Stay Sailing All Year Round: How to Keep the Stoke Alive Through Winter!

As the temperature drops and the wind sharpens, some people pack away their boards and sails — but not everyone. In this week's blog The Official Test Centre (OTC) Team Riders , prove that with the right preparation, mindset, and gear, winter can deliver some of the best sessions of the year. I asked the OTC team riders for their best advice on staying warm, safe, and stoked through the colder months.

By Emma Maguire.

Warming up your winter sailing at The OTC!

1. Stay Warm, Stay Smart

“When it’s getting cold, it’s important to stay warm! Make sure you get a thick wetsuit, boots, palm-less gloves and maybe even a hood if it’s that cold! Also make sure not to overdo it – if it’s a Baltic day then maybe cut the session a bit short, it can be worth it! And as an all-year-round rule, make sure you have a buddy to keep an eye on each other and share the stoke!”

— Scott Norman

Scott Norman sailing all year round at his home spot Portland Harbour

Scott’s right — warmth is everything. A good winter wetsuit (5/4mm or thicker) makes the difference between gritting your teeth and grinning your way through a perfect session. Add well-fitted boots to protect your toes, and consider palm-less gloves to keep your hands functional without losing too much feel on the boom.

And above all, remember that winter sessions are about quality, not quantity. Short, sharp bursts in the best conditions will keep your energy high — and your fingers intact.

2. Time It Right

“Good quality wetsuit and timing with when the conditions are best for you.”

— James Hardy

It is all about timing for James when it comes to winter sailing

In winter, the weather window matters more than ever. Keep an eye on the forecasts, tides, and wind direction — and pick your moments wisely. Midday sun (when it appears!) can make a surprising difference, and lighter winds or offshore breezes can quickly chill you down.

Investing in a quality wetsuit that’s built for flexibility and warmth will also give you more freedom to choose when and how long you sail.

3. Don’t Be a Hero — Protect Your Hands!

“My best advice is don’t try to be tough and skip the palm-less gloves! It significantly reduces the unnecessary pain!”

— James Faley

James says it is all about covering up those extremities in the winter months

It’s tempting to think you can tough it out, but cold hands can ruin a session faster than anything else. Palm-less gloves are a favourite among OTC riders because they keep your hands warm while still giving you grip and control.

Remember: staying comfortable means staying out longer — and having more fun.

4. Preparation is Key

“To stay on the water all year round I would say preparation is key. Make sure your winter suits still fit you — nothing is worse than getting ready to hit the water and realising you can’t get your legs through your wetsuit! Kit-wise, make sure your ropes and bits are still suitable. Compared to summer, the winter tends to bring on more brutal weather, meaning kit damage can be more likely.”

— Lilia Yelland

Lilia recommends checking your kit for your winter sailing

Lilia’s tip is a great reminder that winter isn’t just harder on you — it’s harder on your kit too. Before every session, check ropes, lines, and straps for wear and tear, and rinse your gear thoroughly after use. Salt and cold can make small weaknesses worse, and a snapped rope mid-session in January is a cold problem to fix!

5. The Reward

Winter sailing isn’t just about surviving — it’s about thriving. The air is crisp, the beaches are quiet, and when you nail a gybe or hit that perfect gust under a winter sun, it’s pure magic. As Scott says, having a buddy on the water doubles the fun and keeps things safe. Share the stoke, look out for each other, and embrace the challenge.

Because once you’ve tasted a perfect winter session, summer sailing will feel almost too easy.

Get Geared Up with SurfDoctor

To make sure you’re ready for anything, head to SurfDoctor— where you’ll find everything you need to stay warm, safe, and stoked all year round. From winter wetsuits and boots to gloves, hoods, and essential rigging spares, SurfDoctor’s expert team can help you choose the right setup so you can focus on what matters most: getting on the water.

So gear up, prepare well, and don’t let the cold stop you.

The OTC team will be out there all year — proving that with the right mindset and the right kit, the stoke never freezes.