Blue winter // A surfing day in the cold season

Last week it was too cold for me to surf. I had been in the ocean the day before, but two days in a row with 3 Celsius degrees outside and 11 in the water was too much for me.

Not for Andrea though. So, I took advantage of my time off from the ocean and decided to snap some pictures at the beautiful scenery.

The lineup was far from crowded, but despite the harsh conditions, some other brave surfers joined Andrea in the ocean and enjoyed this perfect cold surf.

The waves were just pure perfection and the contrast in colors made the whole atmosphere glacially ethereal. The blues of the water and the sky, the shades on the smooth surface, everything breathed winter magic...

Some things you didn't know about winter surfers

Yes, when it comes to winter surfing people always look with admiration at those brave men and women who stand up against the cold water and weather temperature to pursue their passion.

They're the winter fighters, willing to face the harshest conditions in order to chase those perfect waves in empty lineups.

These surfers are inspirational indeed, but there are few other things common people don't really realize about these winter waves riders.

As one of the latter (yes, I love freezing my butt in cold water sessions!), I would like to point out some characteristics of winter surfers that somehow not everyone notices :)

Surfer's ear // What is it and how to prevent it

Hi there! Today I'd like to talk about a more serious topic.

With the winter hitting the Northern hemisphere, surfers spend more and more time in harsh conditions, the water getting colder and the biting winds blowing stronger. I've been lucky so far for never suffering from ear problems, but I know how important is to talk about this very common issue for surfers.

It exists a pathology commonly named "surfer's ear", due to its prevalence among cold water surfers.

Winter morning routine of cold water surfers // Angelica

I have always thought about cold water surfers as very strong and motivated kind of surfers. I have deep respect for the girls (and guys) who live where the water reaches temperatures below the 10 Celsius degrees in winter and still wake up in the morning thinking about jumping in the ocean and have fun on their boards.

Passion above all is able to push our limits and give us the energy to face the coldest days in the water!

That is why I wanted to give you a little taste of what a winter morning routine is like for a cold water surfer :)

Today Angelica from Sweden is telling us more about her everyday earliest hours.

Winter Chai Latte recipe

Ok, we have to admit. In the Northern hemisphere winter has come. Which is all good for the whole Christmas atmosphere... A little less for our frozen toes during the latest surf sessions!

Anyways, here in Southern France we've been a little spoiled these recent weeks and the sun shone like it was still mid fall. But this didn't keep us from indulging a little in winter decoration and treats :)

This leads to today's topic, which is a super easy and delicious Chai Latte recipe! It was the first time with Chai Latte for me and I definitely wanted to share my recipe with you :) I've been wanting to try it for a long time and I was totally satisfied by its coziness and delicate spicy aroma. Better sipped around the fireplace after a cold winter surf session...

Ok let's go!

12 reasons to go surfing in winter

Let's face it: we are waaay past the warm season and that biting sea breeze of the morning is now following us through the day, every day more.

For many of us the coming of the winter means a threat to our surfing practice, to our long hours in the water and our legless wetsuit surf... We change ourselves in cold pavement parking lots, the pouring rain hitting our face, and we can't even feel our big toes...
But we are too passionate and too tenacious to give up. The answer is in finding the right motivation and embracing the coldest season with a smile.

So, today I wrote down a list of reasons to motivate us on why we should go surfing in winter :)

1. Because surfing is sooo goood. (Yeah, this was an easy one)

2. The line-up will be way emptier than during the warmer season. No more surf schools, beginners with soft-top boards and tourists all around. These months can offer you (almost) desert line-ups and some me-time in the water. Friends are allowed!

3. Nowadays, with a good wetsuit you'll be able to enjoy the surf without dying for hypothermia! It will cost you a little more, but it will be worth every cents. You'll be able to surf a little longer and sometimes you will even feel better in the water than outside!

4. Next summer you'll have improved a lot! You will be able to surf and have fun in super crowded line-ups. (and be the best one in your group!)

5. It's no secret that the best swells hit during the colder months. Plus there will be less people enjoying those amazing waves (see number 2). So, if you want to get better, go get ready and wax your board!

6. Let's face it: it’s not as cold as you may think! Not every single day will be freezing cold and some days will be even sunny and bright :) It's up to you to turn these days into surf days!

