SURFER's Ultimate Guide to Staying Warm This Winter

Baby it’s cold outside! At least it was this morning, now, the sun is shining in SoCal, as it often does, but the fact remains that the season has changed and winter weather is on the horizon. Personally, I always have a few weird days/weeks adjusting to the transition.

On the bright side, the waves get better, the air is crisper and, overall, the fall-winter season is the best time of the year on the California coast. While living in t-shirts and shorts is great, hoodie weather sure isn’t bad. I actually enjoy layering up for the cold, especially when I’ve got some cozy threads to keep me warm in spite of the elements. Sure, it doesn’t get frigid, or even close to below 0°, on the California coasts but the damp air can really chill you to the bone even if the thermometer only reads 48°F. 

Here are 10 of our cold weather favorites to help you beat the cold all winter long.

Brodino Broths & Soups

Bro, no joke, you need to get on this level. After discovering Brodino years ago I stock up every other week or so to always have a few on hand; it’s like having a stash of wholesome crack that makes you all warm and fuzzy. Fire up their Bison Serrano Chili or their Pozole Verde for a killer post surf meal with some spice that’ll help you forget however cold you just were. Ice cream headaches become a distant memory with a few sips of their Roasted Tomato or Split Pea soup that could be conveniently waiting in your Yeti for some instant relief. 

I never thought I’d be a mushroom bisque kinda guy but, I’ll tell you what, it fuckin slaps. The Sausage Kale Potato is another banger that’s not to be missed. Sometimes I’ll just buy the broth to cook with and/or make my own soups at home.

On a trip to Baja last winter, my boys  and I had many quick and hearty feasts under the Baja sky as we scored a dream run of waves and offshore winds. The bags come frozen so they’re perfect to pack into a cooler and enjoy over the coming week, all you gotta do is heat ‘em up and you’re ready to feast. 10/10 recommend. They’re available at various markets throughout California and also offer nationwide shipping.

Feral Wetsuits

Born in the icy cold waters of San Francisco and made from premium Japanese materials, a new Feral wetsuit will certainly help you thrive all winter long. We love Feral because it’s a small brand started by two surfers who don’t even want to blow up your Instagram feed with more content. Their focus is a quality product that spreads organically via word of mouth. If you’re questioning whether or not they’re legit just know that Victor Bernardo loves his and, as a Brazilian living in California, a warm wetsuit is an absolute necessity. Not to mention the fact that he needs something fluid and flexible enough to accompany his dynamic moves. 

The great thing is you don’t need to wait and custom order these beauties, you can order direct from their website or purchase from a few select retailers. They have all sorts of options ranging from 2mm on up to a 6/5/4 and whichever you buy is designed to last you multiple seasons. I’ve actually been rocking the 2mm front-zip suit for all of my sessions this season since the water in San Diego has been above 60° and that’s been plenty warm for me. I actually love how thin it is, it's great for paddling and dries super quick too. The 3/2 would also be a great suit for all-around use and mild winter conditions.

If you want something solid for when it gets colder then consider their 3mm hooded for a proper winter suit that's ready for those cold early morning sessions. It all depends on your personal burliness so, if you chill easy, opt for their 4/3 (pictured above), or if you live somewhere gnarly then the 5/4/3. Lest you need to survive truly frigid conditions in a 6/5/4.

Sizing runs a bit tight so size up to be sure you get the right fit. I’m 5’10 and 175lbs and their L fits me great. If in doubt, size up from what you normally wear.

Woolaroo by Outerknown

One of my best friends used to always rock this vintage wool vest, a true classic that looked cozy as all hell. Whether on its own, or paired with something else, it looked dope. When Outerknown dropped their Woolaroo line last year, I had to see for myself. Upon closer examination, the jacket felt great, soft and warm, but not scratchy at all. They’ve since dropped new color ways and styles, in addition to the jacket, there is a vest and a hoody that looks like a dream.

Bonus points for when paired with the Sur Easy Sweats for a full kit that’s environmentally bad ass–recycled wool top with hemp and organic cotton sweats? It’s a home run for any connoisseur of coziness. The sweats are baggy and slide on super easy–they don’t mind a bit of sand.

