Yorkshire surfing can be fantastic, but there is no getting away from one thing: the North Sea gets cold.
From crisp autumn mornings at Scarborough to freezing winter sessions at Saltburn, Cayton Bay, Filey and further north towards Tynemouth Longsands, the right wetsuit accessories can make the difference between enjoying your surf and ending the session early because you cannot feel your feet or hands.
This guide explains everything you need to know about surf boots, wetsuit gloves and surf hoods, including what thickness to choose, the different types available, how they should fit and where Yorkshire surfers can buy them.
Why Do Yorkshire Surfers Need Boots, Gloves and Hoods?
A good wetsuit keeps most of your body warm, but your hands, feet and head lose heat quickly.
This becomes particularly noticeable in Yorkshire during autumn and winter.
You might paddle out feeling comfortable, but after 45 minutes in cold water you can start to experience:
- Numb toes
- Painful hands
- Difficulty gripping your surfboard
- A cold head and ears
- Shivering
- Reduced balance and coordination
The answer is not always simply buying the thickest accessories available. Equipment that is too thick can make surfing uncomfortable and restrict movement.
The trick is choosing the right combination for the conditions.
A typical Yorkshire setup
| Season | Boots | Gloves | Hood |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Barefoot or 3mm | Usually not needed | Not needed |
| Autumn | 3mm–5mm | 3mm | Optional |
| Winter | 5mm–7mm | 5mm | 3mm–5mm |
| Spring | 3mm–5mm | Optional 3mm | Optional |
Conditions, water temperature and personal cold tolerance will vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a strict rule.
Surf Boots: Keeping Your Feet Warm
Surf boots are probably the first accessory most Yorkshire surfers buy.
Cold feet can quickly ruin a session. Once your toes become numb, popping up and balancing on your board can become more difficult.
What Thickness Surf Boots Do You Need?
3mm Surf Boots
Best for:
- Summer
- Warm spring days
- Early autumn
- Surfers who get warm easily
A 3mm boot offers protection without feeling excessively bulky.
They are also useful when walking over rocks, reefs, car parks and rough beach access.
5mm Surf Boots
For many Yorkshire surfers, 5mm boots are the best all-round choice.
They work well through much of the year and provide significantly more warmth during cold sessions.
A good pair of quality 5mm boots can cover:
- Autumn
- Winter for some surfers
- Spring
- Cold summer mornings
If you only want to buy one pair, a good-quality 5mm boot is often the most sensible starting point.
7mm Surf Boots
These are for seriously cold conditions.
A 7mm boot can be useful during the coldest part of winter, particularly for surfers who suffer badly from cold feet.
The downside is that thicker boots can:
- Feel bulky
- Reduce board feel
- Make movement slightly less natural
- Take longer to dry
Round Toe vs Split Toe Surf Boots
This is one of the biggest decisions when buying surf boots.
Round Toe Boots
Round toe boots keep all your toes together.
Advantages
- Usually warmer
- Simple and comfortable
- Often easier to put on
- Good for very cold water
Disadvantages
- Less precise board feel
- Can sometimes move around more inside the boot
Round toe boots are a good choice if your priority is maximum warmth and comfort.
Split Toe Boots
A split toe boot separates your big toe from the other toes.
This gives the boot more grip and can improve your connection with the surfboard.
Advantages
- Better board feel
- More secure fit
- Less twisting inside the boot
- Popular with experienced surfers
Disadvantages
- Some surfers find them less comfortable
- Can be slightly less warm than a fully enclosed round-toe design
There are also different split-toe designs. Some have an internal split, meaning the boot looks like a normal round-toe boot from the outside.
These are a good compromise between warmth and performance.
What Makes a Good Surf Boot?
When buying boots, look beyond just the thickness.
Straps
A good boot should have a strap or secure system around the ankle.
This helps stop the boot filling with water and moving around while surfing.
Sealed Seams
Better-quality boots often use:
- Glued seams
- Blind stitching
- Liquid seam sealing
- Taped seams
These reduce the amount of cold water entering through the seams.
Thin, Flexible Sole
You need enough sole protection to walk safely, but an excessively thick sole can reduce your feeling of the surfboard.
A flexible sole usually gives a more natural surfing experience.
Proper Fit
Your surf boots should feel snug but not painfully tight.
There should be minimal empty space around your toes and heel.
