If you love heading out onto the water to tube, waterboard or waterski, why limit it to the summer months? Of course, when the lake is frozen solid, you can’t do much to fix that (sorry to our friends in Alaska). But when it starts to get a little chilly that doesn’t mean you need to pack it up for the year! Getting the boat out on the lake in late fall or on the ocean in winter is possible if you prepare a little. This means being able to continue your favorite activities later into the year without the summer crowds!

Here are a few ways you can keep the fun going when the temperatures drop:

    1. Invest in a quality winter wetsuit. A nice, thick chest-zip or zipperless suit (4-5mm) with thermal lining and liquid seams will keep you warm enough to keep heading back out for more rather than calling it off after 15 minutes. Make sure you have no rips or tears before heading out.
    2. Protect your extremities. You’ll definitely feel the chill in your fingers and toes if you leave them to the elements. Nice, thick gloves are a must. For your toes you can pick up some thick (5mm) neoprene socks or winter surf booties. Last but certainly not least – you’re going to need to keep your head warm with a neoprene cap or surf hood (if you don’t have a hood built in to your wetsuit).
    3. Keep your boat warm. If you’ve got a nice, toasty seat to come back to, you’ll have a much easier time convincing the family to head out on the water. Keep your boat warm with one of our heater kits – mount it how and where you want, and aim the heat exactly where you need it.
    4. Be prepared. If you’re able, have extra gear (gloves, boots, cap) on hand just in case. Always have plenty of towels or blankets.
    5. Have your clothes ready. A good wet suit will keep you warm outside of the water, but not forever. After you’ve finished for the day, you’re going to want to get back into warm, dry clothing. Have a few layers ready – long sleeved shirt and long pants, a jacket, and perhaps a long undershirt/long johns if it’s really chilly – to get your core temperature back up.
    6. Bring some refreshments. A thermos with hot water, tea, or coffee can be a quick and easy way to warm yourself up from the inside out. Sip on your hot beverage while you’re waiting your turn, or after you’ve packed it up for the day. You could even bring some hot soup along.

Most importantly – have the right attitude! Warming up after some cold exposure is one of the best feelings in the world, so don’t worry about being uncomfortable. You’ll have a great time during and a feel amazing afterwards. So get on out there!