Return to the water
Woodies Spring buyers Guide
Are you ready to get back into action this spring Summer ?
If you have witnessed the Atlantic Ocean before, you know that having the right gear is essential for a successful Beach day, whether that's taking a dip, surfing from morning to night or standing at the sidelines!
Woodies has you covered with this quick guide of our top picks & bargains to keep everyone happy and enjoying themselves this Season on the North Coast!
A good quality Wetsuit
Firstly we want to clear up a few queries with wetsuits, now fit is super key, you want them like a second skin to maximize warmth. The way they are constructed is the biggest factor, a lot think its the thickness, but its more in the quality of the stitching and extra features like glue and tape which determine the warm, of course thickness has a fair bit to do with it also.
A winter wetsuit is specifically designed to keep you warm in cold water temperatures. Unlike regular wetsuits, winter wetsuits are thicker and have added insulation to prevent heat loss. Investing in a quality Branded wetsuit is essential for staying comfortable and safe while in cold conditions. Here in Portrush the water temps peak around the end of summer at a warm "feels like" 12 Degrees, but then rapidly plummets during the winter.
The Gul Response is a staple within our shop, being a top seller as well as being used as the majority of our rental suits. We also recommend the Sola Blaze as a good budget friendly option of getting into a 5mm suit!
If you are more of a seasonal dipper and are only really looking to enter the water during the summer months for say a dip ,the likes of a 3mm summer weight suit is a good option. here are some of our top picks that will get you in the water comfortably on a budget.
We also Highly Recommend Boots & Gloves
In addition to a winter wetsuit, there are several wetsuit accessories that can enhance your winter surfing experience. Items such as neoprene gloves, booties, and hoods can provide extra warmth and protection in cold water. Consider adding these accessories to your winter surfing gear for a much more pleasurable & enjoyable experience.
With the right gear, you can enjoy surfing year-round, even in the coldest winter months. we always emphasize that If you invest in good quality items, that they are not only yours to keep ,but that it makes the whole overall experience so much more enjoyable.
For seasonal dippers the likes of the Gul Slipper is a great option, they are easy on and off, have an adjustable pull tab as well as a nice thick rubber sole for protection and grip. They truly are the perfect all round swimmers shoe.
For the more seasoned Swimmers who are after more warmth, we offer the likes of the GUL Easy Zip Boot for a warmer option while still making it easy on and off.
Then last but not least, for the surfers & Bodyboarders we recommend a full boot in at least 5mm. The likes of the Gul Power boot are always a good go to, and you really cannot go wrong with any XCEL Boots ,they are all amazing .Got them in Split Toes & Round toe options both 5mm and 7mm! Ahh just think off all the happy and warm feet!
Gloves! A massive one in our eyes, but seemingly overlooked by a lot.
No matter what the debate, the fact is that if you keep your feet & hands warm, you will last longer in the water ,oh and enjoy yourself, because that's the whole point in the first place isn't it?
Mitts and lobster claw style gloves although they have always been available, seem to be making a bit of a comeback in terms of popularity in recent years. We have always liked them, as they are going to be the warmer option over standard 5 finger gloves. It really just depends if they are going to be functional enough for what you are doing. Some Surfers prefer standard gloves as they offer more feel and function over the likes of a mitt.
Either way, we have you covered .For the likes of cold water swimmers, surfers and everyone in between we recommend the Sola Super Stretch Glove ,For the price you really can't go wrong, its got a durable liquid rubber outer seam a long wrist to stop water flushing and a very competitive price tag.
If you fancy the likes of a Mitt or Lobster Claw Glove we offer a few options .The likes of the Sola Lobster Claw is going to be warm and stretchy .The Xcel mitten is our top pick, its going to be as warm and stretchy but in terms of comfort its at the top, as with all XCEL Products.
A Waterproof Changing Robe
The Dryrobe Brand really has flourished into a big element of our small shop on the coast. The brand offers unmatched Durability, design and warmth. We started stocking Dryrobe back in 2016 when they were gaining some traction but still very much unheard off ,In Simple terms we love them! in all they years we have never had to return a single faulty item, they just last. The local swimmers are proof of that, all still going strong and in use everyday.
Made from high-quality materials, they are water-resistant and windproof, providing you with the ultimate protection from the elements.
You don't have to be a beach bum to have one of these ,I mean it just makes sense, we live in a cold and wet part of the world ,a big cozy waterproof robe kind of goes hand in hand with our climate! And adding a love for the great outdoors brings the constant problem of trying to stay warm! That's why the brand appeals to a large audience ,from hardcore surfers, swimmers or even grocery shoppers!
They also offer a large variety of really nice colour options, here are some of our personal favorites!
beginner surfboards
Surfing, ahh what a beautifully addictive sport, that will have you checking the forecast even when you know there are no waves!
We all know you have to start somewhere, but please don't throw yourself in at the deep end with some short "performance board" that you tell everyone was a "bargain"
Trust us the real bargain in surfing is being on the right board for your skillset! oh and also sailing by them guys who also got them "bargain boards" but seemingly cannot get them things they call waves?
We like to keep it pretty simple here, So if you new to surfing, be you a kid or an adult or both. Get a big foam board, but not just any foam board, get a 8FT one that's nice and chunky with loads of volume .After you have done that ,you then can pat yourself on the back ,as you sir have made the the 1st step in the right direction to mastering surfing.
What boards do we recommend? we offer a few options for starter boards, the Sola Softboard is our top pick, its got lots of volume, thickness and extra padding to keep it durable and lasting.
Bonus, we are also running this winter Starter package which is perfect for getting all the necessary surfing items all at once for a awesome price!
For everyone ,or anyone who has read this far, That's it for now, we are always thinking of new ideas to encourage those past timers as well as new souls into the water, while staying safe, warm and without going overboard on un needed equipment.
We comprised this quick guide because we wanted to show that there really isn't that much equipment needed to get into the likes of swimming and surfing, and that in most cases its really Grab a wetsuit and go!
we feel that in a lot of cases online really confuses people who are new to watersports with a lot of mumbo jumbo and pointless technical info, keep it simple folks ,grab a suit and hit the water! we are sure you will love it.
And Of course call into the shop, we have been based at 102 Main Street Portrush for the past 25 years! we are always happy help, Remember the best things in life are free, and the waves have always been free!