Finisterre Basset Flannel Lined Pants

I was living in Colorado when I first discovered flannel-lined pants. At the time, I used to stay in this house that was always cold and it was like finding a gift from God. The only thing was that they weren’t mine, I borrowed them from a friend and that was short-lived. Good news is that you don’t have to rifle through any mountain man’s wardrobe to get yourself some, you can get this sweet pair from cold-weather specialist Finisterre. Whether you run cold or you like missions to places that aren’t friendly to palm trees, having a pair of these is a game-changer. I’ve brought mine down to Baja and up to the Central Coast and found myself warmer than I ever have been once the sun set and the marine layer moved in, I was cruising--not shivering. They even have a corresponding flannel-lined jacket.

Vivo Thermal Lined Boots

Over the years, I’ve increasingly been drawn to barefoot shoes and footwear, known for their wide toe box and zero drop design, that mimics the benefits of being barefoot, while still protecting your feet and toesies from the elements. I used to love boots like Danner’s and Redwings, that were well-constructed and featured big soles but started to find them more and more uncomfortable once I went down the barefoot path. That’s why I was stoked to try out the Vivo Thermal Lined Boots, my feet feel totally free inside and the thermal lining kept me toasty as I bounced around South Africa in the depths of winter. The vibram soles offer optimal grip and total protection and they overall just look dope. These boots check all the boxes and you're in luck because they're on sale now.

NetPlus Puffer Jacket

There’s tons of puffer jackets out there and with good reason–they’re lightweight, easy to pack, and warm AF! If you’re on the hunt, but on a budget, check out ebay or your local thrift store and you can likely find one at a killer price. If you opt for a freshie, which is honestly worth it since you’ll get tons of use out of it, look for one made with Netplus (recycled from ghost fishing nets collected by local fisherman in places like Chile and recycled by Bureo). Patagonia, Florence, and Finisterre, all have jackets and/or vests made from NetPlus that are also filled with recycled materials. Choosing one made from NetPlus is definitely a good karma play considering that each piece helps protect marine life and, when you’re surfing in crowded or cold lineups, every little bit counts.

Slowtide All Weather Parka

After a cold surf session, you need something warm to look forward to and a changing poncho is a great place to start. That’s what Slowtide first did nearly ten years. Needless to say it was a hit. The only thing was that, for some places, it wasn’t enough, people kept asking if there was anything warmer, or waterproof, or made for really cold climates. Well, now there is in the new All-Weather Parka designed to handle even the gnarliest of aprés surf conditions. To put it to test, they sent one up to Canadian legend Raph Bruweiler on Vancouver Island and it passed with flying colors. Get yours here.

Baabuk Slippers

A wise man once told me that your feet are essential to your health. That applies both to choosing the right footwear for outdoor activities, like barefoot shoes, and that it’s important to keep them warm to keep them warm throughout the winter even if you’re inside. Cold floors may not seem like a threat to your health but, hey, who doesn’t love a good pair of slippers. I actually keep a few different pairs but my favorites are from Baabuk. Designed in Switzerland and made by artisans in Nepal, these are no joke and will have you reluctant to take them off.

Sea to Summit Sleeping Bag

I take an annual winter camping trip to Baja and the nights can get very chilly. Once the sun goes dow the mixture of the cold marine layer mixed and strong winds has you dreaming about curling up somewhere warm. Sea to Summit has a great line of sleeping bags ranging from synthetic to down in various sizes and styles. Find the one that suits you and you won't have to worry about it again.

The Ritz Carlton at Turtle Bay

Sometimes, it doesn't matter what you wear, and a trip to somewhere wave-rich and tropical is exactly what the doctor ordered. Top of the list for the SURFER staff is Oahu's North Shore and, if possible, a prolonged stay at The Ritz Carlton at Turtle Bay.

If you hurry and come now, you can catch the revival of Surfer (the bar) via an exclusive pop-up happening now until Dec 13th.