Neoprene Accessories Guide

With the winter around the corner, it is time to suit up for the cold seas. With this guide we will explain everything you need to know to tackle those cold temperatures. For the different kinds of accessories you need, in what kind of temperatures you need them, how to find your size as well as the different brands and what they have to offer.

Different types of neoprene accessories

Surf Caps:

Surf caps are essential for those cold water sessions. The cap is made to keep your head warm. Mid winter you will definitely need one. Not only do they prevent heat loss through the head, but they also protect your head from the wind as well as your ears from cold water which can lead to conditions such as surfer’s ear. 

Types:

• Surf Hoods: These cover your full head and neck. They offer optimal warmth and leave only your face unprotected.

• Cap with chin strap: Unlike the full cap this cap fits around your head and is secured with a chin strap. They are made to protect your head from the cold winds, as opposed to the full caps that protect you from the water.

• Hoods with Back: These have an added layer that covers your back. It offers even more warmth as it adds an extra millimeter around your torso. This extra protection is great for longer sessions in the cold, however this cap can be a bit more cumbersome as you feel more material when paddling.

• Surf Beanies: Similar to the caps with a chin strap, the surf beanies protect your head from the wind. Perfect for kite and windsurfers. 

Surf Booties (Surfing Shoes):

These bad boys protect your feet from cold, sharp reefs, and rocky beach entries. They also provide extra grip on your board.

Types:

• Round Toe: All toes are in one compartment. Having all of your toes in the same compartment creates more warmth in your feet. This also feels the most natural as it can be viewed as a warm sock with a reinforced sole. The downside is that with round toes you lose a bit of board feel due to your feet being less snug and move around in your booties.

• Split Toe: The split toe booties separate your big toe from the rest. Designed to give you a better feel and control of your board. Opposed to round toe shoes, the split toe is created to have less foot roll inside of the bootie.

• Internal split toe: The internal split toe is a combination between the round and split toe. Where your big toe is still separated from the other toes. However, because this is internal you’ll have less heat loss. Another nice bonus with the internal split toe is that your leash cant get stuck in between your toes, which can happen with the split toes.

Surf Gloves:

When your fingers get cold, they lose dexterity. Gloves keep them warm and functioning during your session.

Types:

• 5-Finger Gloves: With gloves all your fingers are separated. It offers maximum dexterity and allows you to be able to spread your fingers to maximize your paddling. The downside of having all your fingers separated is that your fingers might get cold more quickly than in mittens or lobster gloves. 

• Mittens: Only the thumb is separated. This is the warmest option as less surface area is exposed. With mittens the dexterity is reduced meaning that it can be hard to grab things or make adjustments.

• Lobster Gloves (3 finger): The lobster gloves separates your thumb and index finger while the middle, ring, and pinky fingers are together. The lobster offers a mix between warmth and dexterity. A good compromise between gloves and mittens. 

Temperature Guide

Now that you are familiar with all the different options when it comes to neoprene accessories, we have created a handy chart to see what you need in different temperatures. 

The recommended types and thicknesses in this chart are general suggestions. Your needs might vary based on personal cold tolerance and specific local conditions. Always consider your own comfort and needs when selecting neoprene accessories!

Sizing Guide

To measure for caps, use a flexible tape to measure the circumference of your head across the temples. For gloves, measure around the widest part of your hand excluding the thumb. Remember, neoprene will stretch slightly when wet, so a snug fit is generally recommended.

Neoprene Accessories Examples 

Hart beach offers one of the most varied selections of neoprene. This is no difference when it comes to the surf accessories. Below we put together a list with just some of the neoprene accessories that Hart Beach has to offer.

Caps

C-Skins: C-Skins offers a wide variety of surf caps. With surf caps, hoods and beanies ranging from 2-3 mm thickness.

O’Neill: The O’Neill Psycho hood is made for warmth while still offering flexibility.

Quiksilver: Quiksilver offers caps and hoods. The M-Session surf hood is made with an extra long neck to ensure that no water will get inside your wetsuit.

Rip Curl: With both surf caps and hoods, Rip Curl has created hoods specific for warmth with the Heatseeker as well as the Flash Bomb for a more high performance.

Roxy: The Roxy Elite hood is made with extra neoprene around the neck and shoulders to ensure you stay nice and dry. 

Xcel: The Xcel Drylock hood is created with single lined neoprene. Meaning that the water just beads off and stays dry during those windy sessions.

Gloves

Billabong: For those who feel the chills quickly, Billabong is a trusted companion. The brand's Furnace collection promises to keep every finger toasty, boasting gloves with thicknesses ranging from 5-7mm. If cold fingers have been holding you back, these are your go-to!

Buell: Buell integrates innovation into their gloves with a unique silicone seal feature. This design ensures that the water remains outside your glove, guaranteeing dry and warm hands irrespective of the wave conditions.

C-Skins: Versatility is the keyword with C-Skins. Whether you’re looking for standard gloves, a lobster design, or mittens, they’ve got it all. With thickness options spanning from 3-7mm, they truly cater to all surfers. 

Hurley: The Advantage Plus makes sure that you get grip as well as flexibility. 

O’Neill: O’Neill strikes a perfect balance between flexibility and warmth. If you're a surfer who doesn't want to compromise on movement but demands warmth.

Quiksilver: Offering variety, Quiksilver ensures that they cater to everyone's taste. Whether you're in the market for mittens, lobsters, or gloves, and with thicknesses ranging from 3-5mm, Quiksilver's range has something for every surfer.

Rip Curl: Performance is the focus of the Rip Curl Flashbomb gloves. Designed with a textured palm, these gloves provide enhanced grip, allowing surfers to handle their boards efficiently and with confidence. 

Roxy:Roxy swell series are made with eco conscious neoprene and great stretch for optimal warmth and comfort without sacrificing flexibility. 

Vissla:The Vissla 7 Seas series covers mittens, gloves, and lobster designs with thickness options spanning from 3-7mm. Whether you're a professional or a beginner, Vissla has your hands covered.

Xcel: From their high-performance competition gloves to the more standard Infinity gloves, Xcel guarantees quality and choice for every surfer out there.

Shoes

Billabong: The billabong Furnace comes with a hidden split toe, ensuring surfers enjoy maximum warmth without compromising performance.

C-Skins: True to their reputation, C-Skins does not disappoint in their booties range either. Offering an extensive selection, from round toe to split and hidden split toe, and thicknesses between 2-5mm, they have something for every surfer's unique need.

Hurley: Hurley offers both split toe as well as hidden split toe designed for grip and warmth. 

Mystic: The Mystic boots come with adjustable straps to better fit those with narrow feet. 

O’Neill: O’Neill has created the Mutant 6/5/4 boot to make sure it is warm in just the right places while being able to easily put them on and off. 

Quiksilver: Quiksilver offers a wide variety of boots. With adjustable straps, 3-7 mm, round toe, split toe, and hidden split toe.

Rip Curl: Alongside of the standard booties that Rip Curl offers, they also have a version specifically made for those with narrow feet; The Rip Curl Narrow.

Vans: If you’re looking to not only stay warm, but looking great while doing it. The vans surf boots are for you! With the oh so recognizable Vans design.

Vissla: Ranging from 5-7 mm the Vissla boots make sure that your toes never go cold.

Xcel: From their high-performance competition gloves to the more standard Infinity gloves, Xcel guarantees quality and choice for every surfer out there.

We hope that this guide helped you to stay warm during those cold winter sessions!