DIY: Build your own surf gloves - keep your hands warm while winter surfing

Every winter surfer knows the problem: open gloves allow a reasonably relaxed grip, but are less warm, while closed gloves quickly make your forearms thick. Winter surfers therefore often have the choice between aching fingers or aching forearms. This problem prompted Phillip Hommel from Lake Constance to try out a self-made glove - a closed glove that "sticks" to the boom by itself and thus relieves the forearms.

Phillip: "I've already experimented with countless gloves and have come to the realisation that most gloves, especially neoprene ones, don't stick to the boom, but have to be gripped from the forearms. My solution therefore looks a little different, and maybe one or two of you will find it useful."

You will need:

• A pair of thick latex work gloves from the DIY store
• A pair of spare arm cuffs for drysuits (e.g. from Dryfashion)
• Aquasure rubber adhesive
• A pair of Velcro straps approx. 40cm long (on the first test ride the gloves always slipped, with the straps they hold much better)

"Finally, a tip for gluing: Don't put tape over it, air must get to the adhesive edge! I then glued the strip I had removed from the gloves over the centre of the seam again, followed by the Velcro tape. You may not need the additional strip, but better safe than sorry."

"After the first test rides, I'm very impressed: my hands stay 100% dry and warm, and if necessary I can even wear thin cotton gloves underneath. You even have quite good sensitivity with them, e.g. for trimming the outhaul or something similar."

Here's another tip for warm surfing gloves

More about windsurfing in winter:

• The best tips for windsurfing in winter
• Winter neos put to the test: these are the warmest surf suits for men
• Winter wetsuits for women put to the test
• The best winter accessories for windsurfers, wingfoilers and SUPers
• On the water in winter - what doctors say
• The warmest surf shoes for winter