A loose surf boot will fill with water and become much colder.
Surf Gloves: Keeping Your Hands Working
Cold hands are miserable when surfing.
They can become so numb that:
- You struggle to paddle
- Your fingers hurt
- You cannot grip the rails properly
- You find it difficult to change or pack away your equipment afterwards
Good gloves can dramatically extend your time in the water.
3mm Surf Gloves
3mm gloves are good for:
- Autumn
- Spring
- Cooler summer sessions
- Surfers who do not like thick gloves
They offer warmth while still allowing reasonable finger movement.
5mm Surf Gloves
For Yorkshire winter surfing, 5mm gloves are often the go-to choice.
They provide significantly more warmth but can feel bulkier than 3mm gloves.
A quality 5mm glove is generally much better than a cheap, poorly fitting thick glove.
Fit is extremely important. Gloves that are too loose allow cold water to circulate around your hands.
Five-Finger Gloves vs Mittens
Five-Finger Gloves
These look like normal gloves.
Best for:
- Better finger movement
- Adjusting equipment
- More dexterity
The downside is that each finger is separated, which can allow more heat loss.
Surf Mittens
Surf mittens keep some fingers together.
Advantages:
- Usually warmer
- Less heat loss
- Excellent for very cold conditions
Disadvantages:
- Reduced finger movement
- Can feel awkward at first
If your main problem is extremely cold hands, mittens are worth considering.
Surf Hoods: One of the Best Ways to Stay Warm
Many surfers concentrate on boots and gloves but forget about the head.
A surf hood can make a huge difference during cold Yorkshire sessions.
Your ears, forehead, neck and head are exposed to cold water and wind. Once your head gets cold, the rest of your body can start feeling cold much faster.
Attached Hood vs Separate Hood
Attached Hooded Wetsuits
An integrated hood is built into the wetsuit.
Advantages include:
- Excellent seal
- Less water flushing
- Warm neck area
- Convenient for regular winter surfing
A hooded wetsuit is an excellent choice if you regularly surf during the coldest months.
Separate Surf Hoods
A separate hood can be worn with a normal wetsuit.
Advantages include:
- More versatile
- You can choose when to wear it
- Easier to use one wetsuit across different seasons
A separate hood is ideal if you occasionally need extra warmth but do not want to wear a hood every session.
What Hood Thickness Do You Need?
2mm–3mm Hood
Good for:
- Cool autumn sessions
- Spring
- Windy conditions
- Surfers who want extra warmth without a heavy hood
5mm Hood
Best for:
- Winter
- Very cold water
- Long sessions
- Cold, windy Yorkshire days
A 5mm hood is a serious piece of winter equipment and can make a huge difference to comfort.
How Should a Surf Hood Fit?
A surf hood should fit snugly around:
- Your forehead
- Cheeks
- Neck
- Chin
There should not be large gaps where cold water can constantly enter.
However, it should not feel so tight that it causes headaches or makes you uncomfortable.
Make sure you can:
- Turn your head properly
- Hear reasonably well
- Breathe comfortably
- Look around safely in the lineup
The Importance of Smoothskin
Some surf boots, gloves and hoods use smoothskin neoprene around the edges.
Smoothskin can create a better seal against the skin and reduce water entering the equipment.
However, smoothskin can be more delicate than standard neoprene.
Take extra care when:
- Pulling boots on
- Removing gloves
- Hanging equipment to dry
- Storing gear
Avoid pulling aggressively on thin smoothskin sections.
A Good Yorkshire Winter Surf Setup
For a typical cold Yorkshire winter session, a solid setup could be:
- 5mm quality wetsuit
- 5mm surf boots
- 5mm gloves or mittens
- 3mm–5mm hood
Remember that different surfers feel the cold differently.
Some people will happily surf with 5mm boots and 3mm gloves, while others may need 7mm boots and thick mittens.
There is no prize for being the surfer wearing the least equipment. If you are warm and comfortable, you will generally surf better and stay safer.
Don’t Buy Cheap Accessories Just Because They’re Cheap
It can be tempting to buy the cheapest boots or gloves you can find, especially if you are just starting surfing.
However, poor-quality neoprene accessories often have problems such as:
- Loose fits
- Poor seams
- Water flushing through the equipment
- Stiff neoprene
- Poor durability
- Soles coming away
- Torn seams
This does not mean you have to buy the most expensive model available.
