[craig1234564]

Are the summers in NZ (prefferably christchurch area) warm enough for swimming in the sea?
Do you need a wetsuit for surfing or is it warm enough without? I saw people wearing full body suits surfing on tv but that was in dunedin.

[granger]

Summers are warm enough for swimming but the sea water is too cold for my liking. The summers are a good deal warmer here than Dunedin but there's not much difference between sea temperatures here and Dunedin. People wear full body suits when they surf in chch. Plenty of kids go into the water in summer without suits though.

[StevieD]

depends on how hardy you are!! Been swimming in so called winter without wetsuit, takes a bit of getting used to but ok once you in... don't think it is for everyone though :)

[Motleybeast]

Sorry, gotta share this...

Went surfing in Raglan, with a wetsuit, although I'm pretty sure I didnt need it, in October 2006...

One of the best afternoons of my life. My friend said, all he could see was me smiling!!!

[James 1077]

Up in Auckland the sea is lovely and warm enough for swimming. The surfers all wear wetsuits though as they protect your skin from the UV and stop your nipples bleeding due to them rubbing on the board as you swim out to the waves!

[kowhai]

My OH wears booties and a helmet too for surfing - year round in the SI and in the winter NI. ( except North of Auckland. ) It is possible that he is getting a tad older and thus becoming more feeble.:roll

[andrewandjane]

i surf in a pair of shorts and a rash vest most of the year here in auckland and a summer suit if itas bit cold but never bother with boots, gloves balaclava like i used to in winter in cornwall. surfing all year round here is a pleasant experience, cant speak for southisland though, i imagine it gets a bit cold.

[AndyR]

Yeah i heard that the UV down there is stronger in the sun so a wet suit i probably a good idea.