Winter is well and truly upon us! As the water temperature drops gloves are a must for cold water surfers. We all want to get the most enjoyment out of our surf sessions and stay warmer in the water for longer. There’s nothing worse than a freezing cold case of claw hand and ending a session early resembling something from dawn of the dead. If you find yourself in a near hypothermic condition after each surf its probably about time you treat yourself to some decent kit! Luckily for you, we get our fair share of icy waves here on the east coast and have it covered! We have the best range of brands here at Secret spot to help keep you stoked throughout the cold winter months.

Fits like a glove!

It’s important to pick the right glove or mitt for you and get the correct size. They need to ‘fit like a glove’ so to say. Try a few pairs on in store or at least check the brands size guide – if your’re buying them online from us, we are happy to exhange your gloves, so dont worry if your’re unsure! They want to be fairly tight. Gloves that are too big make paddling more difficult and defeat their purpose of warmth.

When it comes to choosing boots and gloves its not worth scrimping. You get what you pay for and you want a brand that uses good quality neoprene and has good seals, so blindstiched, liquid seals or taped, keeping them water tight. Nobody really likes having the extra weight of gloves so pick a trusted brand that delivers lightweight, flexible and durable gloves and do what they say on the tin!

Which thickness?

We have a selection or 3mm, 4mm and 7mm gloves and mitts to choose from. If it’s a lightweight Autumn/early winter glove to take the chill off, go for the 3mm but if you tend to feel the cold or your looking for something for the depths of winter go straight for the 5mm -7mm range. Quality thermal lining makes a big difference too! Fortunately, with the huge expansion of surf technology in the past decade our chosen brands have cracked it when it comes to warmth.

When it comes to choosing boots and gloves its not worth scrimping. You get what you pay for and you want a brand that uses good quality neoprene and has good seals, so blindstiched, liquid seals or taped, keeping them water tight”

 

Gloves or mitts? It’s a personal preference!

5 Finger glove With the five finger glove ever finger is individually wrapped in neoprene, with thick neoprene this can feel a bit bulky so the lighter 3mm glove may be a better option in this style. On the upside you have a lot more freedom of movement and grip with these gloves.

Mitts Mitts are renowned for being super toasty. All your fingers are tucked up cosily together. Retaining more of your body heat. I would bring out the mitts on those frosty days every time. Obviously with all your fingers wrapped up together it limits freedom of movement. You can’t pick your nose in mitts! But many say that mitts aid a more powerful paddle stroke which Sounds good to me!

Lobster claw The 3-finger mitt could be the perfect balance between mitts and gloves for you! You could argue ‘what’s the point in having one separate potentially chilly finger?’ but it gives you a wider range of movement and grip. Which can make all the difference for simple tasks like locking the car or putting your leash on.

3mm Alder Enzo Glove – £25.99

We love these gloves! They’re super lightweight and comfortable with cosy fast drying fibre fleece lining. If you want stretch and flexibility you will not be disappointed! They feel like a second skin, yet the double lined palms are both durable and grippy. Our best budget buy at only £25.99!

Buy Alder Enzo Glove >>

3/2mm RipCurl Flashbomb – £39.95

You can’t go wrong with the new improved flashbomb neoprene. Which makes them incredibly warm and comfortable. They are 3mm throughout the whole glove and only 2mm on the cuffs making them feel lightweight. The have excellent seams and really stick to your hands. Another blinder by RipCurl!

Buy the Rip Curl Flash Bomb Glove >>