no logos and NO LEASH.
A 3/2 with 3 mil boots will work from IB to Ventura all winter long.
A friend posted that it was 53F water in San Diego yesterday -- routinely been near freezing overnight air lately. Check the local surf reports.
3 days ago, it was the lowest of the season, and clocked in at 57 degrees. That is usually the lowest temp all year, but it has been an unusually cold fall like Rodndatube said. So, its 57 now, when usually its january when it gets that low...
In SD, from The Cliffs up to Del Mar, I wear 4/3 all winter with no booties (unless im at a slab reef), but then I wear the booties for safety, not temperature.
Right now, if you are a skinny dude, a 3 mil with boots will work. Most guys are in 3 mils with no booties, but I like to be warmer, so I do the 4 mil, even now. But the core temp keeps you warm and 57 really isnt booty temps... If you wear a 5 mil, you will be very sorry. You will overheat and have complete lack of function when you dont need it.
As long as its sunny out, a 3 mil will get you through all winter, but its those Dawn Patrols, when the air temp is still in the high 50s and the sun aint up yet. Thats when you want to be out, cause the Santa Annas are blwoing offshore this time of year almost everyday until about noon, so you will have perfect morning, light offshores... By the time its hot and sunny, the wind always changes to a light onshore flow, which is still good///
But the best conditions will be scored on the chilly mornings.
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