The best cold water surf spots in the world

Cold water surfers know what it's like to fulfill their desires. Riding waves in low-temperature seas requires resilience, passion, and courage.

What's cold water surfing, anyway?

Although there's no strict definition, let's say that when you've got to wear a 4/3 wetsuit for two-thirds of the year, you're probably in a pretty cold place.

Thicker wetsuits - 4/3 and 5/4 models - are compulsory for cool to very cold water temperatures; that is, from 40 ºF (4 ºC) to 60 ºF (16 ºC).

Cold water surfing usually requires wearing neoprene boots, gloves, and hoods.

Low water temperature wave riders are used to complex pre-surf warm-ups, hot coffees, and thick clothing.

Staying warm for longer periods of time before a cold water surf session is a key strategy in subnormal weather and maritime conditions.

Root vegetables help to provide extra caloric heat, so eating plenty is a wise choice. Hypothermia is a cold water surfer's most dangerous enemy.

In some cases, riders have to jump into the water from snowy grounds. For extremes such as these, the surf industry has developed battery-powered heated wetsuits.

Are you going to experience surfing in extremely cold waters? Get a battery-heated vest, thick surf boots, gloves, and hoods.

The best cold water surf spots in the world are usually located in subarctic and sub-Antarctic countries. Are you ready for the icy surf challenge?