Kitesurfing in winter is absolutely worth it, as long as you prepare well. When temperatures drop, keeping yourself warm and comfortable becomes even more important. Your wetsuit already does a lot, but the right neoprene accessories really make the difference. Think of gloves, boots, a cap or hood and an extra thermal layer. These ensure that you can stay on the water longer without your fingers giving up halfway through.

Your hands, feet and head lose heat the fastest. A pair of good surf gloves in 3 to 5 mm keeps your fingers functional for opening zippers or taking off your boots after the session. Surf shoes in the same thickness not only add warmth but also protect you from sharp shells or stones in the car park. And yes, a neoprene cap or hood is essential if you kite in cold conditions. It may not be the most stylish part of your setup, but you will definitely miss it if you leave it at home.

If you are always cold in winter, consider adding a thermal layer. These neoprene or fleece like layers are worn under your wetsuit and provide extra insulation. They feel like a second skin and are ideal on rough days with strong windchill. And do not forget a poncho, not for kiting itself but for before and after. Getting changed in the cold becomes much easier when you stay warm and covered.

In summer you may not need as many layers, but that does not mean you can head out without neoprene accessories. Wind, UV exposure and sharp rocks can still ruin a session if you are not prepared. With the right gear you can enjoy your summer sessions without cuts or aftersun.

One of the most used summer accessories is the lycra top. It protects your skin from UV rays and prevents chafing from your harness. Especially when you kite without a wetsuit, a lycra is a must have. Want a little extra warmth for early morning or late evening sessions? A neoprene top or thermal shirt is ideal. It adds just enough insulation to take the edge off cool wind.

For your feet, thin surf shoes are useful when your spot has rocks, shell beaches or jetties in the water. Not the thick winter models but something that protects you from sharp surfaces or burning hot car parks. A poncho remains incredibly useful too, making drying off and changing much easier.

A lycra top and a thermal layer may look similar at first glance, they are both tight fitting tops worn under or sometimes over your wetsuit, but they have different functions. A lycra, also called a rashguard, is made of thin, quick drying fabric that protects your skin from UV rays, harness rubbing or irritation from wax and salt water. They do not provide warmth and are ideal for summer sessions. You wear them directly on your skin, often without a wetsuit or under a thin wetsuit for extra comfort.

A thermal layer is designed to keep you warm. These layers use neoprene or thermal material that insulates and traps body heat. They are perfect for colder conditions where your wetsuit alone is not quite enough. You wear them under your wetsuit as an extra layer during cool days or winter sessions. The difference is easy to feel, a thermal layer is firmer and thicker than a lycra top.

A poncho may look like a simple piece of fabric with a hood, but when choosing one for kitesurfing there are definitely a few things to pay attention to. First, look at the material. There are ponchos in terry cloth, which is soft and absorbent, microfiber, which is lightweight and dries quickly, or even lined neoprene, which adds warmth in cold weather. Think about where and when you use it most often, do you want to dry quickly after a summer session or stay warm in winter?

Fit also matters. You want enough room to comfortably take your wetsuit on and off without your elbows getting stuck inside the poncho. Make sure the poncho has a wide cut and enough length so you can move freely and stay covered without the bottom dragging on the ground. There are also useful extras to consider like a hood, a big kangaroo pocket for cold hands or even a zipper if you prefer more of a jacket style poncho.

Maintaining your neoprene is easy. Start by rinsing everything. A quick rinse with fresh water after every session makes a huge difference. Salt, sand and sun are the main enemies of neoprene. Do not forget to rinse the inside well, the cleaner it is with fresh water, the less it will smell.

After rinsing, let everything dry thoroughly but not in direct sunlight or on a heater. Neoprene does not like extreme heat. Hang your gear in a ventilated place, ideally inside out, and later turn it again to let the outside dry.

Want to go one step further? Use a neoprene cleaner or a little wetsuit shampoo now and then. This helps prevent odours and bacteria. Make sure your accessories are completely dry before storing them, otherwise you may get mould or that classic musty wetsuit smell.

In the Kitemana online shop you will find neoprene accessories for kitesurfing from the following brands:

Brunotti: NO MATTER THE CONDITIONS
C Skins: INSPIRED BY THE RESTLESS SPIRIT OF THE SEA
ION: WE LIVE THE VERSATILITY OF ACTION SPORTS
Manera: STAY SALTY NO MATTER WHAT
Mystic: PUSH THE EVOLUTION OF WATER SPORTS TOGETHER
ONeill: THE ORIGINAL CALIFORNIA SURF BRAND
Oakley: SURF AND BEACH CLOTHING
Prolimit: PUSH THE EVOLUTION OF WATER SPORTS TOGETHER