Winter neoprene — stay on the water all year round

Cold water doesn't stop us. With the right winter neoprene, you can kitesurf, wingfoil or simply swim in open water well into the winter months. At Frozen Palm Tree, we've gathered everything you need to stay warm — from thick wetsuits to gloves, hoods, jackets and boots. We carry brands like Mystic, ION, Prolimit and Rip Curl, and we're happy to help you put together the right setup for the cold season.

Frequently asked questions about winter neoprene:

1. Which wetsuit should I choose in winter?
2. When do I need neoprene gloves?
3. What is a surf poncho, and why is it great in winter?
4. When do I need a neoprene hood?
5. What is a neoprene jacket, and when do I use one?
6. When should I use neoprene boots or socks?
7. Temperature guide — what should I wear?

Which wetsuit should I choose in winter?

In winter, the thickness of your wetsuit is crucial. Thickness is measured in millimetres, typically shown as two numbers — e.g. 5/4mm — where the first number is the thickness on the body and the second is the thickness on the arms and legs. The colder the water, the thicker the neoprene.

For cold winter water, we recommend:

• 4/3mm: For autumn and early winter (approx. 12–15°C). Great for active watersports where you move a lot.
• 5/4mm or 5/3mm: For mid-winter (approx. 8–12°C). The standard choice for most kitesurfers and wingfoilers from November to March.
• 6/5mm or 6/4mm: For very cold water (below 8°C). Typically used together with gloves, hood and boots.

We carry wetsuits from Mystic, ION, Prolimit and Rip Curl. Browse our men's wetsuits and women's wetsuits and filter by thickness to find the right match.

When do I need neoprene gloves?

Hands are the first thing to freeze, as they're in constant contact with the bar and water. Most kitesurfers and wingfoilers start to feel the need for gloves from around 14°C and below. Neoprene gloves come in two main types:

• 5-finger gloves: Full finger coverage. Best for cold water (below 10°C) and those who prioritise warmth over sensitivity.
• 3-finger gloves (lobster/mitt): The two outer fingers share a single compartment. Warmer than 5-finger gloves and used in the coldest conditions. Popular among kitesurfers who still want some finger sensitivity in the separate fingers.

Thickness ranges from 2mm (spring) to 5mm (deep winter). We carry gloves from Mystic, ION and Prolimit. See our neoprene gloves and find the right combination for your season.

What is a surf poncho, and why is it great in winter?

A surf poncho is an overcoat with a hood and top opening, designed to give you privacy and warmth when changing on the beach. In winter it's an essential part of your kit — nobody wants to stand in biting wind trying to peel off a cold wetsuit while people walk by.

Our winter ponchos are lined with soft fleece on the inside, drying you off and warming you up quickly. The Mystic Explore — our most popular winter poncho — is also available in a DTS version (Down The Side) with a practical lower opening that makes it easy to change trousers without taking the poncho off. It's the go-to model for many of our kitesurfers.

We carry ponchos from Mystic, Sooruz and Prolimit. See our ponchos and find the one that suits your needs — from lightweight microfibre to thick fleece.

When do I need a neoprene hood?

The head loses up to 40% of the body's heat, and in cold water and wind it becomes noticeable fast. Most people start wearing a neoprene hood from around 12°C and below. There are two types:

• Separate hood: A hood you put on independently of your wetsuit. Practical and versatile — works with most wetsuits.
• Integrated hood: Many winter wetsuit models have a built-in hood that provides better watertightness and insulation as there's no gap at the neck.

Neoprene hood thickness ranges from 2mm to 5mm. For cold winter water, 3mm–5mm is recommended for active watersports. See our neoprene hoods from Mystic and ION.

What is a neoprene jacket, and when do I use one?

A neoprene jacket is an extra layer worn over your wetsuit or as a standalone top. It's typically used in two situations:

• As an extra layer over your wetsuit: If you have a 5/3mm wetsuit and it's especially cold, a neoprene jacket on top adds extra core warmth. A great solution for extending your existing wetsuit further into the season.
• For shorter sessions in cold water: Many people use a neoprene jacket with shorts for brief sessions rather than a full wetsuit.

Neoprene jackets are available in thicknesses from 2mm to 5mm, with or without sleeves. See our neoprene accessories for our current range.

When should I use neoprene boots or socks?

Feet get cold fast in winter water, and cold feet make the whole session uncomfortable. Neoprene boots and socks keep you warm and also protect against rocks and shells. There are two main types:

• Neoprene socks: Thinner and more flexible. Typically used with bindings on a kiteboard or wingboard. Provide protection and a little insulation without sacrificing too much sensitivity.
• Neoprene boots: Thicker with a sole. Used for surfing, SUP and open water swimming — or when landing on a rocky beach.

Split toe vs. round toe: Split toe boots have a divided big toe (like toe-separator sandals) giving better grip and sensitivity. Round toe is more insulating and best for extremely cold water or long sessions.

Thickness ranges from 2mm to 5mm. For cold winter water, we recommend 3mm–5mm. See our neoprene boots and socks from Mystic, ION and Prolimit.

Temperature guide — what should I wear?

Need help putting together your winter setup?

We're passionate about watersports in all conditions — and we're happy to help you find the right neoprene for your situation, budget and season. Call us on +45 53 53 16 83, message us on WhatsApp or visit us in store at Amager Strandvej 130N in Copenhagen.