Why Spring Water on the Peninsula Is Colder Than You Think

By Chris O'Shea and Anna Nikstad, Welcome Board Store, Mornington

It's the same story every October. The sun's out, the car's warm and someone decides it's time to put the winter steamer away. Then they paddle out at the back beach and spend the session shivering. Here's what catches people out in spring on the Peninsula, and how to stay out longer.

Warm days, cold water

Average water temperatures in the bay sit around 13°C in September and 14°C in October. That's about where they are in the middle of winter. The water usually doesn't climb back above 16°C until late November. That's our cue to drop from a 4/3 to a 3/2. Until then, keep the 4/3 and booties on, and keep the hood handy for windy dawn sessions. Treat any chart as a guide, though. A stiff breeze, a long session or simply feeling the cold more than your mates can push you up a whole thickness.

If you can only own one suit, make it a 4/3

A 4/3 still works on a fresh summer dawn. A 3/2, on the other hand, will never feel warm enough in August. For most people surfing, wakeboarding or paddling down here, a 4/3 steamer covers most of the year. Add a 3/2 or a springsuit later for the warm months.

Fit beats thickness

A loose suit lets fresh cold water flush through, and a thick suit that flushes is a cold suit. Check the neck first, because a gap there is the number one cause of a freezing session. Look for no bunching at the lower back, armpits or behind the knees. Then lift both arms high and drop into a squat. A good suit lets you move freely while still feeling close. Under about 15°C, booties often do more for your comfort than going up a thickness.

Dress for the whole year

Our full wetsuit guide for Victoria has the month-by-month water temperatures for Mornington and Portsea, the thickness chart, back zip vs chest zip vs zip free, size charts, kids' suits and care tips.

Trying a few on is the surest way to nail the fit, so come and see us at 207 Mornington-Tyabb Road, Mornington.