I'd agree on some until you get used to the hood (hood affects ears and ears affect balance) and extra rubber (restriction). But once all of that comes off you feel like superman surfing bareback or with just a top on. Lighter, faster, etc.
yeah ill second that. i was just saying today that its harder to surf when its balls cold. it was so cold that i felt like my body was giving so much energy to heat conservation and production that it was tougher to paddle and to stand up quickly. i really felt like i had drank heavily the night before by the way i was struggling to get back to the outside after a wave (and its subsequent flushing)
you have to also realize that you carry an extra 20-30 pounds of soaked wetsuit on your back. I switched down to a thicker fish for this winter just so i wont get too frustrated with my performance loss. I also realize that my core isnt as strong, might be the beer
I must admit that surfing in cold water is a challenge but I don't have a choice. Can't afford winter trips and definitely need to get out during the winter . First time out in a spring suit and I feel like I weight 50 pounds lighter even though I know wet winter gear does not amount to that. For me I'd say 30% easy.
At least 30 percent for me,like Wallysurfr said about the hood and the balance.Your pretty much taking away one of your senses.
I think it all depends in you wetsuit you have and your physical condtioning. After the first cpl session with the cold weather gear on its like a second skin. Plus I am a "longboarder" so I guess I dont feel the burn as soon as some riding a short board
20-30? What kind of wetsuit are you wearing? Are you wearing Carhartts in the water? I'd say 10lbs at the most
As for performance, it's up to the individual. This is me, in my 40's, in full winter regalia a few winters back, at a local spot.
One time, I weighed my wetsuit after a session, boots, gloves, hood included, and that alone weighed 10 pounds slightly damp. 20 pounds is a reasonable estimate for a suit filled with water/urine.
im just making guesses here, but i did say soaking with water, so it must be close to 20lbs. grab a scale and do it.
i think i like surfing in the winter more than any other time, as long as i'm not having any wetsuit issues.
A gallon of water weighs just over 8 lbs. A well fitting wetsuit, that's not ballooned up with water, does not hold 2 gallons of water. A gallon is about right. This has been done. Weight of surfer with full suit, gloves, boots, before and after a session. The difference was 9.5 lbs.Some water may have drained out, but I would call it an insignificant amount. Otherwise, this is an accurate measurement. The guy who said 10 lbs is right on the money.
I LOL'ed when I read this. You guys watching the Mavericks contest? it's on UStream today: Maverickssurf
