Santa Cruz Feb 2009

luizO · Post by **luizO** » Sat Dec 20, 2008 1:41 pm

Hi All,

Going to Sta Cruz second week of Feb 2009 ......I can expect some ground sweel out there ? Steamer ? Pleasure ?

A 3-2mm Long is enough for that freezind conditions ?

Thanks
Luiz Octavio

SFKneelo · Post by **SFKneelo** » Sat Dec 20, 2008 4:46 pm

Hi Luiz,

If it's close to the temps we had at the Worlds, go a bit thicker...

4/3mm fullsuit, booties and hood are good layers.

Layers are helpful in and out of the water.

Just never know.

Ask the 'freezin' Ricans!'

Good to hear you're coming!

alfredo zavala · Post by **alfredo zavala** » Sat Dec 20, 2008 7:30 pm

Luiz, trust me you'll need a good 4/3 and booties for sure!Unless you have one of those fancy Japanese suits.
Especially if you're coming from a warm place like Brasil
I live here and use the above with gloves all year 'round!

ScottMac · Post by **ScottMac** » Sat Dec 20, 2008 8:26 pm

luizO · Post by **luizO** » Sun Dec 21, 2008 1:38 am

Hi all,

Thanks for your post.....I think the first thing I 've to do when I get there is to buy a 4-3 mm long john fore sure. Here in Brasil a 3-2mm is enough when water temp is cold, (at about 61-62F).

I hope there are good discount in the surfshops around there .....but with the winter beginning I don't know if i 'll find good prices.

Bob · Post by **Bob** » Sun Dec 21, 2008 8:17 am

If you are only going to surf a couple of times and do not want to buy a expensive 4/3 wetsuit that you will never wear again, then try a one mm shirt or vest under your 3/2. Cheaper. You will need 3mm booties, however. You do not "need" a hood or gloves.

If you are going to be here for a month or longer then get a 4/3 suit.

surfhorn · Post by **surfhorn** » Sun Dec 21, 2008 10:45 am

A cap or hood is a good idea also. And a full suit - not a long john.

SFKneelo · Post by **SFKneelo** » Sun Dec 21, 2008 1:26 pm

Luiz,

Thinking about what Bob is saying... I have a back-up fullsuit. I'm about 5'11" and 175. I think it's a Large. Let me know if that's an option...

I may have a hood

All my booties are pretty torn. Only one set of gloves.

If I find more, I'll let you know.

surfhorn · Post by **surfhorn** » Sun Dec 21, 2008 2:22 pm

I also have extra pieces of wetsuit: caps/hoods; booties; gloves; basic 4/3 suit.

My club is taking over the Surfing Museum so I'll be around.

rick mottola · Post by **rick mottola** » Sun Dec 21, 2008 5:08 pm

from one warm water kneelo to another,
get the 4/3 and boots and hood and gloves!
i went to santa cruz last year at this time and they will most definitely prolong your sessions and keep you comfy out in the lineup.

have fun!

Scott · Post by **Scott** » Sun Dec 21, 2008 8:28 pm

Booties are a must. Not gloves.

Almost no one in Santa Cruz wears gloves, maybe 10%, and I think that's often for the paddling power (those who wear the webbed ones)--it's not that cold. Less than half wear a hood, maybe a little higher percentage for those who dawn patrol. Those who surf the reefs north of Santa Cruz wear hoods more often because the water is usually 3-5 degrees colder and there's more wind.

luizO · Post by **luizO** » Mon Dec 22, 2008 11:14 am

Yeah , I see that during the contest in January there must bee some sweel with really cold water too. I expect to score some waves on February .....and try to stay in the water as much as possible with the correct wetsuits (thanks for your tips).
I have been in Sta Cruz 10 years ago but in September and I can remember that sun was very hot ....and water temp was cold but I 'had surfed with a 3-2mm with boots of course

kage · Post by **kage** » Mon Dec 22, 2008 1:31 pm

Just bring a little scraper to get the ice off your board and you'll be fine. It doesn't usually form too thick where you've waxed the board. Most people get used to it after a day or two...

alfredo zavala · Post by **alfredo zavala** » Mon Dec 22, 2008 5:51 pm

I probably have the skinniest, boniest fingers on earth, so gloves are a must for me. Always have been the coldest part of my body when I surf. Only 1.5 mm though.

Yet I hardly ever wear a hood. Only in strong offshores!

Luiz, it looks like the brotherhood of Kneelo will have you covered!

Way to go crew!

SFKneelo · Post by **SFKneelo** » Mon Dec 22, 2008 7:04 pm

Luiz...

If borrowing is an option, please let us know what you need...