As winter sets in and ocean temperatures drop around New Zealand, many surfers hang up their boards until the warmer months return. But with the right cold water surfing wetsuit accessories, you can comfortably keep surfing through the chilliest days and make the most of what is arguably better quality of surf in a lot of regions. Certainly Gisborne surf is generally better in the colder months.
At Blitz Surf Shop, we stock a wide range of surfing wetsuits NZ, including premium wetsuit boots, wetsuit gloves, wetsuit hoods, and hooded wetsuit vests that will help you extend your surfing season.
In this guide, we’ll explore why these accessories are so vital for winter surfing, what happens to your body in cold water, when to start using them, and detailed info on some of the best models we currently stock.
Why Use Wetsuit Accessories in Cold Water Surfing?
When exposed to cold water, your body works hard to maintain its core temperature. Blood flow is directed away from your extremities (hands, feet, and head) to preserve heat in vital organs. This can cause numbness, decreased dexterity, and even hypothermia if unprotected.
Cold water surfing without the right gear can lead to:
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Numb toes and fingers, affecting balance and grip.
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Severe "ice cream headaches" which can make you feel physically sick at times and loss of focus from cold water on the head.
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Increased fatigue as your body burns energy trying to stay warm.
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Higher risk of injury from stiff, cold muscles.
Wearing high-quality wetsuit boots, gloves, hoods, and hooded vests helps:
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Minimise heat loss through the extremities and head (where up to 40% of body heat can escape).
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Keep your blood circulating efficiently.
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Maintain flexibility, comfort, and mental clarity in the water.
What Happens to Your Body in Cold Water?
When you first immerse yourself in cold water, your body triggers the cold shock response — rapid breathing, increased heart rate, and vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels).
After prolonged exposure:
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The body focuses on protecting core temperature.
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Blood flow to hands, feet, and the head reduces sharply.
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You may experience:
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White or numb fingers and toes
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Loss of coordination
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Chattering teeth and muscle tightness
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Fatigue and mental fog
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Wearing the right surfing wetsuit accessories allows you to stay warmer for longer, meaning safer and more enjoyable surf sessions throughout winter.
When Should You Start Using Cold Water Surfing Accessories?
Water temperatures around NZ generally start dipping below 16°C in late April/May, and can hit 11-13°C in many regions by mid-winter. Even colder in the South Island. Signs that it’s time to start adding accessories:
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You notice feet and hands going numb after 30+ minutes in the water.
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You develop "brain freeze" or ice-cream headaches when duck-diving or taking waves on the head.
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Sessions feel shorter and more tiring than usual.
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You feel chilled for a long time after getting out of the water and notice things like you have trouble putting your fingers together or turning your car key.
Many NZ surfers start with boots and a hood or hooded vest around 16°C, adding gloves as water approaches 13-14°C.
Recommended Wetsuit Boots
🥾 Rip Curl Flashbomb 3mm Split Toe Boots
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High-end winter surfing boot.
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Flash lining for incredible warmth and fast drying.
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Split-toe design for superior board feel and grip.
- Soft rubber sole for enhanced board feel
- Two compression straps to help keep water out
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Great option for serious cold water sessions.
🥾 Rip Curl Dawn Patrol 3mm Split Toe Boots
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More affordable option without sacrificing warmth.
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Flexible sole for better board control.
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Durable seams to handle rugged conditions.
🥾 O'Neill Hyperfreak Ninja 3mm Boots
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Lightweight and ultra-flexible — ideal for performance surfers.
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Supple TB3 stretch material on back of boot for easy on/off.
- Durable knee pad material on top of boot for prevention of wear with foot drag
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Split-toe construction for maximum responsiveness.
🥾 O'Neill Defender 3mm Boots
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Well-priced, durable boot with a comfortable fit.
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Minimal seam design to reduce water entry.
- Thermally lined with a grunty rubber sole, Greta for those in rugged, rocky conditions
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Great everyday choice for NZ conditions.
🥾 O'Neill Hyperfire 3mm Boots
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One of the warmest in the range.
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Technobutter Firewall lining for unmatched comfort and heat retention.
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Designed for extended cold water sessions.
- Grunty rubber soles
- 2 x compression straps to prevent water entry
Recommended Wetsuit Hoods
🧢 Rip Curl Flashbomb Fusion 3mm Hood
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Advanced Fusion Dry Seam construction — virtually no water entry.
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Flash lining for fast drying and maximum warmth.
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Top choice for extreme cold water.
🧢 Rip Curl Flashbomb 2mm Wetsuit Hood
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Lighter alternative with excellent flexibility.
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Flash lining keeps your head warm and dry.
- Super comfortable fit
🧢 Rip Curl Flashbomb 2mm Wetsuit Cap
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Easiest to put on and off.
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Ideal for milder cold water where a full hood isn’t needed.
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Protects ears and prevents brain freeze.
🧢 Rip Curl Heatseeker 3mm Wetsuit Hood
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Unique heat-generating lining activates with movement.
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Maximum warmth for NZ’s coldest surf spots.
🧢 Rip Curl Dawn Patrol 2mm Wetsuit Cap
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Budget-friendly entry into head protection.
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Soft lining with ear protection.
🧢 O'Neill Hyperfreak Fire 1.5mm Wetsuit Hood
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Ultra-lightweight but very warm for its thickness.
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Firewall lining and quick-dry properties.
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Great for mid-season use when you want extra flexibility.
🧢 O'Neill Psycho Tech 3mm Wetsuit Hood
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Heavy-duty hood for full winter use.
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Sealed seams and firewall lining.
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Perfect for long, frigid surf missions.
Recommended Wetsuit Gloves
🧤 Rip Curl Flashbomb 3/2mm Wetsuit Gloves
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Industry-leading warmth with Flash lining.
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Pre-shaped fingers for reduced hand fatigue.
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Superior dexterity and grip.
🧤 Rip Curl Dawn Patrol 3mm Wetsuit Gloves
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Reliable warmth at an affordable price.
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Flexible and easy to put on and take off.
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Solid choice for most NZ winter conditions.
🧤 O'Neill Psycho Tech 1.5mm Wetsuit Gloves
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Ultra-light glove for shoulder seasons.
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Great feel and flexibility without overheating.
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Ideal for early/late winter transitions.
🧤 O'Neill Psycho Tech 3mm Wetsuit Gloves
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Full-on winter glove for the coldest days.
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Incredible warmth and dexterity.
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Sealed seams and Firewall lining.
Recommended Lycra Vest + Hood Combos
👕 Rip Curl Flashbomb Polypro Hooded Vest
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Essential layering piece for winter.
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Polypro fleece adds warmth under any wetsuit.
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Integrated hood eliminates flush and keeps your core warmer.
- Flashdry lining inside the hood for extra warmth and quick-dry properties
👕 O'Neill Thermo X Vest with Neo Hood
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Highly versatile thermal vest with built-in hood.
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Can be worn under any surfing wetsuit.
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Boosts warmth without adding bulk.
Conclusion
If you want to make the most of winter surfing in New Zealand, investing in the right cold water surfing wetsuit accessories is a must. Protecting your head, hands, and feet allows your body to conserve energy, stay warm, and surf longer — even in freezing conditions.
At Blitz Surf Shop, we stock NZ’s best selection of surfing wetsuits, wetsuit boots, wetsuit gloves, wetsuit hoods, and hooded vests to keep you in the water all year round. Shop online or visit us in Gisborne — we’re happy to help you choose the right gear for your local breaks!
