Air Temp vs Water Temp- when can I get back out!?!

[bajoman]

Hello All,

Restarted surfing after 15 years, but now I live in the Northeast of the US (New York). Had a great summer and fall, but now that it's early spring, I'm wondering how soon I can get out there again! The weather has been mostly sunny 55-70 degreesF (13-20 C) but the water temp is only 42 degreesF (6 C)! I have a 4/3 fullsuit and 3mm booties and gloves (should I get a hood, too?) With warmer air temps and sun, how much warmer will the water need to be before I can go out for a comfortable 2 hour session? The beach is a 45min trek through NYC traffic, so I want to have an idea before I just give it a whirl... Thanks for the wisdom...


P.S Apologies to those who already read this- accidentally posted it in the "Gear" section the first time around...

[Wave4Surf]

Bajoman,

I think a suite of 4/3 is too thin if you wanna go out with a water temperature of 6 C. But if you put a neoprene long-sleeve shirt under your suite, you will be all right. You definetly need your booties and gloves, and the hood is after the suite the most important thing of all. For a comfortable 2 hour session I think the water temperature has to be 10 C, that's my limit of surfing. (BTW, I went out this year already when the water temperature was 6 C, with a 4/3 suite, but I wore another long-sleeve neoprene shirt under my suite, and I wore booties, gloves and a hat.

I hope I could help you.