The Real Cornish Online Magazine - Cornish Story

PeopleGwav Winter 2010Gwav Winter 2010PeopleBy reading the first paragraph you would haverealised that I am by no means Kelly Slater (10time ASP - Association of Surfing Professionals -champion) when it comes to the sport, but havingexperienced a season of winter surfing first hand,I can tell you that it’s a totally different beast tosloppy summer waves.Firstly, you have to kick the neoprene up a notch,Malcolm Ball of Snugg wetsuits advises: “Theminimum thickness would be a 4:3, that’s if you’rea hardy soul, but the majority of people will go for a5:4:3, that’s the staple diet for most.”The ratio of these numbers correlates to thethickness of the wetsuit in certain areas, with thehighest number (5 or 6 in thicker suits) being aroundthe main area of the body, such as the chest andtorso, and the lower numbers corresponding tothe thickness in areas such as the legs and arms,to allow for more flexibility whilst still retainingwarmth.I contacted Charlie Hibbert from Escape surfboards,who gave me some of the advantages of surfing inwinter:“For starters it tends to keep the crowds down,surfing’s become so massive now. The media use it alot so everyone wants to get involved with it.“All the little spots that used to be nice and quietget pretty busy so at least in the winter when thetemperatures drop people are less keen. You don’tget everyone bothering with it.“You just have to suck it up, get involved, and getout there in the cold!”So now you’ve got your wetsuit and yourmotivation, you’re all set to hit the waves. But we’veforgotten the most important thing, safety.On the BSA (British Surf Association) website - www.britsurf.co.uk/surf-safety - there’s a comprehensiveguide for new surfers, among the tips given is:“Check the area and make sure you are not alone ifin a remote area or even on a guarded beach. Takea buddy with you, besides its more fun. Look for anyrestrictions on the beach and adhere to them. If youare a beginner stick to beach breaks with a sandybeach at all states of the tide.”So there we have it, it’s all about staying warm,staying safe, and having fun. As Charlie from Escapeput it, suck it up, get involved, and get out there inthe cold!16 Cornish Story MagazineCornish Story Magazine 17