Cold water surfing: icy waves and low air and water temperatures | Photo: Nixon Surf Challenge

Cold water surfers know what it's like to fulfill their desires. Riding waves in low-temperature seas requires resilience, passion, and courage.

What's cold water surfing, anyway? Although there's no strict definition, let's say that when you've got to wear a 4/3 wetsuit for two-thirds of the year, you're probably in a pretty cold place.

Thicker wetsuits - 4/3 and 5/4 models - are compulsory for cool to very cold water temperatures; that is, from 40 ºF (4 ºC) to 60 ºF (16 ºC).

Cold water surfing usually requires wearing neoprene boots, gloves, and hoods.

Low water temperature wave riders are used to complex pre-surf warm-ups, hot coffees, and thick clothing.

Staying warm for longer periods of time before a cold water surf session is a key strategy in subnormal weather and maritime conditions.

Root vegetables help to provide extra caloric heat, so eating plenty is a wise choice. Hypothermia is a cold water surfer's most dangerous enemy.

Cold water surfing: covered up

In some cases, riders have to jump into the water from snowy grounds. For extremes such as these, the surf industry has developed battery-powered heated wetsuits.

Are you going to experience surfing in extremely cold waters? Get a battery-heated vest, thick surf boots, gloves, and hoods.

The best cold water surf spots in the world are usually located in subarctic and sub-Antarctic countries. Are you ready for the icy surf challenge?

CANADA
Cox Beach, Halifax, Wickaninnish

ICELAND
Reykjavik

UK
Newquay, Watergate Bay, Llangennith, Sennen Cove, Bournemouth, Thurso East, White Rocks, Portrush

IRELAND
Bundoran, Mullaghmore, Doolin Point, Crab Island

PORTUGAL
Ribeira d'Ilhas, Peniche, Espinho

FRANCE
Lacanau, Hossegor, Biarritz

RUSSIA
Vladivostok

SPAIN
Pantin, Mundaka, Zarautz

AUSTRALIA
Bells Beach, Shipstern Bluff, Clifton Beach

USA
Cocoa Beach, Steamer Lane, Mavericks, Shoals Reef, Sandy Hook, Turnagain Arm, Yakutat, Kodiak Island

CHILE
Pichilemu

SOUTH AFRICA
Dungeons, Kalk Bay

GERMANY
Eisbach River, Sylt, Norderney, Brandenburger Strand

NETHERLANDS
Camperduin & Hargen, Scheveningen, Domburg

BELGIUM
Surfers Paradise, Oostende

DENMARK
Hvide Sande, Nørre Vorupør, Klitmøller, Agger, Torsminde

NEW ZEALAND
Aramoana Spit, Papatowai, Long Point

ARGENTINA
Mar de Plata

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