📸 Marcus Paladino
Cold Water Surfing With Peter Devries
Who are you, where are you from, when did you start surfing?
My Name is Peter Devries. I'm a Professional surfer from Tofino B.C. Canada who enjoys surfing in remote locations. I'm also a father, husband and dog owner :) I was lucky enough to grow up on the beach in Tofino with waves right in front of my doorstep. My dad surfed so he got me in the water at 7, but I didn't really take to it until I was 13 and could fit into a better, warmer wetsuit.
What do you love about cold water surfing?
I guess I've always just felt at home in colder water being from Canada. Surfing was always an experience where I would get away from everything and push myself while also enjoying my surroundings. I think the main thing I enjoy about cold water locations is how beautiful and empty some of the places are. The empty part is changing a lot with more and more people surfing, but when I find those moments of solitude in different places with pumping waves it is still a special feeling. I also think anything that is a little more difficult in life feels more rewarding when it all works out. Surfing in cold water is not that hard if you have the right gear but it's also not as easy or consistent as surfing somewhere in boardshorts.
If someone is thinking about starting surfing in the cold, how do you make it enjoyable?
Having the appropriate gear is the first step. Wetsuits are so amazing these days. They are warm, flexible, and can keep you in the water for hours if you are set up and the fit is right. Go to a local surf shop or ask the locals what they are wearing and what you should get. I'm a big fan of spending as little time outside changing in and out of my wetsuit as possible. When I'm surfing the beaches at home I usually suit up in my house and drive to the surf. When I am done I drive home and jump in my outdoor shower. Little things like that can make all the difference. If you are suiting up at the beach or cold after it's nice to have some hot water in a thermos. When it's pouring rain it's not very enjoyable to get changed outside but the coldest days are always when it's clear and the temperatures drop below zero. As soon as you remove your gloves, your fingers freeze and it becomes hard to turn your car on :) During surfing it's important to keep moving, especially once you start feeling the cold settle in. If you don't paddle a lot and catch a lot of waves it's easy to get cold and uncomfortable. I generally try to stay busy unless the waves are really good and I am waiting for a specific one to come in.
What are some essential pieces of gear for cold water surfing?
In the winter I wear a Manera 5/4/3 with 7mm boots and 2.5mm gloves. Arcteryx waterproof jacket because you never know when the weather will turn. Surfboard of Choice: I love this Black Baron twin fin by JS Industries. My many Hydroflasks filled with water, coffee, and tea. And of course my Zeal Optics sunnies for those rare moments of sun.
Where is the most interesting place you’ve ever surfed?
I've been so lucky to have traveled to many remote and exciting places to surf. I've been everywhere from Chile, New Zealand, and Western Australia in the southern hemisphere to Iceland, Faroe Islands, Norway, and Alaska in the North. I would have to say the Aleutian Islands and the island of St. Paul in the Bering sea are probably the two most remote and interesting locations I've ever surfed. The waves were world class and very memorable in both locations. That sense of the unknown and the adventure of figuring it all out on those trips are something that I really enjoy about cold water surfing. My favorite days are probably those rare days at home when it all comes together and the waves are firing at a remote reef at home though. I have so many great memories of those days over the years and I always reflect on them when thinking about my favorite moments.
