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Is Surfing A Winter Sport?

February 7, 2021 by Wayne Creed 1 Comment

The Benefits of Cold WaterShould surfing be reclassified as a Winter sport?  T

For starters, the article I’m referencing defines cold water as anything below 70 F (21.1 C).  So nearly all the surfing I do during the year takes place in qualifying “cold” water.

Granted, getting into the water in the dead of winter requires very good, and expensive gear. However, here is a list of benefits of cold water noted in a recent Healthline article about cold showers–we just it applied directly to surfing in cold water.

The stated benefits to taking cold showers 2-3 times per week are:

  • Increases endorphins
  • Improved metabolism
  • Improved circulation
  • Helps fight off common illnesses

Most surfers will tell you they feel better when surfing 2-3 times a week. So this list is seems legit.

Image courtesy of Men’s Health

The Healthline author also goes on to say that cold water is not a cure-all and should not replace other healthy lifestyle choices and medical treatments.  Duh.

We have all experienced feeling really good after a morning surf, and now there’s some evidence to suggest you should continue surfing 2-3 times per week in perpetuity.

Keep in mind water temperature is typically about two months behind air temperature. Winter surfing is generally done in water below 50°F. When it dips into the 30s, that’s a new level of commitment. And while salt water freezes around 28.5°F.

In the winter, your wetsuit is more important than your board. Wetsuits are measured in millimeters of thickness, so winter will require a 4mm or 5mm—plus boots, gloves, and a hood. Most companies make 6mm suits, but they’re pretty cumbersome, so opt for the 5mm.

Hydration is also key. Drink a couple glasses of water and save the hot coffee for later. Proper hydration is key to improving blood flow.

Filed Under: Bottom, News

Comments

  1. Doug Luther says

    February 19, 2021 at 1:06 pm

    I don’t know about winter surfing. Thought it was for the rich kids who could afford wetsuits.
    I do know I tried once, when the water temperature was 55°. After all, I was a tough high school football player. I thought I’ll be OK with a cutoff sweat shirt and birdwells. I got a running start, jumped on my board and damn near died. It felt like a thousand knife blades going into my body! Holy crap batman!
    I jumped out of the water and my friends were rolling on the sand laughing!
    Never again. I was a full time summer surfer from then on out.
    I can afford a wetsuit now, but I’ll watch from a distance … on the beach!

    Note: Very true. Even with a good wet suit, it’s still a little dicey (icy). I needed a new wet suit, went to WRV, and for what I needed, it was running around $550…decided to wait till spring and use the lame one I have.

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