Brrrrrr!

Although the water temp has increased 1.5 degrees of late the water is still bitterly cold at 13.5 degrees celsius. One of my many hesitations before biting the bullet has been cold water and even colder wind once you're out of the water. Those few minutes getting changed by the car are often worse than the cold water itself! Moz gave me a great tip he learned while surfing in Japan. It's simple but effective. You take a flexible or expandable water tank or bottle, only has to be 5 litres or so, fill it with hot water from the tap before you head out and stow it in your wetty crate or tub. When you finish you peel your wetty down to your hips and pour the hot water over your head and shoulders. Sounds too simple and even a little silly. Moz says he gets some funny looks at the carpark afterwards from some of the old school guys, but really, you'd rather be sneered at a little than be cold. I can assure you it's the best way to finish off a surf in winter. It brings your body temp up quickly and helps in the interim before you get dressed. A beanie on your noggin asap, before any other clothing, also helps stay warm. The other benefit is you place the water tank under your rashy and wetty while you drive to the surf and when you put it on you get some added warmth before you start. Bloody genius! I bought a British army shower bladder, from a disposal store. It's about 15 litres, I think. Very soft but durable, a lot like a massive hot water bottle, and after use it doesn't take up much room in your tub.