7. You will be in shape all year long. Surfing in cold water will make you burn way more calories than your average routine at the gym. And you can say goodbye to radical diet plans just before the bikini season!

8. If you're looking for your better half in the surf scene, winter surfing can help you on that. Being one of a very few female surfers in the line-up will make you definitely stand out. And if you're lucky you will be sharing a coup of tea with the hottest of the bunch after the session (always bring a thermos)!

9. You'll have that healthy surfing tan all year long without visiting the beauty saloon! The sun is shining even behind the clouds, so make sure you'll use a proper sunscreen every day (you can see some suggestions here).

10. The usual landscapes will turn into something stunning and remote in winter, especially if you look at them from the water. You don't want to miss that magic.

11. Surfing in winter is more satisfying. When you just ended your surf session, a cup of hot chocolate in hand, and rethink about your time out there facing the cold, you will be smiling and feeling in peace with the world.

12. Being just a few motivated people in the water, sharing the same struggles and joys, is what can make us break down boundaries. Cold surfing is the best way to make friends and create life-long bonds.

Have I convinced you in giving cold surfing a try? You won't be disappointed, I swear ;)
Meanwhile, you can check here for some more practical tips that will make you get the most of your winter surfing! I hope they will be helpful :)
Enjoy!

How to choose the right winter wetsuit

Hi there! First of all a disclaimer: if you live in some part of the world where it is summer all year long and you surf in a bikini, this article is not for you (I would add that I am so jealous of you at the moment eheh)

For the other inhabitants of the Northern hemisphere, it is that time of the year when you should decide to buy a winter wetsuit if you don't want to freeze in the water during the next upcoming months. I know, it sucks. Thick neoprene is unpleasant to wear and to surf in, but you really need one if you want to keep on surfing before next spring. These coldest months are the worst for us poor surfers, but this won't stop us, right?

So, here I wrote a list of points you should keep in mind when you go buy your winter wetsuit. They will ease the process of choice-making and hopefully make you happy next time you jump in the (cold) water :)

Choose the right size

It seems obvious, right? But you can't believe how many girls I see trying to resell their wetsuit online because they chose the wrong size. Luckily for us, wetsuit brands have chart sizes that take into consideration height, weight and legs length. We don't need to cheat, but instead be honest while choosing the perfect size for us. 

Be aware that out of the water, especially if it is brand new, your wetsuit will fit super tight - it's all right! You'll see it will loosen up a bit and you'll feel perfectly comfortable once in the water.

Choose the right thickness

We are talking about full winter wetsuit here, so we won't have a large range of neoprene thicknesses to choose between. We need to take into consideration where are we going to surf, the average temperature of air and water during the coldest months and if we are very sensitive to the cold or not.

Normally, all brands offer 3/2 millimeters, 4/3 millimeters and 5/4 millimeters neoprene thickness, to choose between depending on our needs (some brands also produce 6/5 millimeters wetsuits for very cold conditions). In this case too, they usually have an average water temperature they're made for, so this will make your choice easier. Make sure to ask the sales assistant for it!

Choose the right flexibility

Many people forget about that, but I think it is a very good point to take into consideration. Each brand cuts their wetsuits differently, so standard sizes will differ from one to another. 

When you try a wetsuit, lift your arms over your head and stretch out your shoulders, keeping in mind the flexibility you need for paddling. Sometimes your wetsuit can fit great, but still not offer the ease in movements you look for. 

Be aware that many really flexible types of neoprene are also quite fragile and risk to get worn-out very quickly. Make your choice wisely!

Choose the right model

Talking about full-wetsuits, nowadays we can choose between different kinds of style.

The most classic is the full-zipper. This one has a zipper that runs on your back - from the lower back to the back of the neck. It doesn't offer a lot of flexibility and it can let water come in, but it is super easy and fast to put on and off and it will make your life easier when you change under the rain in a desert parking lot during winter.

My favorite one though is the chest-zipper. This type of wetsuit has a zip in the chest and to be completely honest it is quite hard to put on and off. Despite the risk of hipotermia while changing oneself, this wetsuit offer good flexibility and reduce the flow of water coming in - it is definitely the warmest type I've ever tried.

