Winter Water Sports: Which Ones And Where?

Just because it’s getting colder, it doesn’t mean that water sports have to be put on hold until the summer. Read on to find out more about what water sports you can take part in during this winter, where they happen, and how to keep warm and safe while doing so.

Open water swimming

Fancy a dip? In Plymouth, you can find many great open water swimming spots. You can find designated swim areas at Tinside beach and Firestone Bay, marked by yellow buoys (although make sure you do not swim out further than these buoys).

If you’d like to meet up with other swimmers, there are local Facebook groups that you can join before swimming, and you can find details of local swimming events online.

Keeping yourself warm and safe:

• Wear a brightly coloured swim cap and use a tow-float so you are easily visible to other swimmers and boats.
• Swim with an experienced group.
• Stay inside the designated swim area (shown by yellow buoys).
• Don’t take part if you have a fever or chest infection.
• Make sure to have dry, warm clothes and towels on hand for as soon as you exit the water.
• It’s tempting to jump straight in, but enter the water slowly to reduce the cold shock.

Surfing

Surfing may seem like a summer sport, but don’t let that stop you during the winter months. On the Cornish coast there are plenty of places for you to get out your board and catch some waves - the experience is likely to be very different to summer, as more sheltered surf spots become the best places to surf.

Surfing during winter is recommended for more experienced surfers, as there are no lifeguards on duty during the winter season (except for Fistral Beach in Newquay). If you’re more of a beginner, you can book (weather permitting) private lessons with St Ives Surf School on Porthmeor Beach.

Keep yourself warm and safe:

• Wear a quality winter wetsuit, boots, gloves and a hood. Brightly coloured or high-vis clothing will make you more visible to your buddy or other surfers and swimmers.
• Eat a meal with plenty of carbs and protein before you go out.
• Make sure you warm up with some gentle exercise before surfing.
• Surf with a buddy as the weather tends to be more unpredictable during the winter.
• Use cold water wax on your board as warm water wax will harden and increase the risk of slipping.

Stand-up paddleboarding

Stand-up paddleboarding is something you can do anywhere in the UK in inland waters - even in London, where there is a burgeoning paddleboarding scene. Doing paddleboarding during winter is a great way to see different wildlife and scenery that you may not see during the summer, and is a very accessible sport as you do not need to be particularly fit to take part.

Keep yourself warm and safe:

• While paddleboarding is a “dry” water sport, there’s always the risk of falling into the water. Take care when boarding and dismounting to avoid getting wet.
• Wear neoprene boots, socks and gloves. You can also wear neoprene leggings which will keep you warm if you get wet.
• Thermal leggings worn under a drysuit or dry trousers can help prevent a chill from the cold air.
• Wear a drysuit to keep you dry if you fall in the water. They are expensive but are worth the investment if you plan to paddleboard regularly.
• Alternatively, wear a paddling jacket with dry trousers to keep you warm and dry.
• Make sure to wear your buoyancy aid, especially if you are not a strong swimmer.

Water rafting

Water rafting in London might sound strange, but there is a specially designated area at Lee Valley White Water Centre where you can take part. This venue runs regular white water rafting sessions from November till March, which are suitable for 12+ years and take up to nine people per raft. 

Keep yourself warm and safe: 

• Keep your feet warm with thick socks and boots.
• Make sure to wear your helmet at all times.
• Make sure to wear your buoyancy aid at all times.
• Make sure to listen to the staff member with you for any directions or warnings.

Water skiing and wakesurfing

Head to England’s largest lake in Windermere this winter to wakesurf - this activity involves riding the waves created by a specially designed boat on a small surfboard. Or, if you fancy water-skiing, this is also available.

Keep yourself warm and safe: 

• Wear a wetsuit to keep yourself warm in the water.
• Wear your buoyancy aid at all times.

About the author

Adam Summersby is a respected leader with 11 years’ varied experience in niche personal and commercial lines insurance, including caravan, site operators and excess reimbursement, with proficiency in leadership, sales and account management.