A few questions

[Ricco]

First time poster on here. I was late joining the surfing party, I was 46 when I first paddled out. 12 years on, having spent 2 months each year in Bali/ Lombok/ Sumbawa I've decided that I need to paddle more regularly. So, I'll be moving to North Wales shortly. The water there varies between 8 and 15 degrees, a bit different from the 28 in Bali

Anyway, I cant afford to buy a load of suits and other gear so have decided on a 5/3 and see how I get on.

I'll need gloves, a hood and boots. Is 5mm the best thickness to go for?

The place I'm buying is about 10 minutes walk from the beach. I won't have a car. Can you walk that far regularly in surfing boots without wrecking the soles a few weeks? Finally, is walking 10 minutes in freezing winter temperatures after coming out of the water going to lead to hypothermia, or should it be OK?

Cheers for any replies.

[BaNZ]

I only wore my 5mm a few times when I'm really desperate for some time in water. I think you will be very disappointed in surfing cold water vs 28 in Bali. 5mm is fine for that temperature.

As for the boots, they lasted me for many years and I walk a lot in them. No problems at all. Also it's not that cold when you come out of water, it is bloody cold when you have to take off the wetsuit. I did it a few times in Cromer where it was 0-5 air temperature. Just find somewhere to shelter from the wind and pick sunny days.

If you have never wore a thick wetsuit, you should try and rent one and see. When you're completely bundled up from head to toe, you lose the passion as nothing feels right. You can't feel the water or the wave anymore. This is especially true if you first experience surfing in tropical weather.

[delphin]

Cold water surfer here...the walk after will be a challenge...but some tips...bring a parka or heavy coat to throw on over top...a thermos of hot water for hands and feet...get into that hot shower on colder days with suit on and strip off the neoprene there. It is worth it...been surfing some mornings now 3 C air but the water is still warmish...14-16 C...feels like a magic trick to surf though and you feel alive all day long after....look forward to your new found hacks for enjoying cooler temps.

[LostAtSea]

That walk could be an issue. Your hands will likely seize up. On very cold days (I'm in Canada) I'm losing heat pretty fast after a surf, I have to get out of my suit quickly otherwise my hands lose mobility and I cant get out of it. My core is ok if I'm walking fast to my car after a surf but my feet and hands start to hurt from cold after 5 minutes. 7mm booties are warm but they may be a little clunky. I use 5mm but I can get chilly in really cold water/air.

I have 7mm booties but I don't like them. Too heavy.