how long can you stay in the water??

[Milo]

This time of year, i stay in for about 3-4hrs so long as i`m able to move about and get warm. But once i`ve used up the body fuel then i start to feel cold and only get out if i`m realy hungry or shivering.

[Ed McDead]

In the right wettie I usally look for about 4 hours after that I'm usually knackered and my surfing dops off. I have 3 wetties so I can generally match up the right rubber with the sea temp.

If I'm in the north sea winter/early spring I would probably stay out for less time if I score some decent rides early on (and I'm only out in the winter when the surf is good).

The only times I've really been caught out is when it's been too hot and I've got dehydrated. I got proper heat exhaustion in Lanzarote once - not recommended.

[Brisbanebound]

In Sydney I was in a shortie and lasted for 3hours or so. In a 3mm steamer I'd last all day I reckon.
I went down to Ulladulla last weekend and the water was sooooo warm! I was hot in a shortie! Lasted 3 hours and wasn't feeling it at all. The air temp was pretty warm too and little wind.