For the majority of surfers, winter surfing is often seen as an intimidating challenge - the time when sand grains turn into snow. Yet, the cold and rainy season comes with a few bright and interesting appeals.
It's fair to admit that summer is the season of surfing. When you think of surfers and surfboards, you can't deny the fact that the beach is intrinsically associated with the sun and warm temperatures.
However, sunny days are also a synonym for endless flat spells, ankle-high waves, and super crowded lineups.
You'll find it hard to encounter happiness when the elements and your fellow soldiers are not on your side.
On the other side of the thermometer, there's rain, cloudy skies, howling winds, and thunderous seas.
Yes, it can be hard to stay motivated when the days are short and the temperatures invite you to drink a cup of hot chocolate and watch surf movies from a comfy couch.
But if you establish a couple of simple, straightforward goals for yourself, you may find that winter surfing has its frozen virtues.
Let's take a look at the golden opportunities hidden in the "surfing in winter" chapter:
1. Groundswells Will Make You A Better Surfer
Only a surfer knows how consistent long-distance swells light up an average surf break. Groundswells are to surfing what steady 25 knots of wind are to windsurfers and kitesurfers.
A groundswell is pure, clean wave energy coming to you from far away, and it seldom translates into high-quality waves for surfing.
Groundswells are more frequent during winter and are considered a blessing.
2. Winter Surf Improves Your Paddling Power
Because you'll have to paddle harder to get out-the-back, and because you sometimes need to paddle faster to escape a sneaky wave set, winter is the best gym any surfer could wish for.
In the beginning, it will be tough and tiring, but in a matter of weeks, you'll notice the difference and become a stronger and fitter surfer.
3. Cold Temperatures Keep You Grounded
Low air and water temperatures will test your love of surfing. Can you jump out of bed early in the morning just to get a handful of cold waves?
If your answer is always "yes" throughout the winter months, then surfing really is something you cherish for.
Coldwater surf sessions will make you see real life from a different perspective.
4. Fight In Winter To Shine In Summer
Make no mistake - winter waves will take your surfing to the next level. Three months is all it takes to shape your skills. The guideline is valid for all levels of surfing.
Powerful waves will help you step up your game. You'll have the opportunity to train new tricks and maneuvers in challenging wave conditions.
When wintertime ends, everything will seem easy and effortless.
5. Winter Time Is Good For Duck Diving
Getting past the breaking waves is a valuable and useful skill. However, many intermediate and advanced surfers still don't do it well.
A perfectly executed duck dive is the only thing that separates you from a lineup full of pristine surfing opportunities.
Still not convinced? Here's why surfing is a year-round water sport.