Perng Hutson of McKevlin’s Surf Shop Talks Cold-Water Surf Essentials
Interview by: Liz Wolfe | Contributing Writer
Photo by: Justin Morris of @follyhood
THE FOLLY CURRENT: When do wetsuit sales pick up at McKevlin’s and when is the best time to start shopping for a wetsuit?
PERNG HUDSON: We usually have wetsuits in by late September, early October. I personally think the earlier you get yours, the better because you can try it on and make sure you get the right size you need. The trend seems to be that people will buy a new wetsuit as soon as we have that first cold snap, but you always have the planners who buy as soon as we have wetsuits at the shop. I’d say you should buy a wetsuit at the beginning of the season so you have the motivation and the right equipment to help you stay in the water.
FC: What thickness and style of wetsuit do people tend to gravitate toward for winter surfing on Folly?
PH: People tend to gravitate toward a 3/2 because it’s less restrictive. You definitely have more flexibility with a 3/2. In terms of style, I think it’s a mixture of front zip and back zip. Beginners or people with shoulder issues tend to go with back zips because they are easier to get in and out of.
I will say having a 3/2 is good but, in the dead of winter, I think a 4/3 is necessary. It’s just so cold and if you want to get in the water in the dead of winter, a 3/2 just doesn’t do the job. But if you’re not into surfing in January and February, then a 3/2 should work just fine. Just spend the extra money on a nice pair of 5mm booties.
FC: How necessary are booties and gloves for surfing winters here?
PH: Booties and gloves are necessary once the water gets below 55 degrees — and 3mm and 5mm are pretty standard in terms of bootie thickness. You will especially want booties and gloves to keep you warm when the air and water temperature are below a combined 100 degrees and the wind is blowing (which is 90 percent of the time). If your extremities are cold, you won’t last long in the water so best to keep your feetsies and phalanges warm.
FC: What are any other winter essentials you can think of for cold-water surfing on Folly?
PH: My other accessories for winter surfing are a hooded towel poncho like the Slowtide or Ripcurl ones we carry at the shop. I also try to keep a jug of warm water in my car to rinse off with and a bucket to keep all of my wetsuit gear in once I’m done surfing.
