Neoprene accessories such as hats, gloves or booties can be very useful or even essential if you surf in winter in the north of the peninsula. Your body loses a lot of heat through the extremities of the body, protecting those areas you will gain comfort and you will be able to spend more time in the water.
Neoprene is the trademark for the chloroprene polymer, which belongs to the synthetic rubber family. It is a flexible material that is resistant to solar degradation and various chemicals and can withstand damage caused by bending and torsion.
A neoprene cap is used to protect the head from cold water and external temperatures when each rider deems necessary. It is common to start using it when the water temperature reaches approximately 16ºC. It is also widely used to protect the ears from the wind when it is cold to prevent ear-related issues.
Normally, booties or slippers are used to protect the feet from the cold during winter. They are available in different thicknesses depending on the cold or personal preference.
They are also commonly used for surfing waves on rocky bottoms (reef break) to protect the feet from impacts or urchins.
Round toe boots are those that have all the toes grouped together inside the boot without separation.
Split toe boots are models where the big toe is separated from the rest of the toes. This separation may be internal, or the boot can be designed to separate the toes externally.
If you prefer warmer feet, we recommend the round toe model, as the heat is distributed equally throughout the foot. In contrast, the split toe model leaves the big toe a little colder.
However, if you prefer better stability and feel on your surfboard, we recommend split toe booties, as the separation of the big toe allows you to maintain balance and improves stability and maneuverability.
