Cold Gold

For many UK paddle surfers, the end of November signals the final days of their season; it’s just too cold, there’s literally not enough hours in the day, the storms and swell size are beyond reasonable abilities or there’s simply not the desire to travel to find somewhere less daunting than the closed-out local beach break.

- Joe Thwaites

The thing about winter is the importance of the local knowledge, having the right tools for the job and being prepared to get in the water at the drop of a hat. Granted you might already have the necessary neoprene but the effect wind chill can have on the hands can be the difference between an enjoyable session and one you’d rather forget soon as you step out of the van. Similarly equipment is just as important, winter waves are often choppy so having a slightly bigger board lets you get out there more readily and there’s less time falling offand missing waves. Admittedly turning ability may be compromised to an extent but wave count before your hands give up or the tide kills the spot is the brisk day’s game.