Beanies, Booties & Gloves

Beanies & Hoods

The amount of heat that escapes through your head is up for almost constant debate, but for anyone who has experienced a cold-water swirly, an ice-cold noggin can be unbearable. Make sure to layer properly. A beanie is great for milder temperatures, and far less restricting than typical neoprene hoods. Still, for those frigid waters there is no substitute for a thick hood. For the best effect in wintery waters, wear the beanie overtop of the hood.

Booties

Booties are essential for anyone who wants to enjoy watersports in the spring, fall, and (shudder) winter. For waters below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, a 5mm bootie is standard. A split toe boot will be sectioned, one part for your big toe, and one for the rest of your toes. This design has greater foot stability inside the boot, as your foot won't slide around on the inside. A round toe will be warmer, and fit more like a traditional shoe. A high cut (HC) boot can be tucked under your wetuit for total coverage, keeping your ankles warm. A low cut tends to be used in areas with rock and reef walking, serving more as a protective wetsuit shoe. 

Neoprene Gloves

While kite gloves and thin neoprene mitts add some quick extra warmth and hand protection for those long sessions, kite surfers intending to kiteboard in the early spring and late fall months should consider something around 5mm of thickness. Lobster claw mitts are quite popular, as they still allow the kitsurfer to use one hand while kiteboarding, splitting the bar between their fingers.