Last but not least we have a new entry: the zipperless wetsuit. This new type of wetsuit must fit perfectly to enjoy its features and entry and exit into the suit is not as easy. But, again, this kind of suit offers the warmest, most watertight construction and flexibility. 

I suggest you try them all before choosing the right one for you!

Choose the right price range

Before shopping, have a look on the internet for the average prices of a full wetsuit and choose the price range you're more comfortable with. Once at the surf shop, you will be ready to make the best decision. Keep in mind that quality costs, but most of the time it is worth it. 

That being said, you have to take into consideration the real use you will be making of your wetsuit before spending your weekly wage on it - e.g. how many times per week/month will you be surfing this winter? 

Another tip is to ask for the models from previous year. Sometimes they're almost the same of the current season, but cost half the price! ;)

I hope you'll feel more comfortable at choosing your perfect winter wetsuit now!
xo

Winter surf tips // Getting ready for the coldest sessions

Here in France winter has come! Everlasting rains, cloudy weather and drop downs in temperature... In the northern hemisphere surfing starts becoming an activity for the tougher ones. The idea of getting out there in the water and paddling towards the line up is not really in my mind while I sip my (second) cup of hot tea....
But I know you (and I) have the strength and the passion to be persistent and take advantage of the less crowded months. With some little tips cold surfing will be less of an effort and I bet I'll find you paddling towards the line up next weekend! ;)

Here we go!

1. Invest some money in a good wetsuit

Yes, I know, money talks are always a delicate issue. But I firmly believe that a GOOD wetsuit can really make the difference. Two good wetsuits even more. I tried some different brands along the years and I understood that a little investment now can make you save money later, when your base wetsuit won't be enough to get through the coldest months. If you don't feel like it would be worth the expense, try to have a look for past season premium wetsuits in your favorite surf shop sales, or check on the web for multi-brands e-shops for deals. I always do! ;)

I personally use Xcel wetsuits and I have to say I'm rather a happy customer. For its flexibility and warmth I think it's one of the best brands I've ever tried. I'd be happy to hear your experience and exchange suggestions too!

Then Patagonia just launched its new eco-friendly wetsuit!! A bit expensive for now, but totally worth the cost in order to do what we love the most and preserve the future of our planet.

Here a few suggestions for some winter gear you might want to give a try!

1 // Xcel Infiniti X2 4.3, 2 // Patagonia R3 back zip, 3 // Roxy Syncro 3mm round toe boot, 4 // Rip Curl Flashbomb 5.4 Hooded, 5 // Patagonia R2 Gloves, 6 // Rip Curl Flashbomb 3mm Wetsuit Hood

2. Exercise

This is quite a hard point for me. Yep, I hate work outs and the idea of getting out there in the cold and going for a run gives me goosebumps, in the worst way. But even if I'm not the gym kind of girl, I have to say good exercise gives you that extra push you need (and beg for) when you'll be paddling in a 12°C water. Endurance and cardio are some things we need to work on. And yoga and stretching will definitely help us get our muscles flexible and prevent us from pains and injuries. After a tough winter session we'll be grateful and all the work out will pay off!

I promise I'll give the gym a chance too! ;)

3. Wear warm

All those furry and soft coats, boots, hats, cardigans..... they're not just so darn cute, but they're so warm too!!! This is one of those case when beauty meets functionality. And after a cold session you may just want to jump into your furry boots and cuddle yourself with a boiling hot cup of tea....

Speaking of which.......

4. Be smart

There are some tricks I'm sure you surf bunnies already know, but still worth a shout. Always bring with you a thermos filled with your favorite hot drink like coffee, tea or chocolate. After the session this will fill your spirit, other than your body, with some warm energy. Other trick: fill a big plastic bottle or container with boiling hot water, wrap it in a towel and leave it in your trunk. When you come out of the water you'll have a warm shower waiting for you! And your feet will be ready to push the car pedals again ;)

5. Pee!

I mean, in your wetsuit!!! Come on, I know you do it! Everybody (or almost) does. When you're immersed in cold water, your body needs to balance your inner temperature and let liquids go. So, it's totally normal! Plus, it will make you feel warmer. It's a win-win! Just make sure to take a proper shower once you get home. And rinse your wetsuit too ;)

Do you have other tips and tricks to get through winter? Share them here!!! xo

Credits // Author // Photography: Marta Tomasini, Last Img via Pinterest