Look for equipment from established surf brands with a good reputation.
Brands commonly worth considering include:
- Xcel
- Rip Curl
- O’Neill
- C-Skins
- Billabong
- Quiksilver
- Mystic
- Alder
The most important thing is fit. A cheaper boot that fits perfectly may be better for you than an expensive boot that is too loose.
Where to Buy Surf Boots, Gloves and Hoods in Yorkshire
Buying in person can be useful because you can try different sizes and brands.
Local surf shops around Yorkshire’s surfing areas are worth checking, particularly around:
- Scarborough
- Cayton Bay
- Filey
- Saltburn-by-the-Sea
- Whitby
Stock will vary throughout the year, with the best selection of winter equipment often appearing before the coldest part of the season.
If you are buying online, specialist UK surf retailers are often a better option than general marketplaces because they provide better product information and usually stock established surf brands.
Popular UK specialist retailers include:
- Ann’s Cottage
- Wetsuit Centre
- Sorted Surf Shop
- Boardshop
- Magicseaweed Shop
- Surfdome
Always check the retailer’s current sizing and returns policy before ordering.
Trying Surf Boots On: A Simple Tip
Try your surf boots on with dry feet first.
They should be snug, particularly around the:
- Heel
- Ankle
- Arch of the foot
Do not automatically buy a larger size because you think thick neoprene needs extra room.
A boot that is too large can fill with water and move around while surfing.
If possible, try several brands. Sizing can vary considerably.
How to Look After Surf Boots, Gloves and Hoods
Good neoprene accessories can last a long time if looked after properly.
After Every Surf
Rinse your:
- Boots
- Gloves
- Hood
with fresh water.
This helps remove salt, sand and dirt.
Dry Them Properly
Turn boots and gloves inside out after they have initially drained.
Do not leave wet neoprene accessories:
- In a sealed bag
- In your car for days
- On a radiator
- In direct strong sunlight for long periods
Excessive heat can damage neoprene and adhesives.
Avoid Pulling on Seams
When removing gloves, boots or hoods, avoid aggressively pulling on the seams.
Use the stronger neoprene sections where possible.
A Common Yorkshire Problem: Getting Your Boots and Gloves On
Cold, wet hands can make tight neoprene gloves difficult to put on.
A few simple tips can help:
- Make sure your hands and feet are reasonably dry before putting them on.
- Turn gloves partially inside out before inserting your fingers.
- Pull gradually rather than stretching one area aggressively.
- Make sure your fingers and toes are positioned correctly before fully pulling the neoprene into place.
- Avoid using sharp objects or excessive force.
If salt has built up around zips on other wetsuit equipment, rinse thoroughly with fresh water and work the zip gently rather than forcing it.
Do You Need Boots, Gloves and a Hood as a Beginner?
Not necessarily all at once.
For a beginner surfing in Yorkshire, your priorities should generally be:
Summer
- Suitable wetsuit
- Possibly no accessories
- Boots if you need protection from cold or rough access
Autumn and Spring
- Good wetsuit
- 3mm–5mm boots
- Gloves if your hands get cold
Winter
- Warm wetsuit
- Quality boots
- Warm gloves or mittens
- Hood
A cold beginner often spends less time practising and can become distracted by discomfort.
Being warm means you can concentrate on:
- Paddling
- Catching waves
- Standing up
- Balance
- Enjoying yourself
Final Thoughts
Yorkshire can produce excellent surf throughout the year, but enjoying the colder months requires the right equipment.
For many local surfers, a good pair of 5mm boots is the most useful first purchase, followed by gloves and then a hood for the coldest conditions.
Spend time finding equipment that fits properly, choose reputable surf brands, and look after your neoprene after every session.
The North Sea may be cold, but with the right boots, gloves and hood, there is no reason to pack the surfboard away when summer ends.
Quick Yorkshire Surf Accessory Checklist
- Check the water and air temperature
- Choose boots based on the season
- Make sure boots fit snugly
- Consider split toe boots for better board feel
- Use 3mm gloves for cool conditions
- Move up to 5mm gloves or mittens for winter
- Add a hood when the water and wind become seriously cold
- Rinse all neoprene equipment in fresh water
- Dry equipment away from direct heat
- Replace damaged equipment before it becomes a safety problem
See you in the water — and remember, warm feet and hands mean more waves.
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