Kitesurfing in the heart of European winter may not be everyone’s cup of tea, given the icy winds, frigid waters, and frozen toes. But here’s the secret: winter kitesurfing in cold water offers stronger winds, decent-sized waves, and fewer crowds.
Despite the potential for hypothermia, we can say we’ve gotten used to it for a reason. And lucky for you we’ve got a ton of tips and tricks to either get you started or elevate your winter kitesurfing game. It all begins with investing in the right gear.
Wetsuits & Neoprene Thickness
If you’re into watersports, then you know that you’ll have to adapt your waterwear depending on the season. In Europe, this means understanding your wetsuit thicknesses, and when to wear what.
Investing in the right wetsuit is crucial for winter kitesurfing. Wetsuits work by trapping a thin layer of water between your body and the suit. This layer is warmed by your body heat, preventing heat loss. Wetsuit thickness is measured in millimeters (mm) and affects both warmth and flexibility. In general, thicker wetsuits offer more warmth but less flexibility, while thinner ones provide the opposite.
The recommended wetsuit thickness based on water temperature are:
- <2mm: 20+ degrees Celsius
- 3/2mm: 13-15+ degrees Celsius
- 4/3mm: 11-15 degrees Celsius; boots, gloves and hood optional
- 5/3mm: 12-8 degrees Celsius; boots, gloves and hood recommended
- >5/4mm: <8 degrees Celsius; boots, gloves and hood highly recommended
Keep in mind that these are general guidelines. Additional factors such as air temperature, wind speed, personal sensitivity, and activity level should be considered. Beyond just thickness, you can consider the material quality, seams, and zip type. For more information head to our Wetsuits info page.
“Thicker wetsuits offer more warmth but less flexibility, while thinner ones provide the opposite.”
Staying Warm: Waterwear & Accessories
Hoods & Beanies
Neoprene hoods and beanies are essential accessories that cover your head and ears, the most exposed and sensitive parts of your body in cold conditions. These specially designed items for watersports help retain heat, preventing heat loss due to wind chill and guarding against ear infections. They also add a touch of style to your waterwear ensemble. Keep in mind that they can affect hearing, vision, or comfort and may come off or fill with water in case of a crash or wipeout. That’s why we only recommend wearing them during the colder seasons. Check out our range of Hoods & Beanies here.
Gloves
Neoprene gloves come in multiple styles and thicknesses, including lobster gloves (the warmest), 5-finger or open palm, depending on your preference and grip. Their primary purpose is to keep your hands warm and comfortable while you hold your bar and control your kite. They also protect against blisters and cuts from the lines and the bar. However, they may slightly reduce your bar feel and finger dexterity, so wear them only when necessary. Discover our neoprene gloves here.
Boots & Shoes
Neoprene boots and shoes offer protection for your feet from cold water and sharp objects on the beach or in the water. While they may reduce your board feel and control, making advanced tricks like board offs challenging, they can provide essential traction and stability on your board. You can choose from a range of styles from round toe, split toe, or reef shoes depending on your fit and personal preferences. Explore our boots and shoes collection here.
Technical Tops
These jackets or hoodies serve as additional layers that you can wear over your wetsuit and harness to enhance warmth and protection from wind and water. They are designed for kiteboarding, windsurfing and wakeboarding, and include features such as harness openings and integrated hoods.
When it comes to technical tops, choosing the right layer for the conditions is crucial. Our collection features three tiers: Neoprene for insulation, Softshell for wind-blocking, and a Windbreaker which is slightly less effective than the Softshell. Remember to wear technical tops only when necessary to avoid overheating or feeling restricted. View our technical tops collection here.
Layering
In frigid weather, you can consider wearing thermal layers beneath your wetsuit to prevent you from getting too cold. These thin neoprene long sleeves, featuring a slim fit and a fleece lining, help regulate your body temperature during your session. They can also serve as outer layers in the summer, protecting you from windchill, UV rays, and rashes. Discover our Layering here.
Pre and Post Session Tips & Tricks
Preparing for a winter kitesurfing session involves more than just gear selection. Prolonged exposure to cold wind can lead to discomfort and decreased performance. There are some general rules to follow for staying warm while kitesurfing in cold conditions:
- Stay Informed About Weather: Always stay informed about weather conditions, including any potential changes during your kitesurfing session.
- Fuel Your Body: Before your session, ensure you’ve consumed a nutritious and balanced meal and stay well-hydrated.
- Wear Warm Clothes: While setting up your gear, make sure to wear warm clothing and a hat to stay comfortable.
- Warm-Up Effectively: Incorporate a warm-up routine, including dynamic stretching exercises, to prepare your muscles and reduce the risk of injury.
- Take Breaks: Avoid extended periods on the water, and remember to take breaks on land to warm up.
- Know Your Limits: Recognize your physical limits because cold water and winter conditions can be physically demanding.
After your kitesurfing session, consider these post-session tricks to warm up and recover:
- Bring a Thermos: Pack a thermos with hot drinks or soup to enjoy after your session. It’s a great way to quickly warm up from the inside out.
- Warm Water: Ensure you have warm water on hand to help warm up your extremities.
- Hot Packs and Hand Warmers: Some kitesurfers also bring hot packs or hand warmers to provide instant warmth.
"Recognize your physical limits because cold water and winter conditions can be physically demanding"
We also definitely suggest investing in a proper changing poncho for added warmth. They’ll help your wetsuit dry off but can also keep you cozy and warm while you’re packing up your gear or still around the beach. Our range offers various styles, prints, and materials, like teddy, cotton, micro cotton, and nylon coatings.
With the right gear and these valuable tips and tricks, you can conquer the European winter as a kitesurfer, staying warm and making the most of the prime conditions that the cold season has to offer.
