hiya wa howa aswat

Cold water surfers know what it's like to fulfill their desires. Riding waves in low temperature oceans requires resilience, passion and courage.

What's cold water surfing, anyway? Although there's no strict rule for what it is considered a freezing H2O, let's say it comes when you've got to wear a 4/3 wetsuit, during two thirds of the year.
Thicker wetsuits - 4/3 and 5/4 models - are compulsory for cool to very cold water temperatures, that is from 40ºF (4ºC) to 60ºF (16ºC).

Cold water surfing usually requires neoprene boots, gloves and hoods. Low water temperature wave riders are used to complex pre-surf warm-ups, hot coffees and thick clothes.

Staying warm for longer periods of time is a key strategy in subnormal weather and maritime conditions. Also, root vegetables are fundamental, as they will provide you extra heat. Hypothermia is cold water surfers' most dangerous enemy.


The surf industry has already developed battery-powered heated wetsuits for extremely low water temperatures. Actually, many riders have to jump to the water from snowy grounds.

The best cold water surf spots in the world are usually located in subarctic and subantarctic countries. Are you ready for the icy surf challenge?

CANADA Cox Beach, Halifax, Wickaninnish ICELAND Reykjavik UK Newquay, Watergate Bay, Llangennith, Sennen Cove, Bournemouth, Thurso East, White Rocks, Portrush IRELAND Bundoran, Mullaghmore, Doolin Point, Crab Island PORTUGAL Ribeira d'Ilhas, Peniche, Espinho FRANCE Lacanau, Hossegor, Biarritz RUSSIA Vladivostok SPAIN Pantin, Mundaka, Zarautz AUSTRALIA Bells Beach, Shipstern Bluff, Clifton Beach

USA Cocoa Beach, Steamer Lane, Mavericks, Shoals Reef, Sandy Hook, Turnagain Arm, Yakutat, Kodiak Island CHILE Pichilemu SOUTH AFRICA Dungeons, Kalk Bay GERMANY Eisbach River, Sylt, Norderney, Brandenburger Strand NETHERLANDS Camperduin & Hargen, Scheveningen, Domburg BELGIUM Surfers Paradise, Oostende DENMARK Hvide Sande, Nørre Vorupør, Klitmøller, Agger, Torsminde NEW ZEALAND Aramoana Spit, Papatowai, Long Point

Also, discover our world surf spot directory.