Winter Surfing in Ireland - a Guide for Beginners
I would have classified myself as a social summer surfer. I’d surf on the nice calm days from May to October, then I’d give it up until the following year again. Each summer I’d start over as a beginner and wind up frustrated having never managed to pass that first stage. This year I promised myself I’d keeping going! Claim that space for myself and make some progress. So I booked a women’s surf weekend in October in Sligo with Rebelle Surf, then a surf & yoga trip with Surf Star Morocco and invested in a good secondhand long board and asked a few friends would they join me locally on the days they were free and the sea was glassy. And here I am in January just back from a social surf meet-up in Sligo and I can’t wait to jump in again!
Surfing through winter is daunting, it’s cold, the sea can look wild and inhospitable and without the right gear, quite frankly it’s torture. I was advised by an experienced surfer on the what to wear for comfort, and without his guidance I’d have been clueless. I am not an expert, this is my first winter surfing, so feel free to add extra ideas in the comments below. I’m just sharing the love and passing it on, in case you too would like to paddle out into the winter sea :)
There’s something so invigorating about surfing in winter, a sense of achievement and cameraderie between surf buddies, it’s an awesome way to get fit and find some peace and headspace.
Before you go!
Check the surf forecast (Surfline or Surf Forecast websites for your area) or Windguru (though it’s more complex if you’re just starting out). If you’re new to surfing, choose a safe beach (ask local surf schools for advice)
Check the tides - some spots are better on a mid/high tide - ask someone locally for advice on this
Ensure there are no weather/marine warnings etc - Met Éireann’s website for this
Tell someone where you’re going or better yet buddy up!
Dry your wetsuit and gear before you go - no one likes struggling into a wet, cold suit!
Plan what you’ll do with your car keys, many people use a key pod
What to pack:
I bought most of my gear from Jelly Fish Surf in Cork, please try support our Irish surf shops where possible
Wetsuit - 5/4mm (the mm, refers to the thickness of the neoprene materials it’s made from) is the lightest recommended for winter in Ireland. I prefer something warmer with a 6/4mm hooded suit from O’Neills called the Psychotech - if you don’t have a hooded wetsuit, you can get a separate hood or a hooded rash vest to wear under your wetsuit
Booties (5mm or I go with 7mm C-Skins brand)
Gloves (3mm, 5mm or 7mm - go with 5mm to start!)
Your surf board - you can pick up excellent second hand boards from local surf shops, your local surf school (both of these will give you advice) or in Facebook groups like this, Done Deal etc
Make your post surf more enjoyable!
Huge hot water bottle filled with hot water
Bottle of cold water to mix with it
Bucket to stand in and pour the warm water over feet and hands to defrost
Save some water in the bottle to put under your top against your core later
Towel (wrap it around your hot water bottle)
Changing robe - get changed quickly so you don’t get too cold
Mat for underfoot (I cut up an old yoga mat)
Baggy clothes (easier to pull on) arranged in order of putting on from top down (eg) have your hat on top, then your upper layers etc
Woolen socks and warm boots
Flask of piping hot chocolate and snacks to share after with friends!
Pre-Surf Banter Sligo | photo credit: Rebelle Surf
Top Tips:
Book some lessons with a local surf school if you’d like some help and support to get started
Stick your foot into a plastic bag when pulling on the legs of your wetsuit - they will glide in more easily then!
Get to know your local surf spots, where’s sheltered in certain wind directions, are they best at low, mid or high tide, know sunset times too - don’t get caught out in the dark
Plan ahead by looking at the surf forecast and make plans, pack your gear etc
You don’t have to stay in for 2 hours! Start with something fun and manageable like 30 minutes - work your way up!
Bring a hot drink and lots of layers - see above!
And the best of all - get yourself some surf buddies!
And blast my Winter Surf Playlist to get yourself all pumped up before jumping in!
So there you have it… my little hard learned experience practical guide to surfing in winter, to help you through the winter months. Embrace the cold, be prepared, be careful and most of all have fun. Let me know if you have any other good winter surf hacks!
PS. If you’re not quite ready to jump in the wild Atlantic in Winter, but would LOVE to spend more time outdoors this year, more time connecting with yourself, nature and other like minded women, then head straight over to my events & retreats tabs on this website for upcoming gatherings.
Surf Vans Sligo January 2024