How to Keep Warm in the Winter with these Top 5 Tips!

Here are some ingenious tips and tricks to make your kit bag work harder for you this winter without breaking the bank.

TIP #1: Cold Hands and Feet Your trusty sailing gloves and boots haven't let you down all summer but the rapidly dropping water and air temperatures are leaving your extremities cold and numb.  I can manage down to 8 degrees by adding some glove liners  such as Hot Hands or PolyPro™ Glove Liner. We also have a number of options on sock liners you can wear with your wetsuit boots to keep you toasty. If your boots are already on the right side, then take a look at Hot Socks, Thermaflex Wetsocks and PolyPro™ Sock Liner or if you have some space in your boots  then try the Supertherm Wetsocks are sooooo warm.  The fabrics and thicknesses vary depending on each individuals needs and the great thing is they can be used for a range of other sports too, like SUP'ing, cycling, skiing and

Although our biggest selling glove by far is the Aquapro Glove, If you need some super warm hands - then the NEW Combi Glove will hit the spot with a space for a hot sachet where the tuck away mitten lives.  I've enjoyed super warm hands whatever the weather. 

Check out the Fell Running Guide's review on our socks, and he also uses our glove liners when racing :) If the options seem confusing, give us a call and we'll guide you through the range.

 

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TIP #2: Cold Ears/ Ice Cream Headache! Winter showers, hail, snow or an unexpected dunking, the most important part of your body to keep warm and dry is your head. It's amazing the difference putting a hat on can make to your day on the water. Even in Summer it's worth carrying a hat in case you find yourself hanging around in between races. Our Pro Aquafleece® Beanie gives you the comfort of a fleece lining, while the waterproof outer and taped seams work to keep the water out. It was one of my favourites:

 

Cold ears? Try our Headbands - I have even used them Cross Country Skiing.  The updated Superthem Beanie has become my winter favourite.  I like the way it stays on my head whatever with its new elastic drawcord.  

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TIP #3: My summer wetsuit is great, I don't need another one but I'm COLD!! Get your base layer right. Lycra rash vests are out I'm afraid, the fabric is designed to keep you cool so these should only be worn to protect you from UV rays. PolyPro™ base layers are in and will make a huge difference to your core temperature. Once again, these items can be used across multiple sports and activities. The brushed, fleece-like lining is very soft and comfortable next to your skin and the polypropylene fabric is naturally hydrophobic which means it repels water rather than absorbing it. 

 

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TIP #4: I'm STILL cold :-( Take a look at your first line of defence, what's keeping the wind, rain, snow and spray out? Our Aquafleece® revolutionised the standard spray top - waterproof outer AND a soft fleece lining, the perfect combination! You can wear it all year round too, just adjust the layers you wear underneath in the warmer months to stop you overheating. Our range is available in a number of different colours, styles and constructions - watch this video to find out more.

TIP #5:

Check your Neoprene Thickness

Next is to look at the thickness of the neoprene you are wearing. Usually, less than 3mm neoprene is used in the summer months or in warmer climates. We would recommend our Men's Supertherm range or our Women's Supertherm range which is 4mm and provides good warmth in colder months. A Supertherm Longjohn and Top Combo is very cosy.

Our Pro Hikers are also 4mm and can be paired with our Supertherm Top which is what I wear for most of the winter months - but only when combined with our awesome Poly Pro base layers.

 

 Who said its too cold to go sailing!!