Winter - cold weather riding

[wakewilson]

It is suppose to be in the 70's in the Charlotte, NC area this weekend and it's given me an itch to get out and do some boarding. Being originally from Wisconsin, riding in December is a foreign concept (although Memorial Day can feel like December in Wisconsin).

A few questions:

Who rides in the winter and what water temperatures are still tolerable?

What type of suit is better, wet or dry?

What do you wear on your head, hands, and feet if any?

[illiniboarder88]

I've gone as low as 48 degrees on the water. That is real cold, and you don't last real long, but it's fun to be out there. I think anything in the 55 range should be fine with a decent wetsuit. Gloves are real helpful too. If it's an option, start with a dockstart.

[Domsz06]

i always say if your not in a dry suit the 100 degree rule is what's doable, if the water and air add up to 100, it's not bad.

[chpthril]

It is suppose to be in the 70's in the Charlotte, NC area this weekend and it's given me an itch to get out and do some boarding. Being originally from Wisconsin, riding in December is a foreign concept (although Memorial Day can feel like December in Wisconsin).

A few questions:

Who rides in the winter and what water temperatures are still tolerable?

What type of suit is better, wet or dry?

What do you wear on your head, hands, and feet if any?

What time do we leave I'll even help drain/winterize boats. I'm trying to put something together for Sat or Sun or both if I can. May ride Monday with some of the crew from HQ. How close do you live to the Hw 150 bridge? We put in there a couple of times after Wylie dried up. Ramps and docks are pretty good.

Like Dom said water + air = 100 is a good rule of thumb.

We have 3mm wet suits and they work just fine. I have neo gloves and Seal Skins socks if real cold.

If you dont have either, i'd say go with a dry suit over wet.

[Domsz06]

i have a dry suit and it's the bomb!!

[Original Wing Nut]

I agree dry suit the only way to go. Here are a couple pics water mid 40's and air low to mid 50's. A little under the 100 degree rule but for an early March run we couldn't resist. Man remembering back it was an awesome day. My boy is off to scholl now and I am gonna really have to plead to get my girls to even come drive and spot this next spring. Snowing now and won't see the lake 'till spring.

[Domsz06]

you need to let the air out of that thing!!

[Domsz06]

but that's an amazing pic with the snow capped mountains in the back ground!! freaking beautiufl!

[Original Wing Nut]

you need to let the air out of that thing!!

I hope you mean that my son needs to let the air out, because I already had. Are you calling me fat? cause I'm just big boned.

[Domsz06]

no no no, sorry! it just looks like there is a ton of air still in the suit. esp when floating like that.

[Original Wing Nut]

but that's an amazing pic with the snow capped mountains in the back ground!! freaking beautiufl!

Those Mountains are awesome. They are right in Moki's back yard. I am to far north to enjoy that veiw daily, but it is a great place to ski early in the year, for us an hour away and 5 degrees warmer than up by our place.

[Domsz06]

wow driving an hour for 5 degree's sounds interesting

[Original Wing Nut]

wow driving an hour for 5 degree's sounds interesting

It's really shallow vs. mountain reservoirs.

[Original Wing Nut]

no no no, sorry! it just looks like there is a ton of air still in the suit. esp when floating like that.

It's ok I know I am big + I wear my jacket under the suit. That way everything stays dry.

[wannabewakeboarder]

I slalomed last year on new years, I went bare feet, hand and head. I went out with a wet suit, The water temp was 39 and the air was about the same...It was cold

Here a like to some pictures, Disregaurd the spelling, that was before I learned how to spell.

http://www.tigeowners.com/forum/show...&postcount=323