Winter Surfing in Ireland – a Guide for BeginnersI would have classified myself as a social summer surfer. I’d surf on the nice calm days from May to October, then I’d give it up until the following year again. Each summer I’d start over as a beginner and wind up frustrated having never managed to pass that first stage. This year I promised myself I’d keeping going! Claim that space for myself and make some progress. So I booked a women’s surf weekend in October in Sligo with Rebelle Surf, then a surf & yoga trip with Surf Star Morocco and invested in a good secondhand long board and asked a few friends would they join me locally on the days they were free and the sea was glassy. And here I am in January just back from a social surf meet-up in Sligo and I can’t wait to jump in again!Surfing through winter is daunting, it’s cold, the sea can look wild and inhospitable and without the right gear, quite frankly it’s torture. I was advised by an experienced surfer on the what to wear for comfort, and without his guidance I’d have been clueless. I am not an expert, this is my first winter surfing, so feel free to add extra ideas in the comments below. I’m just sharing the love and passing it on, in case you too would like to paddle out into the winter sea :)There’s something so invigorating about surfing in winter, a sense of achievement and cameraderie between surf buddies, it’s an awesome way to get fit and find some peace and headspace. Before you go!Check the surf forecast (Surfline or Surf Forecast websites for your area) or Windguru (though it’s more complex if you’re just starting out). If you’re new to surfing, choose a safe beach (ask local surf schools for advice)Check the tides – some spots are better on a mid/high tide – ask someone locally for advice on thisEnsure there are no weather/marine warnings etc – Met Éireann’s website for thisTell someone where you’re going or better yet buddy up!Dry your wetsuit and gear before you go – no one likes struggling into a wet, cold suit!Plan what you’ll do with your car keys, many people use a key podWhat to pack: I bought most of my gear from Jelly Fish Surf in Cork, please try support our Irish surf shops where possibleWetsuit – 5/4mm (the mm, refers to the thickness of the neoprene materials it’s made from) is the lightest recommended for winter in Ireland. I prefer something warmer with a 6/4mm hooded suit from O’Neills called the Psychotech – if you don’t have a hooded wetsuit, you can get a separate hood or a hooded rash vest to wear under your wetsuitBooties (5mm or I go with 7mm C-Skins brand)Gloves (3mm, 5mm or 7mm – go with 5mm to start!)Your surf board – you can pick up excellent second hand boards from local surf shops, your local surf school (both of these will give you advice) or in Facebook groups like this, Done Deal etc