Surfing in cold water?

Question

would I be safe in a spring suit in 55 degree water?

Answer 1

As long as you are active, and the air temp. is pretty warm (low 70s at least), you will be safe. You are at risk for hypothermia if you spend too much time in the water. In the 'olden days' lots of my friends and I surfed in 55 degree water without any wetsuits, as long as the air was warm. That was f&*%ing cold! So you will be relatively safe, but you sure won't be comfortable. I have been surfing for 42 years, and I would be satisfied with a 3/2 spring suit in 55 degree water on a hot summer day ( in the northeast US, usually a result of 'upwelling' in the summer months), but this time of year, I am still in my 4/3 full suit and booties.

Answer 2

idk

Answer 3

all the parts that aren't covered will be extremely cold, and once you duck-dive or wipe out or watever and go under, your head will really hurt because of the sudden ice-cold water.

Answer 4

If it's  hot, or at least pretty warm, you should be fine.  I surfed Friday in a 3/2 full.  Water was about 56 and the air was mid 70's.  I was way warm and could have dropped down to a spring and been comfortable.  Of course I was riding my longboard so I was not sitting as low in the water either.

Answer 5

uhmm you may wanna get a full out wet suit .. a spring will probably do fine but i recommend just go ahead and get a wet suit

Answer 6

safe? dont know.

cold? h**l yeah!!

Answer 7

It will be safe, I've done it before in the North Sea in Yorkshire. Wasn't pleasant though.

Answer 8

Especially if you are thinner, you will be painfully cold.