A Day of Surfing in December

When I can, I like to organize a little day trip to my (kind of) local beach break: West Wittering Beach. Growing up in the Surrey Hills, the Witterings was our go to beach day destination and I have a lot of happy memories of this beach. Is it a good beach break for surfing though? Nope. Does that stop me from going to surf there? Nope.

Occasionally, I do get desperate enough to be in the ocean and make the hour car journey down to the coast. I obsessively check Magic Seaweed for the swell forecasts and wind charts to see when conditions might be good enough to surf.

I ended up planning to go to West Wittering for a little photo shoot of sorts last Sunday and packed all my surf equipment just in case. Unfortunately, it was flat as a pancake. But still, I’ve decided to write a little bit about what I recommend taking to the beach for a day of winter surfing or even just a cold dip in the sea.

Surf board - surfing without one of these may prove a little difficult.

Board bag - I definitely recommend using one of these if you don’t want to damage your bard at all, even if you’re not travelling that far.

Board wax - if your using a foam board you don’t necessarily need this, but for those of us who use a hard board, board wax is a must to stop yourself slipping off your deck (or doing a painful split thing if there’s not enough wax, which I have done. It hurts.)

Spare fin - this may seem a bit extreme but if your beach break is rocky or the conditions are heavy it’s always a good idea to have one just incase.

Long board fin - I usually don’t travel with my long board fin in my board just because it sticks out a lot and I don’t want to damage my board bag. Some people prefer having everything ready before they get to the beach.

Fin screwdriver thing - I am always losing these! You only need one if your attaching fins at the beach, like me.

Wetsuit - UK waters’ tend to be very cold and even in the height of summer I would not surf in the sea without one!

Wet shoes and gloves - I don’t really like wearing either but occasionally the break I am surfing is rocky or it is just really cold. If you have any medical conditions like Raynaud’s I would suggest gloves in and wet shoes in the winter.

Rash vest/guard - to stop any rubbing from your wetsuit and for that extra layer of warmth.

Bikini or swimming costume - you can always go commando if you like. I prefer wearing a bikini, so it’s easy to change out of my dry clothes and into my wetsuit at the beach.

Changing towel of sorts - Have you ever tried to do the awkward beach change with a towel wrapped around you? Changing towels are the solution! They’re a robe type contraption in towel material so you can change easily with dignity. I actually use a Dryrobe, which is a long coat come changing robe. It’s really warm and fluffy and perfect for changing out of a wetsuit in.

Microfiber towel - Very essential. They fold up really small because of the microfiber material and dry really quickly. Microfiber towels are always a must when a beach is concerned.

Wooly hat - The UK is not warm in winter. I always take a hat to put on post surf, even when my hair is still wet, just for that extra bit of warmth.

Fluffy socks - Again, the UK is cold in winter. This may sound a bit silly when you’re at the beach, but I always have cold feet in winter, so warm, fluffy socks are a must when I’m trying to warm up.

Dry change of clothes - do not go home in a wet wetsuit unless you live really close to the beach. You may get hypothermia.

Lip balm with an SPF - I know the sun is not that strong in winter, but just to be on the safe side, I always pop a layer of this on my lips before getting in the water. And then I use it when I’ve finished in the sea as I find the salt water can make my lips really dry.

Water bottle - Please don’t buy any water whilst you are out and about. Take a reusable bottle with you, filled up with water if you can to stay hydrated. It’s really important to stay hydrated whilst doing sports.

Thermoses for tea and hot chocolate - This both saves many and wastes less plastic and paper from takeaway cups. A hot drink is such a nice treat after a little winter surf session.

Lunch box for food - I’m kind of cheap and like to take my own food to places. It tends to be easier or me as well because I have IBS for which I have certain food restrictions.

Water proof bag for wet items - In my family we actually use our plastic washing baskets as they’re the perfect size for lots of wetsuits and swimming clothes. It’s not essential but no one wants a soggy car.

And a face mask because there’s a pandemic.

Remember, where ever you are, to check travel restriction in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other things like facilities or parking at the beach you want to go to.

I hope you enjoy your winter beach adventures.

Florence x