Surf

How To Stay Pumped For Cold Water Surfing In The UK

The birds are out. The trees are blossoming. Your Grandad’s even got his sandals out for god-sake. Yes, it might be springtime in the UK but you’d better believe those fantasy boardie surfs are to remain firmly where they are unless you’re into the whole Wim Hof immersion thing. During March and April, UK waters are at their coldest. It might feel like spring up top, but it’s most definitely winter down low. So if you’re braving the icy swells, you’ll need good gear and your wits about you to make the most of cold water surfing in the UK.

Not for the faint hearted and a mile away from those clean warm breaks of Indo. Spring swell in the UK is full of adrenalin fuelled turns, extreme conditions, adventurous spirit, and a test of your boundaries. And we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Being well prepared for cold water surfs however, will be the difference between a quick dip and the frozen grin plastered across your face after you’ve thrown yourself at the mercy of the ocean and keep going back for more. So what should be your top priorities for getting the most out of UK cold water surfing?

1. Know Before You Go

Staying safe out there should be your numbero uno priority. Always check the surf report. Keep an eye on the tide times. Think about the weather reports. There are usually no lifeguards on UK beaches in the colder months, so you really need to look out for number one. Know your limits and don’t put yourself at risk.

We use Magicseaweed.com to check the surf forecasts of our favourite spots.

2. Invest In The Right Gear

The clue is in the title: UK cold water surfing is cold. Make sure you’re well prepared with the correct gear for the conditions and you’ll have a waay better time out in the drink. 

Also remember that the swell and your ability will affect your ride, so start with the right surfboard setup and you’ll have a whale of a time (pun most definitely intended).

UK Winter Surfing – 5mm Wetsuit

Wetsuit Hood

Wetsuit Boot

Wetsuit Gloves

Surfboard

Surf Watch

Cold Water Wax

3. Stay Well Hydrated And Fuelled

You want to be on top of your game in the water. So it’s important to be adequately hydrated and fuelled for your surf. As well as being physically demanding, cold water surfing makes your body burn extra energy to keep warm. Loading up on complex carbs a few hours before you surf is best, as well as drinking a good amount of water before you get in.

Remember to bring some snacks and water with you for after surfing. Equally epic, take a thermos of tea for when you’re finished. You’ll be grateful of the brew and the warmth!

4. Keep Moving

The key to staying stoked in cold water surfing? Paddle around to keep warm. Don’t just sit out back catching flies, you’ll catch your death instead! Make sure you’re moving around to stop your limbs cramping up from the cold. It may sound tiring but you’ll have a more enjoyable surf if you can still feel your body in the water.

5. Change In Comfort

Almost as critical as what you’re wearing in the surf, you’ll want to have the right gear lined up and waiting for you when you get out. The best post surf clothes? In our opinion you can’t go wrong with a big cosy hoody, joggers and a beanie. A surf robe/ towel are also imperative for wrapping yourself up as you try to bring some life back into your legs!

Hoody – Mens | Womens

Joggers – Mens | Womens

Beanie – Mens | Womens

Towel/Robe

Quick tip – wrap your post surf threads around a water bottle and you’ll be laughing!

Quiksilver / Roxy

Sorted Surf Shop | Wetsuit Centre

20 thoughts on “How To Stay Pumped For Cold Water Surfing In The UK

  1. Ben Tapleg says:

    Winter is my favourite time of year simply because of the surfing!

  2. Chris says:

    Perfect time to learn! No ones in the sea! 🙈🤣

  3. Nina says:

    🤙🏼🤙🏼🤙🏼 Great blog!

  4. Nat says:

    Hopefully this season will be good for me to learn!!

  5. Kristian says:

    Best time of year 🤙

  6. Esmé says:

    Great post! Love it!

  7. Pjmc says:

    Great blog need some encouragement to brave the winter

  8. Simon says:

    Top class

  9. Jordan Smithson says:

    Can’t wait to get out in winter

  10. Ruth T says:

    Sometimes you have just got to get in and do it, if you think about it bring cold for too long you might get put off. Just need to be prepared to get cold and wet. Make sure you have the right gear and the conditions are right for your ability and then something to warm you up after.

  11. Carly Smith says:

    Plenty of fuel for the day and a dry robe to throw on when you get out 🤙🤙🤙 bring on the surf

  12. Keaton says:

    Loving all the responses guys! The toughest part is committing, but once you’re there it’s always worth it! Quieter lineups and better swell (fingers crossed!). Bring it on.

  13. Yasmin Leah says:

    Great tips – especially since surf is always better in the winter months here in the UK!

  14. Michaela says:

    Great blog post!

  15. Gareth Brink says:

    Big waves and less beginners = perfect time for surfing

  16. Stephi says:

    Awesome page!

  17. david price says:

    best time of year.no crowds.better waves

  18. Sarah says:

    Winter pleasures are hard to come by and that’s what makes surf so swell!

  19. Sarah says:

    Cool post!

  20. Saz says:

    Right gear and planning is essential!

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