Wetsuit boots for UK winter surf
Thickness and toe style, quickly
3mm for late summer and early autumn when the water is still mild but you fancy a bit of reef protection. 5mm for the shoulder seasons, when Welsh water sits around 10 to 12C. 7mm for proper winter, December through March, when Rest Bay is 8C and you can see your breath in the car park. Split-toe gives better board feel, round-toe gives better warmth. Most regular winter surfers go round-toe.
Brands we stock
Xcel Drylock and Infiniti, Rip Curl Flashbomb and Dawn Patrol, Billabong Furnace, plus Patagonia yulex boots. A good pair lasts three or four winters if you rinse them and do not leave them in the boot of the car.
Pair them up: Mens wetsuits | Womens wetsuits | Kids wetsuits | Surf essentials | Socks
Sizing advice from Porthcawl
Boots should feel snug straight out of the box, almost tight, because neoprene stretches. A loose boot fills with water and flushes every duck dive, which is exactly what you do not want when the sea is 8C. We are five minutes from Rest Bay, so drop by and try a couple of sizes on with socks if you are unsure.
Cold toes are the main reason people give up on winter surfing. Get the right boots and you will be in the water all year.
