Do you need to wear ear plugs under your hood during the winter? I am in NY. Also will a 5/4 rip curl flashbomb be warm enough in 37 degree water?
If your hood does a really good job of keeping the water out of your ears, then maybe you don't need the plugs. Or maybe on small days, where your not getting flushed a lot. If your getting cold water in your ears often, then I'd recommend them. I really hate wearing them, but its better then getting surfers ear.
Been dealing with surfers ear issues for years. I think a well fitting hood, with cord cinched tight allows so little water to seep in, and warms up what does seep in, that wearing earplugs is not necessary unless you already have surfers ear issues. My xcel drylock hood pretty much doesnt allow any water in, and keeps my head warm so i skip the plugs. For the past several years I have never had surfer ear symptoms in the winter with the hood but no plugs, but got the surfers ear symptoms pretty regularly in the spring summer or fall surfing without a hood and after losing an ear plug while getting worked by a wave. If you find your hood getting flushed or ripped down, have surfers ear symptoms, or just want the extra protection, you're certainly not doing any harm with both the hood and plugs.
Protect them ears young fellers. I had to give up winter surf 4 years ago. luckily my ears were so fugged up I couldn't hear my self screaming because of my frozen pooswah.
I wear the 5/4 Flashbomb. I think it is a great suit in 40 ish. never been in 37. However, my hood flushes a good bit when I'm getting tossed.
If it comes to the point where you have to wear earplugs then there is something wrong with your hood
ive been wearing earplugs under my hood the whole winter. helping out a lot. i think i might have surfers ear symptoms already at 22........
I am in the same boat as you at 24. Never wore ear plugs, never really worried about surfers ear. Started noticing some symptoms, thought about how much I surf and how likely it would be for me to have problems. Still have not gotten ear plugs but really should.
YES! I've been surfing about 20 years all year round and never wore earplugs. I was told recently by my doctor that I have developed a surfers ear in both ears. Ear plugs will definitely help prevent this, especially when worn under a hood.
earplugs and a 5/4 yes you need them. best are macks (blue box) silicone disposable. change often as they can be vehicles for infection. a 5/4 is ok for 37 deg h20; a heated vest under it even better.
