Surf Cat

So, you’ve spent your summer trying some new water activities? Whether it be surfing, bodyboarding or swimming, there is no activity that the refreshing swell of the salty sea can’t cleanse you with. Just because it is heading into the colder months, doesn’t mean there is any reason to put your progress on pause. It’s time to get your friends together and head down to the atmospheric South West coast of England. The rugged coasts of Devon and Cornwall are located with some of the best surfing beaches in the UK and continue to be the perfect playground for you to try your hand at sea activities. 

Won’t it be cold, you might ask? Luckily, there are some precautions you can take in and out of the sea to keep you toasty. 

In the Sea 

These are the wetsuit essentials to ensure you are at your warmest in the sea and having the most fun as possible!

A Thick Westuit 

This is super important. With the warmer, summer months now out the window, it’s time to get a thicker suit for you to have the most enjoyable experience. If you are looking to buy, or heading to a hire shop, make sure to grab yourself something thicker than a 3:2 suit. With so many suits on the market, we will keep it nice and straightforward; ideally, you will require a 5:3 thickness as this is regarded as a ‘winter suit.’ If you don’t feel the cold as much, a 4:3 suit might be a possibility with the aid of a thermal rash vest. However, to keep the experience fun, you want to be as warm as possible, so a 5:3 would be perfect.  

Wetsuit Accessories 

Once the central body is sufficiently heated, it’s time to ensure other parts of the body which could suffer from the cold are adequately covered. Heading in the water during the colder months will require wetsuit boots, gloves and hood. It may seem a bit much, but once in the water, you will be grateful. Of course, it depends on how cold each individual gets for which wetsuit attire is appropriate. For boots, you ideally will want a 5mm thickness to keep your toes nice and warm. Gloves and hood should be around 3mm, but its best to ask the local shop you are hiring or buying from for their recommendations.

Out of the Sea 

Now you’re out of the water, it’s time to get as warm as possible. Take a look at our tips to raise your temperature on land.

Have a Mat or Bucket to Change In 

This may seem slightly random, but having something dry and warm to stand on as you’re getting changed can make the whole process a lot more comfortable. Purchase a special change mat (or any mat which can dry thoroughly) for you to protect your feet from the cold ground when you take your wetsuit boots off. Another common thing to use is a large, flexible plastic bucket, but be steady when standing in one of these. The primary use for them is to stick all your wet gear in after a surf session, so are an incredibly useful thing to invest in. 

DryRobe 

The most effective (and cosy) thing for maintaining warmth out of the sea is a Dryrobe. These change robes have been specifically engineered with an insulated lining. It not only preserves heat, but also retracts water from your skin to the pile of the fabric, drying you as you wear it. They are created with moveability and durability to allow you to change in any place, within all weather elements. If you’re not ready to get changed yet or want to drive home for a hot shower, throw it over your wetsuit for the same heat conserving properties! 

Alternatively, thick towelling robes are also practical and make changing outside your car much more manageable without the stress of you holding your towel!

Flask of Hot Drink

Make sure you pack one of these! Feel warm from the inside out by ensuring you have a lovely, hot drink to welcome you after your time in the sea. There are many thermal flasks on the market, so be sure to invest in one. 

Have Some Snacks 

Having some delicious snacks at the ready is essential after you have used all your energy surfing and staying warm. Make sure you have something yummy to delve into after your session, your body will be thankful. 

With no excuses left, its time to get in the sea and enjoy an Autumn and Winter adventure!