E Street Surf School: Your Essential Guide to New England Winter Wetsuits and Cold Water Surfing

1. Wetsuit Recommendations: Your Second Skin

When the water dips below 50°F (and often below 40°F in deep winter), your wetsuit is your lifeline. Don't skimp on quality or thickness!

The Cold-Water General Checklist

• Late Fall/Early Spring
  50-58°F

  4/3 mm Full Suit

• Late Fall/Early Winter

  40-50°F

  5/4 Hooded Fullsuit

• Deep Winter (Jan-Mar)

  35-40°F

  6/5 mm or 6/5/4 mm Hooded Fullsuit
  
  

The Non-Negotiables

• Hoods are Essential: A significant amount of body heat is lost through your head. A hooded wetsuit prevents "ice-cream headaches" and keeps you warm. You can purchase hoods separately, too.

• Seams Matter: Always look for suits that are Glued and Blind Stitched (GBS) and often taped on the inside. This prevents water flushing and keeps the cold seam from touching your skin.

• Quality is Key: Invest in a suit from a reputable brand known for cold-water performance. The better the neoprene, the longer you can surf.
  
  

2. Boots, Gloves, and More

A perfect wetsuit is useless if your extremities are frozen. Protecting your hands and feet is paramount for safety and endurance.

• Boots: You'll need 5 mm or 7 mm wetsuit boots. Look for a split-toe design for better board feel, or a round-toe design for maximum warmth. Ensure they fit snuggly to minimize flushing.

• Gloves: Go with 5 mm or 7 mm full or three-finger mitts. While five-finger gloves offer more dexterity, mitts are significantly warmer.
  
  
  

3. Cold Weather Tips: Surfing Nor'easters & Wetsuit Hacks

Getting geared up is only half the battle. Surviving the session and recovering safely requires preparation.

Pre-Surf & Post-Surf Hacks

• Warm Up Before You Go: Do some light stretching or jumping jacks before you put your suit on. Entering the water already warm helps extend your session time.

• Hot Water Shower: Fill a large, insulated jug or cooler with hot (not boiling!) water. This is a game-changer for rinsing your face, hands, and feet before you change, or for a full post-surf rinse to avoid the painful "after-burn." When I went scuba diving up in Maine, we poured warm water in the suit before heading into the water. (I've never tried this before surfing though)

• Changing Mat/Bucket: Use a dedicated plastic tub or changing mat to stand on when changing. This keeps your expensive suit clean and your feet off the frozen asphalt (ouch).

• The Changing Poncho: This oversized towel/poncho is a winter surfer's best friend. It allows you to change with dignity and warmth in the bitter wind. To be completely honest, I drive home in my wetsuit and take it off in the shower on most days. Not the best thing for your car interior... but we all have our faults!)
  
  
  

Tips for Surfing Nor'easters

Nor'easters bring the biggest, best surf to New England, but also the most intense cold and wind.

1. Safety First: Never paddle out alone during a major storm swell. The currents are powerful.

2. Hydrate: It might be cold, but you are still exerting a massive amount of energy. Drink water before and after your session.

3. Check Conditions: Always double-check the tides and swell period. A long period swell can make the break much heavier than expected. We pride ourselves on knowing the local spots in Rye and Hampton, Always check the forecast before heading out!
   
   

Ready to embrace the best of New England surfing? Feel free to reach out if you have any questions. Estreetsurfschool@gmail.com

Plus, if you have ay interest in surfing in warm water, we've got your back with amazing trips to Nosara Costa, Rica! E Street Retreats.com