WINTER PREPARATION 2018/19 - MATZ GINMAN-TROUT

So, winter's on its way, the water's dipping below 15 degrees and it's time to get yourself ready. There’s a lot of things to think about regarding equipment, forecasting, health, fitness, safety and keeping warm. Over the coming weeks, we’ll go through a checklist of things to consider when planning a surf trip and deciding what you’ll need until the spring comes.

There are many things to think about, for example, what surfboards to use, what wetsuit to buy for warmth and comfort, how to plan the next road trip and what to eat and drink to maintain your energy levels which in turn will help you recover in time for the next surf.

I spend a lot of my free time exploring the Devon and Cornwall coast for surf and over the years I've gained a lot of knowledge and experience of what to do and where to go during the different seasons and their conditions. But, there's always a but, even I get it wrong from time to time and have spent hours driving around only to end up where I started. So the best thing is to be prepared, learn from your experiences (mistakes) and get ready to put in the time and miles and maybe, just maybe, you'll get some good waves and have a bit of an adventure on the way.

Next in the series will be a 'What to buy guide' when it comes to choosing your winter wetsuit and accessories. Stay tuned!

Matz

photo credit: Ross Duerden