What I packed to go cold water surfing in Cornwall in autumn

Growing up on the idyllic island of Cyprus, I spent every spare moment in the sea, learning the waves and trying out all manner of water sports, of which surfing quickly became my favourite. While the UK’s weather is decidedly less balmy than Mediterranean climes, there’s still plenty of excellent surfing to be found on our home shores – and that goes during the colder months as well. So, determined to make the most of the gloomy weather, I recently found myself gripping my board on a blustery Cornish shoreline.

Naturally, I didn’t bring my bikini for this particular trip – heading out to sea during colder weather requires different preparation from your annual summer beach break. Instead, it’s important to pack items that will keep you warm and safe in low temperatures. After some trial and error over the years, I’ve now honed down a concise list of items I bring on every cold water excursion. Below is my ultimate winter surf packing list.

A wetsuit

If there’s one thing you need in 10°C seawater, it’s a decent wetsuit. Thicker suits will help keep your body temperature as stable as possible, which is important if you’re planning on staying in the water for extended periods. Look for suits with a thickness of 4/5 mm, with strong seam construction and cuffed ankles and wrists for winter trips.

I packed Cornish-born brand Finisterre’s Nieuwland 4.5/3.5mm Yulex® Chest Zip Wetsuit, £295, for this trip. Apart from being a great option for cold water, the brand is also striving to reduce its environmental impact. YULEX® Natural Rubber is a plant-based alternative to neoprene that cuts carbon emissions by 80 per cent, and recycled fabrics help to reduce waste. What I like best about this wetsuit is its thicker lumbar panel around the core. This saved me from windchill and helps reduce flushing – when cold water rushes through a gap in your wetsuit and you’re immersed suddenly in chilly temperatures – at which it does a great job. It’s soft, flexible, and performed admirably at keeping me warm even after a few hours in the water. I also tried this Mountain Warehouse wetsuit, which is more keenly-priced and still a decent performer – although the Finisterre is more flush-proof and high-performance.

Boots/gloves

Protect your extremities with a pair of wetsuit boots and gloves. I like the C-Skins wetsuit boots, which are a generous 5mm and feature a flex system around the arch of the foot and toes, so they won’t impact manoeuvrability. I’d recommend a set of C-Skins gloves, too, to prevent stiff hands.

A surfboard

Most popular surf spots have rental services, but if you want to invest in your own board, Softech’s Roller Softboard is a great pick for beginners; it’s big, bouncy and provides plenty of stability and lift on the waves. For more experienced surfers, the right board is a personal choice. I like the offerings at Ann’s Cottage, Boardshop, and Down The Line, or you can look into skilled custom board makers like JP Surfboards, who made the board I used for this trip. Working with a custom board maker ensures a tailored fit for your ability, height, surfing style and personality.

Cold water wax

Standing up, or indeed, popping up in the first place, is one of the biggest challenges of surfing. Liberally applying a cold water wax to your board will help prevent you from slipping by creating traction and grip. I like Mr Zogs Sex Wax Quick Humps – Cold to Cool, which is perfect for Cornwall’s chilly waters.

Dry robe

These thick, fleecy, oversized robes are designed to be worn while you’re getting changed, helping to stave off chilliness during the daunting task of peeling off wet swim gear in blustery weather. My favourite is Animal’s Hazey Women’s Waterproof Beach Parka, which is very cosy and decently oversized, making it easy to get sorted quickly. It’s been an absolute game-changer for me when it comes to warming up after long sessions.

A flask

Very important for post-surf tea breaks. I never go to the beach in winter without my trusty Thermos – I love the vintage look of this one. It’s practical too, being slim enough to slip into the side of most backpacks, and it keeps a drink hot all day. Owala’s FreeSip+ is another smart option that our shopping editors love.

A backpack

Whenever I’m surfing, I pack everything into my Lululemon Wunderlust Backpack. I’ve used this trusty bag for numerous trips now, from beach days to wild camping weekends. As long as you’re a diligent packer, it will fit everything you need, plus its breathable padded sections against your back are supportive and comfortable for heavy loads. See our full guide for more of the best travel backpacks.

A swimming costume

When I’m surfing, I like to keep my swimwear sleek and simple for comfort under my wetsuit, and this swimsuit from M&S fits the bill.

Warm clothes for afterwards

A good wetsuit should keep you fairly warm, but if you’ve been in the water for a long time, you may get that chilled to the bone feeling, so it’s important to pack some warm clothes in case. I often find myself with Seasalt Cornwall’s knitwear, because it’s great quality, the products are durable and warm, and – crucially – have that coastal vibe. I love the Tressa Cable Knit jumper for throwing on at the beach. You also can’t go wrong with a Finisterre’s ¼ Snap Fleece, made from recycled materials in a range of cool colourways.

Follow this list and you’ll be prepared for a surf trip to Cornwall, though even more important than these items is a positive attitude; don’t forget to say good morning to the locals.