Winter sessions on the water can be some of the most rewarding! With epic winds, fewer crowds, and some of the most exhilarating sessions you experience all year. But staying warm is key to enjoying every minute of it. Whether you’re kitesurfing, wingfoiling, or windsurfing, a little preparation goes a long way. Here are our top three tried-and-tested tips to help you stay warm and comfortable during winter watersports.
Get Suited Up While You’re Still Warm
If you can get into your wetsuit before arriving at the beach, do it. Starting your session warm makes a huge difference. When your core temperature is already up, your body handles the cold water far better – plus you’ll stay warm for longer.
If changing at the beach is unavoidable, try this simple trick: keep your wetsuit boots and wetsuit gloves under the heaters (not directly on – this could be a fire hazard!) in the car on the way down. Warm neoprene is not only more comfortable to put on, but also has a much better chance of keeping you warm throughout your session, as realistically neoprene mainly maintains heat. This small preparation step is a game changer for cold-weather watersports.
Stay Warm While You’re Rigging Up
It’s easy to focus on staying warm whilst you’re on the water, but what you do before you launch is just as important. Standing around in cold winter winds while setting up your gear can quickly drain your body heat. A changing robe is a total game changer here. They’ve become a staple for winter riders for a reason (and mums on the school run too, which we think is legendary!).
Throw one on while you’re pumping up, sorting your lines out, or having a chat with the locals before heading out, and you’ll keep your core temperature up before you even hit the water. You’ll start your session warmer, ride for longer, and feel better for it afterwards too.
Invest in Good-Quality Neoprene
We know this might sound biased coming from a watersports shop, but it’s genuinely true. Quality neoprene is one of the best investments you can make for winter riding. A well-fitting winter wetsuit, paired with proper neoprene boots and gloves, is the difference between cutting your session short and staying out for hours. We should also point out that neoprene is not just there to increase your time on the water, but to truly keep you safe. We’ve all had that moment when a foil pops a wing or a kite line snaps and suddenly you’re submerged in cold water. Which can be both dangerous and physically demanding, and that’s when good-quality neoprene becomes absolutely essential.
The performance gap between budget gloves and premium gloves, for example, is huge. Higher-end options offer better insulation, improved flexibility, sealed seams, windproof properties, and far superior durability. The same goes for boots and wetsuits, better materials mean more warmth, less water ingress, and greater comfort across long winter sessions.
Think of it this way: good neoprene doesn’t just keep you warm – it keeps you riding!
Final Thoughts on Winter Watersports
Winter watersports can be incredible, as long as you’re prepared for the cold. Start warm, stay warm while rigging up, and choose quality neoprene that works with you, not against you. Follow these simple tips and you’ll be making the most of the colder months in comfort, confidence, and safety.
If you’d like help choosing the right winter wetsuit, boots, or gloves for kitesurfing, wingfoiling, or windsurfing, pop into the shop or give us a call on 01329 551343. Our team is always happy to help you gear up for the winter season ahead.
