winter swells

Not a good combination. A lot like Sarah Palin.

 

it really is a different gall game in the middle of the winter. Not so much because the surf is different, but more so because you are wearing a lot more weight, your movement is restricted, and because getting thrashed around in the icey waters can be very shocking and energy consuming.

More than anything, I'd say the best thing to prepare yourself is to be in shape. It takes a lot more energy to paddle around in the winter. Cardio and endurance will be your number one assets for winter surfing.

 

Guts is always good. Here's some pointers:

Equipment is key for winter. Don't go for half measures for suits, gloves and boots. Get a good 5//4/3 with ATTACHED hood and minimal zippers. 7mm booties and 5mm lobsterclaws or mittens.

With all that extra gear, be sure your board will float you well enough. alot of people have winter boards that are a bit thicker/longer/wider than their normal boards.

#1 don't let the clod get to you. if you let it psych you out, you'll surf different. just attack like you always do and have fun.

 

Winter surf can be really great, the crowds are much thinner and often the conditions are much better. If you're gonna do it, definetly invest in a real good suit , gloves/mitts and boots. Good flexibility in the suit is key so plan on spending some money and don't cheap out on quality. Or, if you're unsure, maybe borrow stuff from a friend to try it out but make sure ther close to you in size. You don't have to go out in monster surf, pick more managable waist/chest high days and there is usually plenty of these during the winter. Pick a floaty board - fish, funshape or even a longboard and surf as often as you can to stay in shape and maintain paddling strength in your arms. Yeah it's a hassle getting in/out of a 5 mil suit but there's few things better than scoring good surf on Christmas Eve or any winter day for that matter when most are only talking about surf.

 

Could be worse. He could have no guts OR experience like Obama.

 

Winter surfin is def where its at. I woudl much rather surf in the fall/ winter as opposed to spring and summer for a couple reasons. 1) the swell is usually alot stronger, bigger, and consistent depending on where u go. 2) No crowds and the usually the guys that are out there no what they are doing 3) its such a rush to wake up on days like christmas morning when no one else is even thinking about what might be happening in the ocean and thats all you can think about.

Couple tips. Definitely go with a good wetsuit. I rock a 5.4.3 Excel and its very toasty. It can be 35 degrees out but as long as the suns out it feels like a warm summer day. Make sure your in good shape too. Its harder to breathe in a thick suit and when the water is cold, so you migth want to do some more cardio then usual and Def strnegthening the upper body will help bc its alot harder to paddle.

Good luck.

 

It is good to note the difficulty of breathing. Cardio will help a ton. When you go down on a wave, regardless of size, a few seconds will seem like minutes. Prepare for some mind-numbing icecream headaches and if you are in doubt, don't go out.

 

Good one, I like that.

 

Surfing good waves on Christmas or New Years=Priceless!

 

can't freakin' wait for the winter.

 

Winter's nothing like summer. If you end up following everyone's suggestions you will be much more likely to enjoy the winter swells but it will surely test your love of the sport. Burrr, enjoy fall my friend. Winter is just around the corner.

 

I have a close to brand new o'neill womens winter suit if interested.

 

Definately really good advice so far. It took me a solid winter to get used to the cold, but I had a crap setup. I can't emphasize enough, get a good wetsuit. It makes all the difference. Everyone who is out is usually pretty good too, which makes for fun sessions.

My most memorible days were in the dead of winter with only one or two people out. I can still remember that mid december swell two years ago, barrels all day

Go for it.

 

Mid-December is mid-winter!!?? Now let's talk late January/early February.

Gotta admit tho that for some reason, december has produced some memorable sessions..

 

haha, silly me! i thought this was a SURF forum

 

you gotta get at least a 4/3 cause a 3/2 won't cut it for more than an hour on a warmer day in the middle of winter

 

Once you've become comfortable surfing in the winter, you'll learn to hate summer. That's just a for-warning.

 

ok i have a couple of questions/statements for el porto. to set things even, ive been to el porto and its sorta fun. i wouldnt necessarily call it a surf destination but it was ok. allright thats out of the way.

first of all, do you truly know Sarah Palin and how much she lies!! Do you know what she did in both her town and state governments in Alaska with the people she didn't "like"?? There's no doubt that John McCain is an honorable American, after all he fought for our country (but that doesn't make Barack Obama un-American!)

Second of all, that whole experience issue makes me sick. Why does everyone keep beating the same old worn out dead horse that Hillary Clinton started out beating? Most people out there only obtain information and opinions from the press (me included). But facts are facts. Sarah Palin has the bulldog part down as well as the lipstick part, but does she have the capability and trust that such a prominent country like America would elect to be a vice president?? come on..

Thirdly, why do you write on Mid-Atlantic forums if your EL PORTO? Stay in El Snorto. Please! There are enough kooks in NJ already! Many kooks on this website too. (i probably sound like a kook right now too! haha)

Fourth, a vice president has not affected the desicion for PRESIDENT since Lyndon Johnson and the 60s. Think about that before you go off on how amazing Sarah Palin is!!!!
SHE WONT WIN YOU THE ELECTION!!

5th, dito what MDsurfer said.

and last, what makes you think lying about the amount of energy alaska produces gives Sarah Palin experience! Maybe if she traveled and interacted with people of other races and ethnicities like Obama did, she would have the experience she needs.

and also p.s. everyone, i know this doesnt matter that much, but Barack Obama has lived in both HAWAII and BALI!! Two of biggest surfing capitols in the world. Obama went to high school with pro surfers. He learned different languages, and even went to Harvard and Columbia Universities! So he is quite smart and he is relatable.

and Sarah Palin can see Russia from her house...