Any of you guys winter surfers?

[MainelySmallies]

I have a colleague and also a friend who are both constantly on me about taking up winter surfing. I used to skateboard in my misspent youth and I get bored during the winters so the idea appeals to me. Do any of you guys surf in the winter here and if so what millimeter suits are you wearing? I would love to get a 5/4 so I could use it for fishing in late fall but I’m worried 5/4 isn’t warm enough for winter surfing. Any of you guys surf? Can I get by with a 5/4 or do I need a 6/5 or a 7?

[chisler]

I can't help with surfing, I've got enough problems with what I got going now.  

 

But.. i do see folks at Hampton all winter, 0 degrees F,  sometimes loads of people, they are there.  If you are close enough visit the beach and talk some of them up.  

 

Sorry I couldn't help very much

 

Edited January 20 by chisler

[MainelySmallies]

6 mins ago, chisler said:

I can't help with surfing, I've got enough problems with what I got going now.  

 

Dude I feel you. I have too many hobbies as it stands. A little worried about surfing becoming a rabbit hole. Sort of hoping I don’t like it too much lol.

[ken r]

I got a friend that hard water kiteboards. Does 150+ miles in a day. Not surfing but still pretty badass.

 

[jerseystriper]

You could get by with a 5/4 with a 5 hood plus feet and hands. Used to surf jersey LBI all winter now going back 40 years ago when I was younger. Vasoline across face. You might get 90 minute session, maybe longer depending on your cold tolerance with a 5/4 but that first cold wave in face will ring your bell. Cold surfers headaches. I no longer even contemplate getting in water till it hits 60. Lot of work swimming in a thick wet suit, so hopefully your in good shape. Was fun, far less surfers and good waves but best part was getting back to my parents house and turning on outside shower full hot. 

[jimbighead]

Some good bits and laughs here and there in the above messages.  I have been surfing through winter up here since 93 when I first arrived from away.  the gear is so much better now really unless you pick a god awful below zero windy day you will be toasty.

 

I surf a 6/5/4 zipperless hooded,XCEL suit, FLashbomb boots 7mm, and mittens.

 

Jim

[MainelySmallies]

On 1/19/2023 at 11:15 PM, ken r said:

I got a friend that hard water kiteboards. Does 150+ miles in a day. Not surfing but still pretty badass.

 

Just googled this man that’s cool as hell lol. I mean I’m not signing up for that, but it’s cool as hell. 

 

31 mins ago, jimbighead said:

Some good bits and laughs here and there in the above messages.  I have been surfing through winter up here since 93 when I first arrived from away.  the gear is so much better now really unless you pick a god awful below zero windy day you will be toasty.

 

I surf a 6/5/4 zipperless hooded,XCEL suit, FLashbomb boots 7mm, and mittens.

 

Jim

Thanks! Everyone keeps assuring me that it’s not that cold haha. 

[ken r]

10 hours ago, MainelySmallies said:

Just googled this man that’s cool as hell lol. I mean I’m not signing up for that, but it’s cool as hell. 

 

 

The hit 80+ mph.

[James Browne]

Surfed many winters in Maine in a 5/4, and a few in a 6/5/4.  I can’t handle the cold well anymore though so haven’t done the winter torture in a while.  Used to manage 2-4 hours for most winter sessions.  Waves are great, crowds are easier.  The really awful part is getting out of the wetsuit post session on a very cold windy beach….  Get your suit from Liquid Dreams in Ogunquit or Black Point In Scarborough.  Both great shops run by excellent people.  

[MainelySmallies]

12 hours ago, James Browne said:

Surfed many winters in Maine in a 5/4, and a few in a 6/5/4.  I can’t handle the cold well anymore though so haven’t done the winter torture in a while.  Used to manage 2-4 hours for most winter sessions.  Waves are great, crowds are easier.  The really awful part is getting out of the wetsuit post session on a very cold windy beach….  Get your suit from Liquid Dreams in Ogunquit or Black Point In Scarborough.  Both great shops run by excellent people.  

The Black Point folks are super nice. I’ve been in there a few times. I’ll make a trip down to Liquid Dreams to check it out. 

[MakoMike]

On 1/19/2023 at 3:46 PM, MainelySmallies said:

I have a colleague and also a friend who are both constantly on me about taking up winter surfing. I used to skateboard in my misspent youth and I get bored during the winters so the idea appeals to me. Do any of you guys surf in the winter here and if so what millimeter suits are you wearing? I would love to get a 5/4 so I could use it for fishing in late fall but I’m worried 5/4 isn’t warm enough for winter surfing. Any of you guys surf? Can I get by with a 5/4 or do I need a 6/5 or a 7?

Back when I was young, dumb and…. I used to surf during the winter with a 5/4 with hood and booties. They didn’t make anything heavier back then and you were doing good if you could even move in those stiff 5/4s.

[RAW]

Surfers are are out here everyday, even in brutal waves. Theres a couple of guys that come and spend 6 hours in the water and on the beach with a small stove and eat. Absolute diehards. They have a blast. 

[MainelySmallies]

12 mins ago, RAW said:

Surfers are are out here everyday, even in brutal waves. Theres a couple of guys that come and spend 6 hours in the water and on the beach with a small stove and eat. Absolute diehards. They have a blast. 

That’s super cool. I’ve heard more and more people are getting into the winter surfing thing here. I should go down to Higgins one day to watch next time its a good wave day.

[JEFFSOD]

Point breaks are better in the winter if you have the option. The less you dunk your head the better in the middle of winter.