Cold water surfing equipment, for San Diego?

[avillax]

Hi, I remember when I arrived to San Diego in April, I began surfing with my summer short wet suit and I could only last about 30 mins. Then summer arrived and so far so good with it, but they say the water will become really cold.

That's why so far I've decided to buy a 5/4/3 quicksilver wet suit since I'm the kind of guy who loves to feel warm. Apart from that, how necessary are the hood, boots, and gloves?, what is the normal purchase order of those items if necessary?, are they necessary for San Diego?

[tony g]

I surf in the winter in North San Diego (Oceanside) and I like to wear booties when the water is cold. I think when your feet are warm you can control your surfboard better. Also when the water is really cold, you can lose a lot of heat out of your head. Hoods can help keep you warm when the water is really cold. I would get booties and a hood for the cold days.

[IB_Surfer]

I never bought a 5/4/3, just think it's too much rubber. I always wear booties and when it's cold AND windy a hood but not too often and use a 4/3 most of the winter.

What really worked for me, for keeping warm, is a thermal rash guard, that has kept me toasty during really cold days. When it was sunny I would wear the thermal under my 3/2 and was fine with it.

[-Griffin-]

I run a 3/2 all winter here in San Diego & have never felt cold (spare the initial "shock" when you first go under water".

[avillax]

I thought on 5/4/3 because I'm one of those persons who hates cold with the bottom of his heart, plus I'm 155 lbs, Maybe there's like a $25 price different between the 4/3 and the 5/4/3, last call which one to get?

[bomber35]

Just get a 4/3, you'll be fine.

[IB_Surfer]

buy the 5/4/3 - if you don't, and you are cold, you'll be cursing our advice LOL